Bike short recommendations for the large runner
March 6, 2022 2:20 PM Subscribe
I did read through previous questions but it's been a while so I wanted to consult the hive mind: what plus size fitted shorts do you wear to prevent chub rub?
I have been running in joggers and much to my displeasure I have managed to develop friction blisters on my lower legs, right below my butt. Changing to leggings has helped a lot, so I know it's skin against skin that's the problem, but it's about to be summer so I need something shorter. I have tried a few random purchases from Amazon and Target but haven't had any luck. Either they don't fit and/or the seams aren't flatlocked so they just rub in other places. Jockey skimmies are highly recommended but I need a 3x and they don't sell them. I'm apple shaped with a big butt and looking for size 22/24 ish, and I would love to find something as high waisted as most leggings, but that seems unlikely.
My next try was going to be Old Navy, but I figured I'd ask for personal recommendations. How do you control your butt bounce?
I have been running in joggers and much to my displeasure I have managed to develop friction blisters on my lower legs, right below my butt. Changing to leggings has helped a lot, so I know it's skin against skin that's the problem, but it's about to be summer so I need something shorter. I have tried a few random purchases from Amazon and Target but haven't had any luck. Either they don't fit and/or the seams aren't flatlocked so they just rub in other places. Jockey skimmies are highly recommended but I need a 3x and they don't sell them. I'm apple shaped with a big butt and looking for size 22/24 ish, and I would love to find something as high waisted as most leggings, but that seems unlikely.
My next try was going to be Old Navy, but I figured I'd ask for personal recommendations. How do you control your butt bounce?
Best answer: I can vouch for Old Navy! I particularly like that the bottom hems are stretchy enough that they don’t give my legs an unfortunate sausage-like appearance and are more comfortable than the Amazon brand I tried.
posted by MadamM at 3:04 PM on March 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by MadamM at 3:04 PM on March 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you want an alternative to the Jockey Skimmies, I hear great things about Snag Tights Chub Rub Shorts. However, it’s my understanding that (like the Jockey slipshorts), they are very much not bike shorts: they’re much too sheer to wear alone, and not compressive. I love slipshorts for under dresses, but I’m not sure they’re something I would want to wear while working out. (I wear the 2x Skimmies, and I’ve bookmarked Snag Tights to buy replacements as they wear out.)
That said, I also second Old Navy. I’ve tried a bunch of other, more expensive workout pants, and I keep coming back to their compression line. I know they have shorts-length, although I can’t rec them personally; I stick to the cropped lengths because I would still chafe above the knee in the shorts.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 3:32 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
That said, I also second Old Navy. I’ve tried a bunch of other, more expensive workout pants, and I keep coming back to their compression line. I know they have shorts-length, although I can’t rec them personally; I stick to the cropped lengths because I would still chafe above the knee in the shorts.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 3:32 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Look for tri shorts. They have a very thin pad, and they're designed to be worn throughout swimming, biking, and running. Bike shorts have a thicker pad and tend to move around more when running, and chafing follows.
posted by disconnect at 3:34 PM on March 6, 2022
posted by disconnect at 3:34 PM on March 6, 2022
I bought a few pairs of Thigh Society chub rub shorts and have been really happy with them. They come in 4 different fabrics and several different lengths. They have sizes up to 6XL although not in every style. And their website has a “see it in my size” option so you can see models who look like you. I have never worn them for exercise, though, only preventing thigh chafing when I wear summer dresses.
posted by cranberrymonger at 3:45 PM on March 6, 2022
posted by cranberrymonger at 3:45 PM on March 6, 2022
Best answer: Old navy is my go to for longer, next to the body shorts (for women, not sure about men). They usually sell in 3-5-7 inseams- I prefer 7 and I wear them for my daily walks. They also have great pockets that comfortably hold my phone and keys
posted by raccoon409 at 4:14 PM on March 6, 2022
posted by raccoon409 at 4:14 PM on March 6, 2022
Best answer: A plus sized friend raved about the comfort of Pop Fit leggings, so I got a pair to support a brand that actually seems to value all bodies, and they are now my favorite workout leggings. The fit is great, with the high waist you asked for, and they have really nice pockets. I see that they do have shorts, and now I'm thinking I might need some, too.
posted by hydropsyche at 4:25 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by hydropsyche at 4:25 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Oh, also, Pop Fit sometimes has specials where you get free leggings and just pay the cost of shipping!
posted by hydropsyche at 4:27 PM on March 6, 2022
posted by hydropsyche at 4:27 PM on March 6, 2022
I've never had luck with clothing to prevent this (as a 6'2" 230lb man it's always been an issue). What works wonders for me is Body Glide. Strongly recommended if you haven't tried it yet.
posted by kdar at 4:29 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by kdar at 4:29 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
The superhold pocket shorts from Superfit Hero are my go-to. I’m a 20/22 and have run multiple half-marathons in these.
