Chafing is an irritation of the skin that occurs when, in the case of shorts, skin from one leg rubs against skin from the other or rubs on irritating clothing. Add sweat and moisture from working out into the equation, and it’s a recipe for irritation. The friction can cause your skin to turn red, sore and irritated, even resulting in blisters, pain and inflammation. 

Dr. Jaliman says that shorts made of high-tech fabrics that fit snugly against the skin are best for reducing chafing. If it’s a fabric that wicks away moisture, even better. “Many of these shorts,” she explains, “are made of nylon and spandex and dry quickly.” She cites brands like Nike, Lululemon and Jockey as being known for their high-tech fabric shorts that reduce or outright eliminate pesky chafing.

It's a sentiment echoed by Dr. Rogers, who recommends looking for polyester blends and technical fabrics. “These materials help to keep the skin dry by wicking away sweat and moisture, reducing friction and the likelihood of chafing.” She also says seamless designs from brands like Athleta and Sweaty Betty eliminate the seams that can rub against the skin in the first place, helping minimize those friction points. Longer inseams or longer leg length overall, she adds, can reduce friction between the thighs by offering more coverage.

Lycra is also a good fabric to consider to prevent chafing, since it’s breathable for workouts and is form-fitting. Materials like micromodal and bamboo, meanwhile, are also both moisture-wicking and have the added benefit of helping to regulate temperature, Dr. Daveluy says. That can be a lifesaver if you’re working out outside in the colder months.

It's also worth looking into rayon fabrics (lyocell and modal fall under this category, Dr. Daveluy says).It’s breathable and resistant to moisture, but it generally isn’t as durable as other types of fabric and can sometimes stretch or shrink in the wash. Polyamide can be another great option, since it’s durable and is very water-resistant, but it can be prone to pilling and bubbling, so you’ll want to take extra care when washing shorts made of this material.

More generally, Kom and Dr. Rogers suggest that if you want to prevent chafing, avoid loose-fitting clothing that would allow your legs to rub together. “You want to find something snug, but not too snug to prevent your shorts from bundling up,” Kom says. 

Avoid cotton, all of the experts told us. “Cotton soaks up that sweat, which makes it more likely for you to get chafed legs,” says Kom.  

Whichever type of workout shorts you choose, Clarke says to seek out something that provides stretch and comfort. She also advises that having the right fit is important, too. “You’ll notice,” she explains, “that shorts ride up more when they are too small or tight on you.”

Compression shorts are usually designed to “move as the body moves without rubbing the skin,” as explained by Dr. Brodall, MD. This, naturally, can be useful in helping to prevent chafing.

Kom thinks compression shorts can be “the best type of shorts to reduce chafing,” but also recommends shorts with compression liners, which can help reduce chafing while still providing some loose coverage. When choosing compression shorts, she says to go with fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex.

 Compression shorts might not work for everyone, Dr. Rogers says—some people actually find that they exacerbate chafing “due to the tightness and increased heat retention.” So, try one pair before committing to more.

After talking to the experts, we scoured the Internet for the top-reviewed no-chafe workout shorts. We looked at the brands the experts mentioned as well as workout shorts made of the materials they discussed, and that fit snugly. We also considered different styles. We selected shorts that are long enough to prevent the legs from rubbing together, including ones for both taller and shorter women. Sizing is also important: We wanted workout shorts that come in a variety of sizes, including plus sizes. Finally, price was a factor, with options that are affordable as well as higher-end apparel for serious fitness enthusiasts who are willing to spend a bit more. 

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Christine Persaud is a freelance writer who started her career at a consumer tech magazine where she worked her way up to editor-in-chief. Shifting to freelance in 2013, she continues to work as a writer and editor, writing about, researching, and reviewing all types of products in tech, home and lifestyle, appliances, and more. She’s also a fitness buff who works out daily and has a pretty ample collection of workout gear, and has learned over her three-year fitness journey what to look for, and which ones fit and feel best.

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.