What to wear under a skirt
Short answer: Under a skirt, chafing in summer and cold in winter are the two problems. Under shorts solve the first, and tights or leggings solve the second.
In summer
When you walk a lot in a skirt in the heat, your thighs rub together and the skin gets sore. The chafing stops once there is a smooth layer in between. Thin under shorts add no bulk under a skirt and can be worn every day all summer. See bamboo under shorts.
In winter
In winter the problem is cold legs. Tights in a soft material do not itch the way synthetic ones can, and they feel comfortable against the skin all day. Choose a thickness that suits the weather and a colour that suits your shoes. See bamboo tights for women.
Leggings as an alternative
With a longer skirt, leggings can replace tights. They are easier to put on, hold up better in daily use and keep you warm without laddering. Under a skirt that reaches below the knee, you can barely see the difference. See bamboo leggings for women.
Static cling
A skirt that clings to your tights is usually caused by dry winter air. The fabric builds up a charge and catches as you walk. A smooth layer in between stops it, and avoiding the tumble dryer helps too. Read more in antistatic clothes.
Choosing a colour
Nude under light skirts and black under dark ones is a simple rule that works. Under a thin, light skirt, black under shorts show clearly in backlight. Under a dark skirt, black is the safe choice, because an edge or a seam does not show against the dark background.
The leg length of under shorts
The legs need to reach past the point where your thighs touch, or they roll up and the chafing returns. They should not be so long that they show under the skirt when you sit down. Check the length of your skirt before choosing a style.
The fit at the waist
Under shorts and tights should sit firmly at the waist without digging in. A waistband that is too tight shows under a close fitting skirt, while one that is too loose slides down during the day. A wide, soft waistband lies flattest and stays in place best.
How many pairs you need
Two or three pairs mean you always have a clean pair in the summer months, when they are worn almost daily. If you also need something for exercise or relaxing, a pair of loose shorts can cover both. See bamboo shorts for women.
Between seasons
In spring and autumn it is often too cold for bare legs and too warm for thick tights. Thin tights or light leggings work well here. You can also wear under shorts beneath thin tights if you want an extra smooth layer.
Washing
Wash under shorts, tights and leggings at 40 degrees without fabric softener. Softener builds up in the fabric, and the tumble dryer can cause more static. Let everything air dry, ideally flat. More advice is in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What stops chafing under a skirt?
A pair of thin under shorts. They put a smooth layer between the thighs so the skin does not rub directly, and they can be worn under a skirt every day all summer.
What do I do when my skirt clings?
Clinging is usually caused by dry air and static. A smooth layer in between helps, and so does avoiding fabric softener and the tumble dryer.
How long should under shorts be?
Long enough to reach past the point where your thighs touch, but short enough not to show under the skirt when you sit down.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
