(Thanks to AC/DC for the post title inspiration).
Okay, hive. Today, we’re going to talk about chub rub, which Urban Dictionary defines as “the rubbing and chafing of chubby thighs against one another during long walks or duration of activity.”
Yeah, I suffer from chub rub whenever I wear a skirt or dress without tights. Although I think that “chub rub” is a bit of a misnomer, because I’ve suffered from this all my life, when I was a size 6 and when I was a size 16. It’s just the way my thighs are shaped. They rub together no matter how big or small they are. So I’m going to call it “not-just-chub rub,” or NJCR for short.
I’ve tried different solutions to NJCR. I’ve rubbed deodorant on my inner thighs to create a protective barrier. It helped with the chafing, but felt kind of gross. Last year, Mrs. Rainbow turned me on to using Monistat Chafing Gel instead of my usual Smashbox Photofinish Primer (it’s the same formula, but the Monistat is waaaaay cheaper), I figured I’d try that on my thighs, since that’s what it’s made for. Again, it helped with the chafing, but didn’t help with the fact that my thighs rubbed together, and in the summer, it could get sweaty (sorry to be so gross).
My solution in high school and college was to wear spandex biker shorts under everything. Keep in mind that I was in high school and college in the late ’80s/early ’90s, so the only biker shorts I could find looked like this. The HORROR!
Image via Cycling Newbies
When Spanx and Spanx-imitators were invented, I invested heavily, and always wore their body-shapers under my dresses and skirts.
Cass and Co. Thigh Shapers, Image via ShopNBC
I could easily wear a pair of white, ivory or nude thigh shapers under my wedding dress and be done with the whole deal, but I think I want to wear something a bit more delicate and romantic. Also, I don’t want anything as restrictive as a body shaper on my wedding day. My skirt is A-line, so I can go without the full support. I want something lighter and more comfy.
So, I did a bit of research and found Luvees.
They have this thigh coverall, which, I’ll admit, kind of weirds me out, but to each their own. I just imagine that I’d be reaching under my dress to hike them up all night. No thankee.
Image via Luvees
But they also have their panty coverall. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Image via Luvees
They’re lightweight and lacy, and still sort of sexy – at least as sexy as any NJCR remedy could be.
Do you suffer from NJCR? What’s your solution?
I feel your pain. I only had this happen to me from when I was 9-12 years old (and then it suddenly went away for no apparent reason) but it SUCKED. I was so chaffed that it would bleed and I could barely walk. I wish I had known about the bike shorts solution.
I’ve had this problem ever since I can remember, even though I have always been pretty small. People think I’m nuts when I talk about how big my upper legs are. I’ll never forget when BM M was about 8 1/2 months pregnant (keep in mind, she still looked like a bean pole with a basketball under her shirt) and was complaining about how her legs were now touching. I was like “WHAT???? My legs ALWAYS touch!”
Oh my gosh. These are great! I was facing the same dilemma (my thighs rub just as much now at size 8 as when I was a 14) and figured I’d just go with spanx. I agree these are a big improvement!
Oh no! This sounds so painful and irritating. 
My thighs rub together, but I’ve never experienced chafing. I hope these work out!
Thunder Thighs here!!! =)
Im going to be checking these OUT!
Thanks for blogging about the subject most of us ladies fear to! Blessings! xo
Um, any idea if they’re still in business? The date at the bottom of their site is 2005… questionable, right?
I consider myself extremely lucky that I have been plus size most of my life and have never dealt with “the rub”. Those lace ones are very cute and much better than traditional shapers. Nice find!
I can honestly say I suffer from “the rub”. I use the Monistat chafing cream and love it. Although I do have to agree with you it does get sweaty sometimes lol! I love the lace! I may have to spring for something like that myself. And I have an upcoming wedding to attend in June and may have to invest soon!
I hear ya sister! I thought I was alone in this! I always wear some sort of bike shirts or Spanx thing under dresses and skirts. I even got a bathing suit with a top and swim shorts because of this problem. I will be checking out your suggestions and thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one who has to deal with this!
You could try BodyGlide! It’s for runners and basically designed for sweaty, chafing thighs 
YESSSSs I HATE, LOATHE chub rub. It’s been the same for me – since I was about 5 I’ve had chub rub. I would wear spandex shorts or any shorts at all under skirts and dresses. So much so, that most friends would ask to see them to see if they matched!!!
Good luck with whatever you choose. I like the last ones best – they are kinda cute.
OMG Thank you for posting this! I too have always had this issue but my solution was to just quit wearing skirts and dresses. Because I haven’t worn a dress since in years I would have completely forgotten about the chub rub! Thanks for putting it out there and I hope you love your solution!
LOVE this post…I have my first fitting this weekend and it has gotten me thinking about what I am going to do about this exact issue!
ha, I always quote this song when talking about my thighs! Yeah, the chub rub has been with me no matter what size I am, even as a skinny kid. Great ideas!!
BodyGlide! Might not work in all situations, but I love it
I’m with you!
My cheap-o solution is to cut off a pair of L’eggs Sheer Comfort pantyhose. They don’t run, and I can cut them above the knee and they don’t roll up on me, either. $5 and I can wash & wear multiple times before they do start to fray….
@ItsPronounced_ABear: Even if they’re not, similar products are easy to find – just search for “lace bike shorts” on goole shopping, for example.
I am SO glad your wrote about this! I’ve had the same problem since I was 10. Before spanx I used Body Glide (it’s like a stick of deodorant, but made just for chaffing). Now I wear the spanx with every dress/skirt. Thanks for the tips on Luvees – very cool!!
this has seriously been one of the most useful posts ever. i live in skirts during the summer and wear biker shorts under them, but this is a much more attractive option
Ms. Sloth, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion Blogger Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design Admin Engagement Date: December 25, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Bartram's Garden About Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
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