Published June 15, 2022 • Updated June 5, 2026

We love summer for so many reasons—longer days, warm weather, travel, swimming, and time outdoors enjoying your Active. Life. Style. 

But as temperatures rise, many women experience one very real challenge: chafing.

Heat, sweat, skin-on-skin friction… it all adds up quickly. And while it’s often joked about, the discomfort is no joke.

The good news? Chafing is common—and manageable. With the right fit, fabrics, and layering choices, you can stay comfortable all summer long.

Here are four simple, practical tips to help reduce chafing.

1. Prioritize Proper Plus Size Fit 

Fit is one of the most overlooked factors in preventing chafing.

When clothing is too tight, it can pull and create friction. When it’s too loose, it can shift, bunch, and rub. Either way, your skin pays the price.

The goal is movement without friction.

That’s why thoughtfully designed plus size clothing matters. Bodies in sizes XL–6X deserve fit solutions that are engineered for curves—not scaled-up misses sizes.

Look for:

• smooth seams that don’t dig in

• fabrics with stretch and recovery

• waistbands that stay in place

• arm openings that don’t rub

• shorts designed to stay put while you move

Taking accurate body measurements can help, but so can trusting how clothing feels in motion—not just when standing still.

2. Fabric Choice Is Key

Chafing often happens when heat, moisture, and friction come together. The right fabric can help manage all three.

Moisture-wicking fabrics are often helpful because they're designed to pull sweat away from the skin so it can evaporate more quickly. This helps reduce the damp, sticky feeling that can lead to irritation.

When thinking about comfort, it helps to consider your entire outfit:

• Tops and bottoms

• Underwear and bras

• Dresses and skirts

• Swimwear and activewear

Each layer plays a role in how your skin feels throughout the day, and fabric choice can make a noticeable difference in managing moisture and reducing friction. 

Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Our QuikWik® fabric is designed for stretch, breathability, and moisture management. Pieces like the QuikWik Soft Control Bra Top and QuikWik Active Briefs are longtime warm-weather favorites because they're exceptionally comfortable and help manage moisture throughout the day. The Dual Layer Walking Shorts and Skirted Short are also popular choices for active days.

Another option is SoftWik®, a moisture-wicking performance fabric known for its exceptionally soft feel. Available in everything from tops and hoodies to dresses, capris, and pants, it offers a comfortable balance of softness, breathability, and performance that many customers appreciate for everyday wear.

A Quick Note on Cotton

Cotton doesn't wick moisture the same way performance fabrics do, but it still has a place in a comfort-focused wardrobe.

It can feel soft, breathable, and familiar against the skin. For some people, cotton also works as a gentle buffer layer in lower-activity, everyday settings.

That's one reason our Stretch Naturals™ collection continues to be a customer favorite. Made from a comfortable cotton-stretch blend, these styles offer softness, stretch, and everyday versatility in everything from tops and pants to bike shorts and bras.

There isn't one perfect fabric for everyone. Some days call for performance fabrics. Other days, cotton simply feels better. The best choice often depends on your activity level, climate, and personal comfort preferences.

Ultimately, the right fabric is the one that helps you feel comfortable and confident throughout your day.

Choose Swimwear Designed for Comfort

If swimming, water aerobics, or beach days are part of your routine, swimwear deserves special consideration.

Wet fabric can increase friction, which may contribute to chafing both in and out of the water. That's why features like quick-drying fabrics, supportive stretch, and smooth construction can make a noticeable difference in overall comfort.

When shopping for plus size swimwear, look for styles that move comfortably with your body and maintain their fit over time. Chlorine-resistant fabrics can also help swimwear hold its shape and performance through repeated wear. Our Swim Collection features chlorine-resistant fabrics designed for comfort, movement, and long-lasting wear.

A well-designed swimsuit should help you focus on enjoying the water—not adjusting your swimsuit.

3. Plus Size Underwear & Bras That Help Prevent Chafe

What you wear underneath matters just as much as what you wear on top.

Thigh, groin, and underarm chafing often happens when skin rubs directly or when outer clothing shifts during movement.

That’s where lightweight base layers can help.

Our Junowear® Hush Intimate Collection was designed with soft stretch and smooth full coverage in mind. The fabric feels lightweight against the skin while still offering support where you need it.

The Hush Boxer Brief is especially helpful under dresses and skirts. The longer inseam helps reduce inner thigh friction while staying in place throughout the day.

And for underarm comfort, supportive bras with smooth construction and breathable fabrics can make a noticeable difference in how your skin feels during warm weather.

4. Give Your Skin Time to Recover When Needed

Even with the best prevention, chafing can still happen. If it does, the goal shifts from prevention to recovery.

Give your skin a break:

• switch to soft, loose clothing

• reduce friction where possible

• keep the area clean, dry, and cool

• use a gentle barrier balm if helpful

• pause activities that may worsen irritation

Loose-fitting, breathable fabrics can help you stay comfortable while your skin heals. 

If irritation becomes severe or persistent, it’s always a good idea to check in with a trusted medical professional. You can also learn more about common causes and treatments of chafing from WebMD.

A friendly reminder

Chafing doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it just means your skin is reacting to heat, movement, and friction.

The right combination of fit, fabric, and layering can make a real difference in how you feel every day.

Be comfortable in your Active. Life. Style. 🧡

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chafing

What causes thigh chafing?

Thigh chafing is typically caused by repeated skin friction combined with heat and moisture. Sweat, tight clothing, rough seams, and prolonged movement can all contribute.

What are the best fabrics to prevent chafing?

Moisture-wicking, quick-dry performance fabrics are often the best choice because they help reduce trapped moisture against the skin.

Do boxer briefs help prevent chafing?

Yes. Lightweight boxer briefs and slip shorts can help create a barrier between the thighs to reduce friction and irritation.

Can swimwear cause chafing?

Yes. Wet fabric, seams, and prolonged moisture exposure can increase irritation. Quick-dry swimwear and swim shorts can help reduce discomfort.

How do I prevent chafing under dresses?

Many women wear lightweight boxer briefs, bike shorts, or slip shorts underneath dresses to help prevent thigh friction while staying comfortable and cool.