When it comes to getting dressed, thigh chafing might not be the sexiest topic in fashion, but it’s a universal struggle—especially in the warmer months. Ask anyone who loves dresses and skirts, and they’ll tell you the hunt for a perfect pair of anti-chafe shorts—ones that don’t bunch, roll, add bulk, or, most importantly, make you feel hotter (temperature-wise) than you already are—is never-ending.
This is where ThighSociety enters the chat. A brand that’s built a devoted following for its shorts designed to prevent chafing while staying—and feeling—practically invisible under clothes.
Praised online for their comfort, these shorts have become a wardrobe essential for those in the know (yes, apparently we’re late to the party). With so much buzz surrounding them, we wanted to see if they really lived up to the hype.
To find out, our editors put a pair of the brands ‘The Cooling Shorts’ to the test—wearing them through long office days, weekend walks, and everything in between. Ahead, their honest thoughts on fit, comfort, and whether these cult-favourite anti-chafe shorts are truly worth it.
Read: You’ll Forget You’re Wearing These Cult-Favourite Anti-Chafing Shorts
Maddy Wilson, Shopping Content Producer
- They are very stretchy, which makes them ultra comfortable
- There was no rolling, no riding up, and nothing to adjust
- They feel incredibly lightweight — almost like a pair of stockings
- A lighter colour will disappear underneath most clothes
- The 5-inch length provides coverage, but still works under shorter outfits
- The sheerness can take a moment to get used to, something to keep in mind
I’m already a big fan of anti-chafing shorts, but this pair has quickly become my new go-to. With very few seams in sight, they sit smoothly against the body and feel incredibly comfortable to wear throughout the day. Naturally, they do exactly what you want from a pair of anti-chafing shorts — preventing that all-too-familiar thigh rub when wearing skirts or dresses — but they also offer a few extra benefits that make them stand out.
The Cooling short is designed to help regulate temperature, and I found they worked particularly well at keeping the lower half feeling dry and comfortable, even on humid, muggy days. The fabric is so lightweight that you almost forget you’re wearing them, which makes a big difference when you’re layering them under summer outfits.
Truly one of the best pairs of anti-chafing shorts I’ve tried — lightweight, unbelievably comfortable, and they stay perfectly in place all day, with zero need for readjusting.
While the brand notes that the shorts can cool the body by up to one degree, I can’t say I noticed a measurable drop in temperature. What I did notice, however, was how much more comfortable I felt throughout the day. Normally, on warmer days, I’d expect to start feeling hot and slightly sweaty, especially when moving between walking, commuting and sitting. With these, that sticky, overheated feeling never really arrived.
Instead, everything stayed feeling fresh and breathable — which, when it comes to anti-chafing shorts, is really the ultimate goal.
THIGH SOCIETY
The Cooling 5″ Blush
Phoebe Youl, Shopping Editor
- The fabric is ultra-lightweight, and surprisingly cooling in humid weather
- They look tiny out of the packet, but stretch significantly—stick to your true size
- The 5-inch length is ideal for wearing under shorter dresses and skirts
- Comfortable enough for long, hot days without feeling like an extra layer
- Stay in place with no rolling or bunching when worn in the correct size
- Quick-drying fabric makes them easy to wash and re-wear
I’ll be honest: I usually avoid any type of undershort, shapewear or anti-chafe shorts. As someone who admittedly finds extra layers a bit overstimulating, I often find them more annoying than the problem they’re meant to solve—rolling up, shifting around or making me feel hotter than I already am. But with Sydney’s humidity reaching truly unhinged levels lately, I was curious whether a pair designed to be lightweight and cooling might actually change my mind.
I tried the 5-inch Cooling Shorts in black in a size XS/S (my usual size), and when I first pulled them out of the packet I had a brief panic moment—they looked tiny. Thankfully, they stretch a lot. My biggest tip: stick to your true size. I’m someone who often sizes up to avoid anything feeling too tight, but in this case a snug fit seems key to preventing them from rolling or riding up. While they do fit close to the body, they never felt restrictive or suffocating.
I’m usually anti-undershorts, but these solved the slightly niche but very real problem of feeling like you need to peel yourself off the pub seat after a long afternoon in the sun.
The second thing I noticed was how soft and sheer the fabric is. They reminded me of investing in a really luxe pair of stockings: silky, stretchy and surprisingly lightweight. The five-inch length worked perfectly for me too—enough coverage to prevent rubbing, but still short enough to disappear under mini dresses.
What surprised me most was how cool they stayed. Even after clocking 10,000 steps in a sundress on a 34-degree day, they remained dry and comfortable. They even solved that slightly niche but very real problem of sticking to a pub seat after a long afternoon in the sun (if you know, you know). Safe to say, I’m converted.
THIGH SOCIETY
The Cooling 5″ Black
Sammy Preston, Head Of Shopping
- These shorts do not squeeze or cut in anywhere. Pure, barely-there comfort
- The beige shorts totally disappear under semi-sheer fabrics
- Silky, luxurious fabric that is a treat to wear
- Unlike other brands, these are true to size. I’m a size 10-12 and found the M/L to be a little big
- Not for you if you want compression or a smoothing effect on your thighs
- Great if you want an invisible layer between bulky or scratchy fabrics
In my experience, anti-chafe shorts typically promises to be invisible – but rarely feels invisible. I have a few pieces that I’ve bought, tried on, hated, and never worn. What promised to be a solution to the age-old VPL problem always felt bulky and awkward, adding density while squeezing and sucking everything in.
Not ideal if you have a busy, fast-paced schedule, like me (I need to walk, run, dance, and move about freely!) I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Thigh Society’s cooling shorts are simply none of the above.
Firstly, they’re not compressive. These are super lightweight, barely-there shorts. What I loved the most is that they didn’t cut in anywhere – the waistband was stretchy and seamless; the legs of the shorts finished clean without digging into my thighs. They disappeared under a semi-sheer cotton maxi skirt, so much so, I nearly forgot they were there through the day.
As a newcomer to Thigh Society and anti-chafe shorts generally, these will be a new wardrobe staple for me. I have been missing out!
The combination of the silky lightweight fabric and impressive cooling weave was a bonus on hot and humid days – but practically, I can imagine wearing these year-round. Under bulky jeans or scratchy wool suits, for example, as an invisible, soft and undetectable comfort layer.
THIGH SOCIETY
The Cooling 9″ Beige
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