Not wearing dresses because of chaffing is a problem?
It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually. I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.
Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris
Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.
JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.
Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.
JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.
Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!
JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!
Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem. But ladies, there is a solution!
If you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes. Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee). Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!
So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!
Then send it in and let us share it !!!
Ewwww! Sorry
I know everyone loves spanx and what-not, but I live in Memphis and it is hot as the Gateway to Hell here! My tip for chafing would be Shower to Shower powder!!
Another option is Body Glide. Body Glide comes in a antiperspirant style package and is used by runners and other athletes where chafing is a problem. Look for it in sporting good stores. I have run many races and wouldn’t attempt one without Glide, and I always pack it in my suitcase when I travel.
I wear petti-pants in the summer. They’re loose and airy and they protect against chafing. And they’re inexpensive – $12 at JCPenney! (But when I was heavier they didn’t work as well; they tended to ride up.)
HB
Here’s some ideas for mature petites:
http://www.petite-clothes-and-shoes.com/mature-petite-women.html
I was thinking that solution is to not wear dresses. I’m with “Hautblossom” , wear capri pants.
I bought 2 at JC Penny this past week. great price and love what they do for my shape.
happy shopping
Hi Astringofpearlsblog,
That is a great idea!! We have heard of that product and we heard it was great too!
Thanks so much for piping in on this!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
Many good ideas here! Thanks to all of you for sharing and hope you all keep them coming!!!
I rub cornstarch on my thigh area and even in flats where my feet sweat and stick to the insoles.
I agree that the shapewear is awfully sweaty and stinky, not to mention they dig in my stomach and hurt. The slip/shorts from JCPenny are a must for my wardrobe. They even have three layers of lace so you can cut them to the right length.
When you are heavy in the thighs wearing skirts and dresses are often too much trouble. I think I wear a skirt about once every othter month, dresses even less! If you’ve got thighs that don’t get out of the way of each other, time to drop a few and get more exercise in your routine. I am in this group and 10-20 pounds can make a lot of difference in comfort. Now, the hard part is actually doing it!
Look, only $12 or $13, what a deal!
http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50475&CatID=51203&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=13e4fdc&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50475&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=4&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50475|51203
I got the secret shield a few weeks ago and it works like a charm just rub it on and no more chafing. Its so much cooler than another layer of clothing on your skin. And with the scorching summer we’ve been having thats a good thing.
Hi All,
I’m loving your newsletter. It’s great to have help for those of us who have are becoming older and want to still look fresh! My question is in regards to having large upper arms. I have lost about 60 pounds and it has left my upper arms flabby. I dare not wear sleevless tops without a sweater. But I hate look being totally covered. It can look very matronly. What other options are out there? I don’t want surgery and I am excercising to help tighten the area.