Shorts. I'm backed into a (hot) corner and I can't see an alternative

[LarkinSky]

I've not worn shorts for about 18 years, or since I was a young lithe teenager. But I think I need some.

The problem is, I'm no longer lithe. I'm a 12-14, 5'6, and the size 14 bit is mostly my stomach and bum.

The reason I can't see an alternative (and sorry if this is a less-than-elegant sartorial issue) is chaffed thighs. It's SO hot where I live in central Europe, about 32 degrees daily, and will be all summer.

I've just returned from a holiday to Italy where the chaffing turned a glorious culture-soaked trip to Florence (albeit with sweaty toddler in tow) into a red-raw chaffing, teeth-gritting painful ordeal that culminated with an urgent dash into H&M for leggings.

I have a dog, live in the countryside, and can't get away from having to walk in this heat. And the sad truth is that my upper thighs do indeed meet.

So, my beloved skirt/summer dress wardrobe is useless, I think I have to buy some shorts.

Any advice as to the least-offensive style for me? Any recommendations? Any one else have this problem?

Have you tried Lanacane anti chafing gel?

The other option is to wear some lycra style shorts under your skirt if you don't want to show too much leg.

But yeah, get some shorts. I'm wearing them and I'm nowhere close to a size 14 any more!

Be proud of your shape. 14 isn't large, dunno why you are worried at all.

OK, first things first. A spray of antiperspirant on a hot day between the legs may help. Failing that, talcum powder works a treat but needs to be reapplied at least once a day (in my experience) Don't do either of these on broken skin.

There is nothing wrong with shorts (says the size 18 who lives in them during the weekends). However, if skirts are needed then these do the trick.

If you don't want to go down the shorts route what about some 15 denier nude tights?! cut them off just above the knee and you have instant thin, breathable shorts to wear under your skirt which stops the chafing and they actually keep their shape quite well once washed! Plus they are super cheap and no one knows you are wearing them...

How about wide-legged linen trousers instead? Or light cotton cargo trousers?

Not trying to say you shouldn't wear shorts, but that's what I wear instead to avoid them! I've never found that less fabric necessarily means cooler - I even wear sleeves in summer becuase I hate applying suncream/getting burnt, plus my arms aren't that great.

I feel your pain. I am exactly the same. And shorts are not flattering for me (also size 14 on the bottom) but I have succumbed. Get longish linen ones in a neutral colour, and its better than the pain. The Lancane gel is quite good if you can get it where you are.

Larkin can I say something that might sound rude but it comes from a place of wishing you well. Lose a couple of pounds. Or more. It makes a massive difference to thighs that rub together.

You dont want to be wearing lycra shorts underneath anyhting or feeling lumpen in ill fitting shorts which run the risk of making you look like something out of It Aint half hot Mum.

Tackle the cause not the symptom

actually i agree with cyb, if you possibly can, because rubbing thighs are so uncomfortable and i have found even a few lb can make a difference
the lightweight tights suggestion i thought was vg for this year, but you could do something for next year

my other suggestion is that there are some lovely fine material trousers around this year, in that kind of drapey fabric
they can be very flattering and not too hot, plus you look more chic than shorts i think

This is weird as I've previously been a size 22 livid in skirts and not had chafing legs so not entirely sure its to do with weight..?

i have been only very slightly overweight and had sore thighs - it's to do with all kinds of things including width of your pelvis, your gait and whereabouts you store fat i would think!
i have narrow hips so wonder if my legs are simply closer together??
i think it is very unpleasant anyway and to be avoided if possible
however i have seen threads on here before where people have recommended that special gel or spray that is meant to work brilliantly

Dear all,
Thank you so much for the replies, and apologies for not returning sooner after posting.
The talc I already have, so will try that immediately, followed by the 15-dernier tights-into-shorts tip for this weekend. I like the sound of that one Wannabe, sounds like a trade secret (well, for size 14 models or something).

And Cyb & CoupleofKooks, absolutely no offence taken, in fact point well made. I would really like to lose a good stone, and having only given up breastfeeding a few months ago, feel like I'm just remembering my body exists, kind of recognising it in a mirror, realising it is actually mine - and wanting it to look a bit more like it used to. However, I wouldn't have thought just a couple of pounds could make a difference, so that's an incentive to put down tonight's flapjack and white wine and maybe run with the dog tomorrow morning instead of walk.

However, in the meantime I was hoping someone could recommend a great brand of shorts that don't make it all about my bottom and stomach. Like my Long&Lean jeans, but cotton shorts... does Gap do vaguely flattering ones perhaps? (No Gap here - just H&M and Zara really - but visitors from the UK can bring me stuff or I can order online).

Helium, maybe I'm just too hot (!) Or it's these sweat-inducing high temperatures.

I'm off to look up the Lanacane gel now...