If you have thick thighs and love to run, the struggle is real when it comes to shorts. Take it from a thick thigh girlie who loves to run, I've tried dozens of shorts from different brands trying to find that perfect pair that fits both my waist and thighs, doesn't chafe, doesn't ride up, and doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a diaper.
Hi, I'm Nina. I’m a former Olympic athlete and a self-proclaimed "thick thigh girlie" who is on a mission to design the perfect chafe-free running short. To do that, I've spent serious time (and money) trying virtually every pair of running shorts for thick thighs on the market, so you don't have to.
I've trolled Reddit threads, scrolled endless TikToks, run surveys, and bought and tested shorts on long runs, hill sprints, shake outs, and casual jogs and I've narrowed it down to my Top 3 depending on the style and fit you're looking for. The search never ends, so if you've got a recommendation for a better short, drop it in the comments and I'll check them out!
1. For Maximum Chafe-Free Coverage: Lululemon Track Short (5-Inch)
If your main goal is physical barrier protection—meaning you want the fabric itself to prevent any skin-on-skin rubbing—the Lululemon Track That 5" is your winner.
This short provides the most coverage in a traditional woven short style, offering a solid 5-inch inseam. The built-in liner is where the chafe protection truly happens; it offers a gentle compression that keeps it from riding up on your thigh.
|
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
|
Superior Chafe Protection due to the longer inseam. |
Sizing can be tricky; and the thighs generally run small/narrow. |
|
Secure, zippered waistband pocket suitable for stashing keys or a credit card, but don't expect any phone storage |
Not the lightest or airiest option for extremely hot weather. |
|
Durable and moisture-wicking fabric |
5" inseam is pretty long, especially if you're on the shorter side |
Pro Tip: I recommend sizing up one size in these shorts, especially if you have powerful quads and hamstrings. These shorts have limited stretch and run narrow in the thigh so sizing up ensures you've got enough leg room to move while providing reliable chafe free running.
2. For Unlined, Flowy Freedom: Vuori Villa or Athleta Weekender Short
I get it, some of us just HATE brief lined shorts, but it seems like nowadays every performance run short comes with a liner. If you prefer a completely unlined running short that provides ultimate freedom of movement, checkout the Vuori Villa Short or the Athleta Weekender Short.
These shorts are designed for maximum flow and roominess, not compression. They have a wider leg opening and a loose fit that encourages making them feel airy and effortless. They are perfect for shorter, casual runs, cross-training, or hiking where ventilation is key.
|
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
|
Super Flowy and lightweight fabric. |
Pretty basic on features. These shorts are a cross between a lifestyle/hike/run short and lack more high performance features |
|
Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. |
Drop in pockets are NOT functional for running |
3. For the Minimalist: Lululemon Shake it Out 2.5" Short
When you need a running short that completely stays out of your way and offers zero distraction, the Lululemon Shake it Out 2.5" is a solid option.
This short is aggressively short (2.5-inch inseam) and airy. While it will not offer the physical coverage of the 5-inch short, its brevity prevents fabric bunching, which is a major contributor to chafing. Pair this with your favorite body glide and you're good to go.
|
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
|
Airy and Lightweight; you barely notice you’re wearing them. |
Very short; requires caution when bending, stretching, or doing floor work. |
|
Excellent for speed work and shorter distances. |
Minimal chafe protection due to the short inseam. |
|
Built-in liner and multiple pocket options. |
|
Be Warned: As the name implies, this is a very short short. I wouldn't recommend doing a bench press or toe touch in these, but for getting out of your way on the track, it’s a solid contender
The Verdict and Our Mission at Generation Sport
Finding the right running shorts for thick thighs is about finding the right compromise: coverage versus freedom.
|
Goal |
Recommended Short |
|---|---|
|
Ultimate Chafe Prevention |
Lululemon Track That 5" |
|
Flow and Comfort (Unlined) |
Vuori Villa / Athleta Weekender |
|
Maximum Freedom |
Lululemon Shake it Out 2.5" |
My journey trying to find the perfect chafe free running short on the market has only confirmed one thing: we deserve better. As an athlete and engineer, I’m committed to designing the ultimate chafe-free running short—one that combines the coverage needed to prevent chafing with the comfort and roominess that strong bodies need.
What are your biggest struggles with current running shorts? Drop a comment below and help me design the gear we deserve!
