How to Prevent Chafing During Long Restaurant or Café Shifts
Posted by Jack Miller on 29th Mar 2025
Working in a restaurant or café means being on your feet for 8-10 hours (or more), constantly moving between tables, the kitchen, and the register. While the fast-paced environment can be rewarding, it also comes with physical challenges—one of the biggest being chafing.
When you’re constantly walking, sweating, and dealing with heat from the kitchen, inner thigh chafing can become a serious problem. The good news is that anti-chafing underwear and thigh bands can help prevent irritation, so you can stay comfortable throughout your shift.
Why Do Restaurant and Café Workers Experience Chafing?
If you’ve ever ended a shift with burning, red, or irritated skin between your thighs, you’re not alone. Chafing happens when skin rubs against skin or clothing, creating friction that leads to painful rashes.
Common Causes of Chafing in the Food Industry:
�� Sweat buildup: Long hours, hot kitchens, and constant movement cause excessive sweating.
�� Rough uniforms: Scratchy fabrics and ill-fitting pants can worsen skin irritation.
�� Non-stop movement: Walking and rushing between tables all day increases friction.
��️ Hot & humid conditions: Kitchen heat and warm weather make chafing worse.
When chafing gets severe, it can make every step painful, turning a long shift into a miserable experience. That’s why preventing it before it starts is key.
How to Prevent Chafing on Long Restaurant or Café Shifts
To keep your thighs comfortable during an 8-10 hour shift, you need to reduce friction and moisture. Here are the best ways to do that:
1. Wear Anti-Chafing Underwear
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is anti-chafing underwear. These are designed with longer legs to cover the inner thighs and prevent skin-on-skin friction.
Why Anti-Chafing Underwear Works:
✔ Prevents rubbing: Creates a smooth, protective layer between your thighs.
✔ Moisture-wicking fabric: Keeps sweat away from your skin, reducing irritation.
✔ Comfortable for all-day wear: No seams or tight spots to dig into your skin.
✔ Stays in place: No riding up or bunching under your work pants.
Best Anti-Chafing Underwear for Restaurant Workers:
- Long boxer briefs: Ideal for men and women who prefer full thigh coverage.
- Seamless shorts: Great for wearing under skirts or looser uniform pants.
- Compression shorts: Provide extra support and protection for fast-paced shifts.
When choosing anti-chafing underwear, look for breathable fabrics like nylon, spandex, or bamboo for maximum comfort.
2. Use Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands
If you don’t want to wear longer underwear, anti-chafing thigh bands (also called thigh chafing bands) are a great alternative. These soft, elastic bands wrap around your upper thighs to prevent skin-on-skin contact.
Benefits of Anti-Chafing Thigh Bands:
✔ Lightweight & breathable: Perfect for hot kitchens and long shifts.
✔ Non-slip design: Many have silicone grips to keep them in place.
✔ Works under any uniform: Great for skirts, dresses, or loose pants.
Look for adjustable, moisture-wicking bands that fit snugly but don’t dig into your skin.
3. Apply Anti-Chafing Balms or Powders
If you need extra protection, applying an anti-chafing balm or powder before your shift can help keep your thighs dry and irritation-free.
Best Anti-Chafing Products for Restaurant Workers:
✔ Body Glide: A long-lasting anti-chafing stick that protects the skin.
✔ Gold Bond Powder: Absorbs sweat and reduces friction.
✔ Vaseline or Coconut Oil: Creates a barrier to prevent rubbing.
Simply apply a thin layer to your inner thighs before putting on your uniform, and reapply as needed during breaks.
4. Stay Cool & Dry During Your Shift
Since sweat is a major cause of chafing, keeping cool and dry can make a big difference.
Tips to Reduce Sweat & Friction:
- Wear breathable fabrics (cotton uniforms tend to trap sweat, so opt for moisture-wicking blends if possible).
- Take breaks when you can to cool off and let your skin breathe.
- Use a small fan in hot kitchens to reduce sweating.
- Keep extra anti-chafing balm or powder in your locker or bag for quick touch-ups.
Working long shifts in a restaurant or café doesn’t have to mean suffering from painful chafing. By wearing anti-chafing underwear or thigh bands, applying protective balms or powders, and staying cool and dry, you can prevent irritation and focus on getting through your shift comfortably.
Try these simple solutions, and you’ll never have to deal with the misery of chafing at work again!