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True Confessions: I Have Chub Rub

curvy woman trying on jeans

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the sensation of “chub rub,” believe me, you aren’t missing a thing. Chub rub, more commonly known as chafing, is when your skin rubs together during repetitive movements such as walking or running. Chafing can happen on any part of the body, but chub rub usually refers to the chafing that happens between your legs — specifically, in the thigh area.

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Chub Rub is Unpleasant

Chub rub is unpleasant. And some days it would get so bad, I’d let the rub dictate how far I would walk, what type of workouts I would do at the gym, and what I would wear that day.

Then one day, I really put my foot down and told myself that I would not let the chafing run my life. If you are looking to say no to chub rub, here are four ways to do it gracefully and effectively.

4 Solutions for Chub Rub

Wear longer shorts and pants

Whether you’re headed to the gym or for a walk on the beach, make sure your shorts are long enough to cover your thighs. On warm days, try Bermuda shorts, capris or lightweight cropped pants.

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Whatever you do, make sure the bottoms you are wearing do not move against your skin. This is a function of fit and material. Shorts that are too loose or too stiff will chafe.

Add a foundation layer

Women's shapewear shorts
OK, clearly she doesn’t have the rub — but donning a pair of these underneath a skirt can help with chafing. Women’s Tek Gear® 9″ Shapewear, $30, Kohls

Try compression shorts underneath your bottoms. They’ll keep things in place and also provide some protection against stiff fabrics.

Say no to cotton

Fabrics like cotton are hydrophilic, meaning that they will absorb your water and make your skin feel wet when you sweat. You’ll want to wear fabrics like polyster blends and nylon, that are breathable and non-absorbent to keep your skin dry.

Use baby powder

Have you ever seen gymnasts put on powder before they swing on the bars? We’re not asking to you apply that much, but perhaps some powder between the thighs, or even oil will lubricate the skin to keep it from tearing.