On the plus size: Fashion Director Rivkie Baum gives the lowdown on products that will help you avoid thigh rub this summer

The sun has finally come out and like all of you, I’m really hoping it’s here to stay.

And of course with summer weather comes a whole new wardrobe. As temperatures rise it is time to cast off your loungewear and sweatshirts and embrace lighter pieces including plus size summer dresses and other warm weather essentials.

While I’m sure most of you look forward to wearing pretty summery dresses and skirts, there is one issue when it comes to warm weather and dresses and that is what has commonly and endearingly been referred to as ‘chub rub’. Essentially just a silly name for thigh chafing, for many women, across the size spectrum this can literally stop them wearing dresses and skirts at all and makes summer dressing even more of a mind field.

It feels like for years this was the biggest plus size taboo topic, whispered only in hushed tones between women you were sure had no thigh gap. But loads of women don’t have thigh gaps and it isn’t hugely determined by the size label in your jeans.

In recent years we have thankfully become more open about this issue and this has sprung an amazing array of anti thigh chafing products now not only easily available on the market, but many of them are under £10, making this a real summer essential to allow a gateway to a whole new summer style.

So grab your anti chaffing shorts or anti chafing bands and embrace summer dresses this season.

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Shorts, £7.99, Snag

Snag has revolutionised plus size tights.

With a huge array of styles, colours and sizes, Snag is the all-inclusive, all embracing tights brand that does a nifty array of shorts to stop summer thigh rub.

They go from a UK size 4 to a UK size 36 – so everyone can enjoy summer dresses and skirts this season.

Shorts, £14, Jockey

Going up to a size 2XL, these are my personal favourites for rocking under skirts and dresses in the summer. They also come in a shorter length which is great of course for higher hem lines and are stocked in a selection of colours.

Chafing bands, was £8 now £5, PrettyLittleThing

I think it was last summer when PLT launched these chafing bands and everyone went wild for them. Of course adding shorts under an outfit does mean adding a layer and can make you even warmer, so these chafing bands are a smart way of enabling you to comfortably wear skirts and dresses without raising your body temp.

Anti chafing bands, £8, John Lewis and Partners

It’s great to see more mainstream retailers moving into producing anti chafing products. For years this was such a taboo subject, because a thigh gap isn’t just a size issue, it’s a women’s issue across the size spectrum.

Pack of two anti chafing bands, was £14, now £9, Boohoo

Boohoo actually have quite a selection of bands so they’re worth a look and of course a pack of two is great so you’re never without this summer essential.

Lace chafing bands, $17.99, Bandlettes

Bandlettes were one of the originals when it came to making anti chafing bands a bit more fashion and a bit less dirty little secret. This American company has collaborated with designers to showcase their product at New York Fashion Week, so in terms of fashionability, they’ve definitely been part of the change in the industry in making these products more attainable and less secretive. They have a great product range and ship worldwide.

Anti chafing bands, £7.99, New Look

The beige colour is currently sold out, but as chafing bands are a must have to make summer dressing more comfortable, keep an eye out for them coming back into stock. It’s great seeing high street stores making this look accessible.

Anti chaffing shorts, £14.95, The Big Bloomers Company

These lightweight anti-chafing short-leg slip shorts are perfect for summer. Ribbed at the hem to prevent them riding up, they give total comfort and freedom from chafing. Available in three colours from a size 12 to 36.

Black shorts, £8, Marks and Spencer

These shorts come in three colours and go up to a size 28, but as the weather has already started to heat up, you better be quick as they’re starting to sell out.

Anti chafing lace bands, was £8, now £5, Boohoo

Currently just £5 and in sizes 16 to 28, these pretty lace bands should hopefully mean worry about rocking a perfect summer dress or your favourite lightweight skirt is a thing of the past.

Happy shopping!

Rivkie is part of podcast Fat Chat – your weekly plus size serving of frank, honest and often hilarious body confident chat – which is available on most podcast platforms.

To follow Rivkie on Instagram, click here

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