6 Comfortable Gym Shorts That Prevent Chafing

Runners talk about chafing a lot. But the burn isn’t just a problem for runners.

By Lindsey Emery, Men’s Health

Any activity that involves repetitive movement patterns—swinging a kettlebell, doing sprint drills, slamming a medicine ball, or riding a bike—can leave your skin vulnerable, and up your chances of getting rubbed the wrong way.

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One of the most commonly chafed areas is, of course, between your thighs, and it's caused when your legs rub against each other and/or against too-loose fabric. So the key to relief is ditching those threadbare shorts you've had since college and wearing soft, comfortable shorts with flat seems that both prevent your inner thighs from touching and hug you close.



To help you find the best pairs to wear—no matter what type of workout you’re doing—we polled athletes from across the spectrum. Learn how to prevent chafing with the bottoms that came out on top.



1
Altra Men’s Running Short
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These lightweight and breathable shorts are for running, yes, but they're great for all your other training, too. The 5-inch inseam is long enough so you don't quite feel like an exhibitionist but not long enough to catch during squats and lifts. The polyester-spandex blend sports an anti-microbial, form-fitted brief, two small pockets to help you stash your stuff, and it's all sewn together with a chafe-resistant stitch.

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2
2XU Hyoptik Compression Shorts

Maybe the smartest way to avoid chafing is to wear compression shorts. The graduated compression in this pair is meant to help improve your circulation and the flat seams won’t rub while you move. They’re also moisture-wicking and offer UPF 50+ for added sun protection.

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3
Vuori Kore Shorts- Men’s 8” Inseam

Not only do you not have to worry about chafing with these shorts, but you also don’t have to worry about who sees you at the coffee shop right after your workout either. This stylish, sweat-wicking pair is made with a four-way stretch fabric that moves with you as you train, has a drawstring waist and comes with a soft, breathable boxer-brief liner.



4
Nike Men's 7'' 2-in-1 Challenger Running Shorts
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The soft, fitted inner short wicks away sweat and protects your thighs, while the 7-inch inseam on the super-breathable outer short keeps you covered without limiting your mobility. The pair also has a couple of built-in pockets to put your ID, some cash, or anything else you might need.

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5
New Balance Impact 3-Inch Split Short

Distance runners don't laugh at short shorts. There’s a very good reason they're partial to them—less fabric means less drag and less to rub against your thighs. If you’re logging lots of miles (and have thinner thighs), consider shorts with a shorter inseam. The Impact are soft, breathable and have a built-in brief and a zip pocket in the back.


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6
Men’s Under Armour Run True Half Tight Shorts
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With this fitted pair, you’ll get the benefits of compression, a four-way stretch fabric that moves with you while you train, and an anti-odor technology that keeps BO at bay. They also have a soft, built-in brief and three pockets—one of which can stash your phone.

See more at: Men’s Health