I recently got a message from a reader asking me some great questions about being plus size and managing thigh rub and the like. I immediately thought, great questions! Lots of women have issues with sweating, chaffing and rubbing regardless of size. I have learned a thing or two about these things. OMG, I once had my thighs rub so badly that I had bleeding grazes! And that was before I got fat! This information may not be glamorous but it will help you to appear that way…..
Anti Chafe Gel: These gel to powder formulations can prevent chafing and are a godsend! They really help me with thigh chafing, sandal chafing and can stand in as a face primer too (no, really). You’ll find them in most chemists, the main brand in Australia in Lanacane and Monistat in the States.
Thigh Coverage: There is always the good old, bike shorts under a skirt routine but if you are after something more attractive, there are bandalettes. They’re essentially an elastic lace band you put around the top of each thigh. I haven’t tried them but I hear good things. If you can sew, you could always make bike shorts with lace legs or use lace to extend the legs of some boy shorts.
Powder: Cornflour/cornstarch (depending on where you are in the world) is the perfect thing for powdering areas that sweat or chafe. Look, some say talc anywhere near the lady parts causes ovarian cancer, I’m not of that opinion but I find talc can create a gross goop, okay? If you want a scented version, just add some cornstarch to container (jar, Tupperware etc) with a cotton ball sprayed with your favourite perfume. A large powder puff is the best way to apply, this tutorial shows you how to make your own.
Deodorant: For armpits, I am all for clinical deodorant and stand by the Mitchum one. Some people also like to use deodorant on other sweaty areas, like under boobs and fat folds. I hear reports that a regular roll on or hard stick type is best for these areas. That said, I don’t think it’s a great idea to use deodorant outside of the arm pit region. A guy did die recently due to fully body application, so be sensible, you know? If facial sweating is a problem, this post has lots of info and for foot sweating, you can get specialized products in most chemists and supermarkets in the foot care area.
Fashion Workarounds – I am a big fan of skirts and dresses all year round but especially in summer. I feel like they provide more ventilation but there is nothing worse than feeling a trickle of sweat down your leg. My answer to this is cotton, high waist knickers, like these. The fabric absorbs any lower back or tummy sweat and allows it to dry off quickly. I swear these have been a godsend. I am also a massive fan of jelly shoes (especially the Mel by Melissa ones) because any sweat washes right off, rather than absorbing and starting to smell. Otherwise, wooden or non porous shoes and sandals for the same reason.
Handbag Helpers – If you are a sweaty betty, it’s worth keeping a mini deodorant and a little spray bottle of witchazel in your bag. Witchazel helps to reduce sweating but the alcohol in it from the distillation process kills the BO bugs. Follow up with some deodorant and you’ll be smelling sweet. I carry what I call my ‘lady fan’ everywhere to try and keep cool. I really does come in handy and you can pick one up for next to nothing in op shops and on ebay.
Okay, that’s my list! I do just want to take a moment here to say that there is no need to be a perfectly dry human that never has one bit rub against the other. I have diagnosed craniofacial hyperhidrosis (that is my face and scalp sweat like crazy!) as a consequence of my medication. And generally I just sweat more. So, even with these measures, I’m only reducing the effects, not completely ameliorating them. Here in South Australia it’s hot! Its only Spring and we have already had days in the mid 30’s (or low 90’s for my US friends). Which means, there will be sweat! Let’s make a pact. I’ll wear weather appropriate clothes (even if it means showing off my dreaded arms) and sweat anyway. You do the same. And when we meet, we’ll both be nice about it and I’ll share my lady fan, okay? If I’ve missed a good tip, be nice and add it comments xxxx
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