Why wear shorts underneath when it is windy or hot
Short answer: Shorts under a dress or skirt give you cover when it is windy and a smooth layer between your thighs when it is hot. They work as a small extra layer, so you can walk, cycle and sit without thinking about how your clothes fall.
What inner shorts actually are
Inner shorts are short, close-fitting bottoms worn under a dress or skirt and not meant to be seen. They are made to lie smooth so they do not show through the fabric, and they come in several lengths and fabrics.
When it is windy and clothes go their own way
On a windy day a light skirt or dress can lift, and then it is nice to know there is a layer underneath. With inner shorts you can walk, cycle and stand at the bus stop without holding on to the fabric all the time.
When it is hot and your thighs rub
In warm weather the skin between your thighs can rub together and get sore. A pair of bamboo inner shorts gives a smooth layer in between, but talk to a doctor if you have lasting discomfort, redness or sores that do not improve.
Length and fit, so they stay down
Choose a length that ends on the upper thigh or a little longer, so the hem does not ride up as you walk. The hem should lie flat without cutting in, and the waistband should sit calmly, rolling neither down nor pressing.
Visible edges and lines under thin fabric
Under light, pale fabric a thick edge or a seam can show, so choose a smooth cut without hard seams. Try the combination in front of a window, and pick a colour close to your skin tone so nothing shows through.
How they work with other clothes
Inner shorts can be worn under trousers, dresses and skirts, and they can also be an extra layer on cold days. Combine them with a bamboo bodysuit if you want one connected layer that does not shift.
For cycling, walks and long days
For a bike ride or a long walk an extra layer brings calm, because your clothes do not flap around your legs and you can sit on a bus or a bench without thinking about it. Choose a soft cut that does not rub, and bring a clean pair to change into.
Washing and care, so the shape holds
Wash the inner shorts by the care label and with clothes in a similar colour, and avoid a hard spin so the waistband does not go slack. Hang them to dry and swap them often, so they do not wear out and you always have a clean pair to hand.
Frequently asked questions
Do inner shorts have to fit tightly?
They should fit closely enough to stay down, but not so tight that the waistband cuts into your thigh or stomach, so take your usual size and walk around in them.
Can I wear them under trousers?
Yes, but it is rarely necessary unless you want an extra layer or a smooth layer between your thighs; a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt can be an extra layer on top.
How long should they be?
Many people prefer a length that ends on the upper thigh or a little longer, so the hem does not show under the skirt and does not ride up when you walk.