I also strongly recommend Squirrels Nut Butter - it works better for me than Bodyglide and other similar things to prevent chafing pretty much everywhere.
posted by okayokayigive at 4:33 PM on March 6, 2022
I also strongly recommend Squirrels Nut Butter - it works better for me than Bodyglide and other similar things to prevent chafing pretty much everywhere.
posted by okayokayigive at 4:33 PM on March 6, 2022
Superfit Hero shorts + Chamois Buttr on any potential hot spots. Cyclists use this product for shorts chafing and I found it good for running too.
posted by Red Desk at 7:43 PM on March 6, 2022
posted by Red Desk at 7:43 PM on March 6, 2022
Best answer: I've heard great things about Snag Tights, who do Chub Rub Shorts in a wide range of sizes and colours. I'm not clear whether they're opaque enough that you could wear them on their own, or whether they're for wearing under flappier shorts, but worth a look.
(Oh! On Preview, seconding CtrlAltDelete!)
posted by penguin pie at 2:51 AM on March 7, 2022
(Oh! On Preview, seconding CtrlAltDelete!)
posted by penguin pie at 2:51 AM on March 7, 2022
Best answer: Nthing Old Navy. I especially like their "powersoft" shorts. They're the right combo of soft material with a bit of stretch but also some compression. And the material is almost a teeny bit slick so your legs can easily just sort of glide past each other without friction. Also, a pocket and high waist. But in general, I've been very happy with Old Navy activewear. High quality for the price.
Oh, and I just checked one of my pairs of the Old Navy powersoft shorts (same ones I linked to above), and they are made with flatlock seams. Some of my much older pair of Old Navy shorts don't seem to have them, but it looks like the newer lines they are now using them.
posted by litera scripta manet at 5:45 AM on March 7, 2022
Oh, and I just checked one of my pairs of the Old Navy powersoft shorts (same ones I linked to above), and they are made with flatlock seams. Some of my much older pair of Old Navy shorts don't seem to have them, but it looks like the newer lines they are now using them.
posted by litera scripta manet at 5:45 AM on March 7, 2022
I love jockey skimmies but I would never wear them for running. They are a see-through undergarment. They are great to prevent friction under dresses and skirts.
I have been happy with the jogging shorts from Oiselle and Athleta.
posted by mcgsa at 9:17 AM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I have been happy with the jogging shorts from Oiselle and Athleta.
posted by mcgsa at 9:17 AM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'm about the same size as you and I hate Old Navy activewear, I don't think their plus sizes are cut right at all. I have had great luck with Core10 from Amazon, and also Athleta.
posted by notjustthefish at 10:59 AM on March 7, 2022
posted by notjustthefish at 10:59 AM on March 7, 2022
I own many pairs of leggings by an Australian brand, Active Truth. They go to 3XL, and they design each size separately rather than scaling up the smaller sizes. Here's their bike short, they also do an ultra high waist bike short and a version with pockets. They are a bit more expensive though.
posted by cholly at 12:26 PM on March 7, 2022
posted by cholly at 12:26 PM on March 7, 2022
Response by poster: Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! I ended up trying Snag Tights -- they are definitely tight-like and not quite what I was looking for, but nice and thin at least -- Pop Fit -- great fit but thicker than I expected so I'm a little unsure how much I'll like them once it gets really hot -- and Old Navy -- which turned out to be the winner, specifically the Powersoft line which I am now obsessed with, buttery soft and compressive without being tight. I also bookmarked the rest of these suggestions to try in the future, so thank you for all of the ideas!!
posted by possibilityleft at 4:07 PM on April 7, 2022
posted by possibilityleft at 4:07 PM on April 7, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by little mouth at 2:26 PM on March 6, 2022