Bamboo sports shorts for women and what prevents chafing
Short answer: Chafing on the inner thigh usually comes from two things: a leg that is too short and seams that sit right where the thighs touch. Choose a leg that reaches past that point and shorts with flat seams, and most of the problem goes away.
Why chafing happens
When you walk or run, your thighs move against each other thousands of times. If there is skin on skin, or an edge rubbing the same spot again and again, the skin turns red and sore. Sweat makes it worse, because damp skin creates more friction than dry skin. That is why it is often felt most on warm days.
Leg length first
A leg that ends exactly where the thighs meet chafes the most, because the hem keeps working in that zone. Choose either a shorter leg that ends before the thighs meet or a clearly longer leg that covers the whole zone. For long walks and runs, the longer leg is often the safe choice. See bamboo training shorts for women.
Seams in the right place
Flat seams or laser cut edges remove most of the friction. Ordinary overlock seams stand up slightly from the fabric and rub the skin on long outings, which you only notice after half an hour. If in doubt, turn the shorts inside out and run a finger along the inner thigh. If you can feel an edge, your skin will too.
Fabric that keeps skin drier
A fabric that moves sweat away from the skin creates less friction than one that gets wet and clings. Bamboo viscose with a little elastane lies softly against the skin and follows your movement without bunching. Bunching is itself a cause of chafing, so a fabric that stays smooth makes a difference. See also bamboo shorts for women.
A close fit works best
Training shorts that sit loosely around the thighs ride up as you move and leave bare skin against bare skin. A close fitting pair stays in place and keeps fabric between the thighs. It should not squeeze, but it can sit snug enough that the leg does not creep up when you climb stairs or sit down.
Inner shorts as an alternative
If the shorts are to be worn under a dress or skirt, a pair of inner shorts is the better choice. They are thin, fit closely and are made to sit between the thighs in everyday life. Many wear them all summer under dresses, because they stop chafing without adding warmth or visible lines. See bamboo inner shorts.
A waistband that stays up
A wide, high waistband does not roll down when you bend or squat. A narrow one almost always does, and when it rolls it pulls the whole pair down so the legs ride up. Try bending forward in the fitting room. If the waistband stays where it is, the rest of the shorts will sit right as well.
When it has already happened
If the skin is already red and sore, give it a few days of rest and wear clothes that do not rub the same spot. Keep the area clean and dry. If the irritation does not settle, or the skin breaks, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist before training the same way again.
Washing that keeps the stretch
Wash training shorts at 30 to 40 degrees and avoid high heat in the dryer. Heat makes elastane lose its stretch, and then the shorts sit looser and ride up. Hang them to dry and skip fabric softener, which can reduce how well the fabric moves moisture away from your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my shorts chafe on the inner thigh?
Usually because the leg ends exactly where the thighs touch, or because the seams stand up. Choose a shorter or longer leg and a pair with flat seams along the inner thigh.
Can training shorts be worn under a dress?
They can, but inner shorts are usually better, because they are thinner and made to be worn under clothes. They give the same protection between the thighs without adding bulk.
Which leg length chafes the least?
A leg that covers the whole zone where the thighs meet chafes the least. A very short leg can also work, but one that ends in the middle of that zone chafes the most.
