Our muddled summer continues, with heatwaves followed by bouts of thunderstorms and overcast days, all working to create stiflingly oppressive conditions.
Londoners are braced for sticky conditions (especially when battling tube rush hour) but that doesn’t mean you have to let the sweat win.
From carrying a reusable water bottle to sleeping with a lighter cover or duvet and keeping a personal fan within arm’s reach at all times, there are various measures you can take to avoid imploding into a hot mess.
Few things are more uncomfortable in the heat than chafing. Also known as chub rub or thigh burn, this is when sweat makes some areas of your skin stick to itself, usually under arms or the inner thighs.
Anyone who’s suffered from it knows how hellishly painful it can be (with the sore skin to prove it) and has likely come up with several inventive ways to combat the rub.
There’s wearing cycling shorts or trimmed tights under dresses to provide a much-needed barrier against friction, but wearing an extra layer is less than ideal when the mercury nudges past 30D. There are oils to increase slipperiness and powders to absorb moisture (though highly inadvisable to alternate the two). Then there is just waiting it out in a garden paddling pool, iced drink in hand, though it probably won’t go down well with your boss.
Chub rub used to be shrouded in shame, but thankfully more companies have come up with solutions addressing the problem.
Whether you’ve had enough of post-workout rashes or you just want to wear that cute summer dress on holiday without feeling like your thighs are cannibalising each other, it’s time to take a stand against chafing.
From balms to sprays and more besides, scroll on to see the best anti-chafing solutions.
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Uniqlo AIRism Body silhouette shaper half shorts
If you're yet to try Uniqlo's AIRism range, make summer your excuse to get your hands on some pieces.
The collection has been developed specifically to withstand humid conditions by releasing heat, and keeps you covered and comfortable for longer, without restricting movement. The highly breathable collection feels as light as a feather and has been crafted with special polyester fibres that absorbs moisture like sweat and neutralises them so that you're not left a hot, ripe mess by the day’s end. Stickiness, be gone!
Spanning men's, women's and kid's fashion, there's plenty of choice. But if you're keeping your eye on the anti-chafe ball, these shaping shorts are perfect to slip on under a skirt or midi. Find a men’s version for the same price here.
Buy now £12.90, Uniqlo
Snag Chub Rub shorts
Sunny days are heavenly, but without adequate chafe protection, your thighs could feel hotter than the temperatures in Lucifer's hot tub. Enter Snag’s shorts, made from moisture-wicking fabric, cooling yarn and cotton to keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
The beauty of this option is that the shorts won't wear off in the way sprays and creams applied directly to the skin may do over the course of the day. Bonus points for the silhouette slimming effect given by these high waist lightweight shorts. Available in a range of colours and sizes 4 – 28.
Buy now £9.49, Snag
Love Luna Period Anti Chafe Short
Period pants have taken off in a big way here in the UK. If you haven't tried them yet, we bet you know someone who has. Not only are they the planet-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons, but they completely lock in liquid to give total peace of mind.
Love Luna has transplanted this menstruation tech into a pair of anti-bacterial anti-chafe shorts so you can feel confident in whatever you're wearing when it’s your time of the month. The high waist, seamless design offers gentle slimming and are virtually undetectable under clothing. Hot and flustered; who are they again?
Available in black and beige in sizes 8 - 22.
Buy now £7.00, Love Luna
Runderwear Women's Anti Chafing Shorts
Designed for long distance running, these shorts have been tested against friction to within an inch of their lives. The result? They can withstand hours of continual rubbing without tearing your thighs to shreds.
The common issue with shorts as an anti-chafe method is that the legs have a tendency to roll up under clothes, which means you’re constantly readjusting. Not the case with Runderwear.
Made with a 92 per cent Polyamide and 8 per cent Elastane mix, the breathable long shorts have a non-slip band at the leg’s hem which means they stay put whether you’re meandering around town or running an actual marathon. They are on the thicker side so one to reserve for spring or early autumn days instead of high summer.
Buy now £23.00, Runderwear
Neat 3B Action Cream
Hailing from the land Down Under - where temperatures can reach a scorching 50D - this fast-acting cream stops chafing in its tracks. The unscented formula works on everyone, even those with a low sweat threshold, and can be used on any body part that rubs uncomfortably, from inner thighs and underarms to under the breasts. It can even stop fungal infections by eliminating moisture from the equation.
Buy now £12.95, Amazon
Sarrosi Coconut Anti Chafe Balm 80g
Your poor red raw skin will breathe a sigh of relief the second you apply Sarrosi's anti-chafe balm. Packed with Shea butter and vitamin E to reduce skin friction, the subtle coconut scented formula applies and dries with a clear finish. It's small enough to tuck into bags for reapplying on the go too.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
Megababe No More Chafe Duo
Send raw friction packing with this hero solution from Megababe. The bundle includes a full-size balm-like Thigh Rescue which glides over skin and forms a protective barrier between them. It comes with a mini version (23g) which you can tuck into your bag and reapply as needed. The skin-nourishing formula is packed with anti-inflammatory aloe, healing pomegranate seed extract and ginger root to balance tone and boost elasticity, so it's as comfortable as it is kind to skin.
Buy now £20.00, Cult Beauty
Lyonsleaf Calendula & Marshmallow Balm 30ml
A balm to soothe dry, sore, irritated skin, this balm is suitable for use from head to toe, not just for chafing – although it offers a great solution for that too.
It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin as the all-natural plant oils it’s made with means it’s gentle enough to use on delicate areas while also working hard to heal your skin. The fact it’s water-free means the oils will go the distance in lubricating chafing.
It’s also helpful for a range of other skin ailments, such as helping heal fresh tattoos, soothing sore nipples when nursing and softening heels, elbows, and dry hands and feet. A bathroom cabinet hero, by all accounts.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Lush Silky Underwear
It might seem impossible for a talcum powder to have moisturising properties, but this is Lush we’re talking about; home of thoughtful beauty innovations such as the shampoo bar and shower jellies. The Silky Underwear is a lightly scented dusting power that keeps sweat and chafe at bay.
Simply drizzle a little over skin after bathing and enjoy the feel of velvety soft skin all day. No need to worry about tell-tale white marks; once rubbed in properly, the white dust will fade into a light veil on the skin.
It's pretty effective on under arm and under boob sweat too (hey, we’ve all been there).
Buy now £11.00, Lush
Bodyglide For Her
This skin protection balm is made from natural, plant-derived ingredients and feels rich, but not greasy. Once applied, it will stay on your skin until you wash it off with mild soap, and it's even water resistant, so it’s perfect to use before intense water sports like diving and surfing.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
