Today was leg day – one of my favourite days. But I discovered whilst getting ready that I was behind on the washing and so threw on some loose shorts thinking “this’ll do”. 

BIG MISTAKE, HUGE!

In recent months I have been shifting some weight on Leg day in the past 7 weeks I have upped my PB by 30kg on some exercises and the muscle mass is developing nicely. But, and there is a but, cue the chafing of my thighs! 

Chafing is that soreness where skin rubs together, gets dry and irritated. This is predominantly why I have gravitated to a pair of exercise tights or some knee length cycling shorts for leg day. Singlets I have found to do the trick too, and if truth be told, I like that they give the illusion of holding my stomach in!

The belt squat in particular can cause some rubbing between the heavy fabric belt which hangs down between your legs and the skin on the inner thighs, particularly whilst in full extension. So having an extra barrier is giving them a bit of reprieve. 

I don’t spend a lot on gym gear, if I had more money to spare then perhaps I would, but I have found some cheap items that do the job well, so with this in mind, this is my round up of leg day gym wear that protects the thighs but doesn’t break the bank! 

Grey gym Leggings from Primark

£8

I’m wearing a: Medium 

Primark have some great gym wear, as well as a collection by KEM (from Love Island, fame) that is really good quality for a fraction of the price of most places.

I rate the elastic waistband really highly and doesn’t really curl over when active, they are a super tight fit but do allow a good range of movement. Some readjust no required but nothing too outrageous!

White gym/cycling shorts from Temu

£3.59

I’m wearing a: 32

Leaving any Temu controversies out of it, these shorts do the job and have washed well – which for gym kit is very important!

There is some curling of the waist band, and you do need full coverage briefs or briefs ver briefs underneath or they are slightly NSFW! 

They look great in my opinion but are definitely one of the lower quality items.

Silver and Black singlet from BOX Memswear.

£22 (in the sale)

I’m wearing a: L/XL

I love a singlet – they are some comfortable, move well and have this incredible holding in feeling to them. For the price point Box is the best on the market, without a question.

My only slight Irk is that with sizing which is S/M or L/XL of course I seem to be somewhere in the middle! I find this wine a little baggy just because it’s a tad too big! 

Grey pro combat shorts from Temu

£5 (ish)

I’m wearing a: Medium 

These are so comfortable to wear, again in the Temu theme the waist elastic is not so strong so there is some curling when active, but otherwise I really enjoy wearing them. Lots of freedom of movement and I love the logo emblazoned on the back of the thigh – BEAST! 

Black Athletic Tauwell Singlet from Amazon 

£12

I’m wearing a: Medium 

The fit of this is good, the quality of the fabric is ok and the design is good for a leaner frame than mine – the n my other singlets I have been known to wear them alone as the arm holes are less dropped – but these I just don’t find a flattering fit on my frame. It’s less a criticism

Of the design and more a personal preference but these quality is good for the price that I paid – that is for sure.

Maroon Connecticut State singlet from

Box Menswear

£32 (on sale)

I’m wearing a: S/M

This is my fave singlet that I own – it gives the US Collegiate vibes and I like the more vest-like cut to the upper section of it. As the antithises of its silver counterpart, the sizing is on the smaller side and therefore is pretty tight on my bulkier frame! This singlet is pracical, easy to move I and I personally love the aesthetic, so it’s top marks from 

White/ Grey fitness tights Qube from Amazon 

£9.99

I’m wearing a: medium 

Love the colour combo and they are a very elasticated fabric so clings quite close to the skin. I do find myself having to pull them up fairly regularly which is a bit annoying! Again limited underwear choices because of the white fabric around the crotch, but I do think they look awesome on, so from an aesthetics POV – I am on board! 

Camo sports shorts from Amazon 

£9.99

I’m wearing a:  Large

These shorts look great and are roomy around the thighs for those who need more room. The fabric is super lightweight and dries quickly which for Gym
kit is key. These are a standard sportspersons short, and they do the job. These are definitely not going to stop the thigh Chafing though, so that is a consideration that I have to take into account for my gym wear.

So there are some options! What do you think? do you have any favourites? Let me know in the comments! 

TIB