I recently went on the hunt for chub rub solutions and quickly discovered that not all options for plus size people are created equal. You see, my friends, my thighs don't gap – they clap! If you're like me, and your legs bring the thunder smacks when you dare to go bare, then this article is for you!
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Chub Rub
I purchased the four most popular plus size chub rub solutions on the market and my BIG thighs put them to the test. All in the name of uncovering the best and the worst of the options available – you can thank me later.
For your reference, I wear a size 24/26 and carry a lot of my weight in my lower half. I’m built a lot like the plus size model Tess Holliday.
Let’s start with what didn’t work for me, but turned out to be what many of my “smaller” plus size mom friends rave about…
Undersummers
Please don't send me hate mail for writing this, because I’m sure there are Undersummers fans reading this, but I just don’t understand their popularity.
Many of the Amazon comments said they ran large so a 4XL should’ve worked just fine. However, I feel like they were a bit too snug because there was a little gap at the very top of my thighs. I kept pulling and tugging at them, which wasn’t comfortable, as you can imagine.
It felt like I was wearing Spanx (because they look like Spanx, let’s be honest), only without the sausage-like feeling of being sucked in. Yet, Undersummers aren’t nearly as soft as Spanx, so…
My mind was confused and my thighs were not happy.
I will say, if you want to try Undersummers for yourself, you can get them on Amazon and the return process is super easy if they don’t work for you and you want your money back.
What To Try Instead:
The original chub rub solutions seem to still be the best. First, good old plus size bicycle shorts. Just My Size bike shorts go all the way up to a size 5XL!
Next, personally, I’m a huge fan of plus size leggings – from Capri to full-length. I own about 10 pairs of black leggings and even purchased plus size maternity leggings when I was pregnant.
Bandelettes
I kept hearing these words combined, “chub rub Bandelettes” – as if Bandelettes are the go-to solution to thigh chafing. Many plus size influencers recommend them.
I so wanted Bandelettes to work because they seem like an incredibly sexy cub rub solution.
I also watched this popular BuzzFeed video where they were her top pick for chafing prevention.l
In my experience, unfortunately, they did the exact opposite of what they are marketed to do on my huge thighs. And that’s exactly why I wanted to write this article for us bigger gals!
The Bandelettes continuously rolled down on me and after wearing them (read: fighting to keep them up) for about an hour, my thighs were red and irritated.
So sad!
My advice is to actually measure your thighs (as they recommend you do) if you want to try Bandelettes. I didn’t – I just purchased the largest option and hoped they would work. I know, I know, but all the cool kids are wearing them so I wanted to fit in (story of my life).
What To Try Instead:
Sadly, there’s nothing else like this on the market that I’ve found for larger thighs. That is unless you’re talking about actual lingerie that’s not made for this sort of thing. You know, when things rubbing together is a good thing!
I learned about Kix’ies from my friend over at Curvy Girl Lingerie. They use the same elastic webbing as Bandelettes but in this case, I’ve found they don’t roll down very often – or maybe they just don’t stay on long enough for me to notice or care. They’re not only something I recommend but something my husband highly approves of!
Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel
I was hesitant to purchase this gel because for the amount you receive, it’s kind of expensive. Yet, can you really put a price on quelling chaffing? I don’t think so!
This gel works and it works well! I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised that it lived up to what pretty much everyone who uses it says.
It lasts a few hours (depending on what you’re doing and how active you are while wearing it) and it’s easy to reapply. The texture is a bit greasy (in my opinion) – yet it’s also a gel-like powder mixture. Sounds odd but you just need to feel it on your skin to understand. It’s soft and feels nice.
I recommend the investment!
Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm
When I’m not wearing my go-to leggings, this is what you’ll find in my purse all summer long!
There’s something magical about however this Body Glide is formulated because it holds up so much longer and better than just regular deodorant (which I’ve also tried but don’t recommend!) even though it has the same consistency. The Body Glide also lasts longer than the Monistat gel for me.
It’s smooth and easy to apply – just like deodorant – but works incredibly well.
I LOVE it!!
Funny enough, Body Glide tanked within in the BuzzFeed video – she straight up hated it. I found that so surprising because out of everything I’ve tried, it’s my favorite.
I guess the lesson learned is that what works for one person might not work for another. Thank goodness there are so many options on the market (including another go-to of mine below).
Let me know what works best for you and your thighs (with whatever level of thunder they bring) within the comments below. Remember regardless of how big your thighs are, you have every right to be cool and comfortable and wear whatever you want this season.
Chub rub sisters unite!
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Rachael
Friday 7th of July 2023
I love MegaBabe Thigh Rescue too!
Jen McLellan, CBE
Tuesday 10th of October 2023
Great recommendations! Thanks!
Emma
Wednesday 20th of May 2020
Neat3B cream is really good for thigh rubbing and also good for under breasts and anywhere that sweats and / or chaffing occurs.
plussizebirth
Wednesday 22nd of July 2020
Thanks for the tip!
Angel
Tuesday 19th of February 2019
Monistat Chafing Gel has been a godsend. Also the nylon bloomers or bike shorts give an additional assistance.
I found the Lanacane anti chafe product more difficult to apply as it seemed to "tug" at the my skin rather than glide.
https://amzn.to/2BIgczt
plussizebirth
Thursday 21st of February 2019
Great tip! Thanks Angel!
MT
Friday 10th of August 2018
Thigh Society Slip Shorts! I use the Ultra High Rise ones. They are not shapewear, so they don't squish you like Spanx, but they're nice and long in the leg so those babies stay DOWN. Only downside: they can tend to roll down a little at the waistband, but that's not too difficult to keep under control. I even work in plus-size retail, and when women reach for our products to deal with this issue, i point them towards Thigh Society. ;)
plussizebirth
Sunday 12th of August 2018
Awesome! Glad Thigh Society Slip Shorts work for you. Thanks for the recommendation.
Lisa
Friday 16th of June 2017
Lanacane Anti Chafing Gel
Works better than monistat
plussizebirth
Friday 16th of June 2017
Thanks for the tip Lisa! I'll have to check it out.