Chafing, otherwise known as chub rub, is something a lot of plus size people worry about when they’re travelling.
Whether you’re travelling to a warm country or you’re wearing clothes that are likely to cause friction, having a couple of go-to products to help reduce the chances of chub rub is definitely a good idea.
Although not every option will work for everyone, there are a number of things you can try to find out what works best for you.
4 Ways To Beat Chub Rub While Travelling
What Is Chub Rub?
Before we get down into the nitty gritty, let’s take a look at what chafing actually is.
To put it simply, it’s a combination of humidity, sweat and friction around some of your most sensitive areas.The most common places for it to occur are between your thighs, close to your groin or under your boobs and stomach.
While it may not feel like it, chafing is completely normal and not something you should be embarrassed about.
”While it may not feel like it, chafing is completely normal and not something you should be embarrassed about.”
It can be sore to touch and result in redness and swelling that gets worse the more it ‘chafes’ and rubs together. As a result, it’s often difficult to treat and should be prevented instead.
But how do you prevent your body from chafing in the heat?
Anti-Chafing Shorts
One of the most effective ways of beating chub rub while travelling is to invest in a couple of pairs of anti-chafing shorts. Similar to cycling shorts, they are shorts that cover the tops of your thighs and sit nicely underneath dresses and skirts.
They’re a much lighter material than cycling shorts, meaning they wick moisture and don’t make you sweat in warm temperatures.
One of the best and most comfortable brands for anti-chafing shorts is Chaffree. They come in a range of different colours and lengths and are available in UK sizes in 6-34.
Talc-like Powders
If you’re worried about wearing extra layers, using talc-like powders is a great way to keep both sweat and friction at bay. Not only do they not count as a liquid when you’re packing them in your carry on, but they’re handy for carrying with you and topping up throughout the day.
A popular choice is MegaBabe Bust Dust for an anti-boob-sweat powder and Body Dust for an all over solution.
Anti-Chafing Sticks
Similarly, anti-chafing sticks are a great way to reduce friction in sensitive areas. Often a little less messy than talc-like solutions, they’re great for popping in your bag and topping up.
For those of you that haven’t used anti-chafing sticks before, they’re similar to roll-on deodorants when it comes to texture and application. As a result, they also don’t count when it comes to your carry-on allowances.
There are lots of great brands to use, including Ivyverdure, MegaBabe and Body Glide. Bonus tip, if you’re buying Body Glide, the male version is exactly the same as the female one but it’s much cheaper.
Anti-Chafing Gels or Creams
If you find it hard to apply a roll on solution, there are lots of anti-chafing gels and creams that you can use as an alternative. Lanacane is a popular choice amongst hikers and those that do a lot of physical activity, so you know it’s going to do a good job.
Although you may not be able to reduce chafing completely, there are lots of ways to ensure you’re as comfortable as you can possibly be when it comes to unwanted friction. What are your must have chub rub busting essentials?