Editors‘ Picks are the Fashionista team’s true (#notspon) fashion and beauty obsessions, handpicked by professionals who see it all.
I’ll never forget the first time I experienced chafing: I was in middle school, leaving the lake with my family — and walking felt uncomfortable in a new way.
Anyone with thick thighs probably remembers that first time, like a rite of passage. I’ll always love my thighs, but I don’t enjoy the burning of their friction. That’s why it’s been a breakthrough to start using thigh bands.
Since last fall, I have kept a steady rotation of Bandelettes Thigh Bands in black and white lace (gifted by the brand). All you have to do is slide them on and up the leg; they have silicone lining around the edges that stop them from slipping or moving around.Not only have these stopped me from chafing, especially when wearing dresses, but the lace makes them feel sexy. (There are versions in solid fabrics, too.) They’re five inches long, so they may not be incognito with the trendy micro-mini skirt, but they stay out of the limelight with most of my dresses, even those that hit just above knee-length.
I have tried plenty of other things to assuage the pains of chafing, like changing how I dress altogether (ultimately no fun) or balms that need what feels like constant re-application. These thigh bands, however, don’t require any maintenance once they’re on. They’re comfortable and there to protect you for however long you need. Mine are in good condition after almost a year of wear.
As for laundry care, I wash mine on cold in a regular cycle inside a wash bag. (I honestly don’t remember what the specific washing instructions are, but hand-washing is probably ideal.) Air drying prevents them from melting in the dryer.
Bandelettes Thigh Bands, $18, available here.
Please note: This product was gifted. Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.
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