Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses can be a source of discomfort due to their intricate designs and heavy fabrics. Chafing, particularly on the shoulders, thighs, and underarms, is a common issue that can ruin a bride's special day. To prevent this, some brides opt for anti-chafing products such as balms, gels, and sticks, which can be applied to the skin to reduce friction and irritation. Others choose to wear specific undergarments, such as anti-chafing shorts or long Spanx, to provide an extra layer of protection. Additionally, alterations to the dress itself, such as adding boning to the bodice or replacing rough beads with smoother alternatives, can help redistribute the weight of the dress and reduce chafing. With these solutions, brides can walk down the aisle comfortably and confidently.
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What You'll Learn
Use an anti-chafing stick or balm
Anti-chafing sticks or balms are a great way to prevent shoulder chafing from your wedding dress. These products are designed to be applied to the skin before putting on the dress, creating a barrier that reduces friction and helps to keep your skin smooth and irritation-free.
There are several anti-chafing products available on the market, such as Body Glide® balm, which can be purchased online or from various retailers. Body Glide® products are designed to prevent chafing in multiple areas, including the underarms, elbows, hips, and chest—areas that are commonly affected by tight or rubbing wedding attire. Keep a stick or balm on hand throughout your wedding day, and ask your maid of honour to carry one for you as well.
Another option is Lanocaine, a silicone gel or lube that is commonly used by cyclists to prevent chafing in sensitive areas. This product can be applied liberally to the inner shoulder area to prevent rubbing and irritation from your wedding dress. It is important to test any anti-chafing product with your dress beforehand to ensure it does not discolour or stain the fabric.
In addition to anti-chafing sticks and balms, there are other similar products that can be used to prevent shoulder chafing. Anti-perspirant, for example, can be applied to the inner shoulder area to reduce sweating and potentially minimise friction. Beeswax is another option, although it may not last all day and could rub off, leaving your skin exposed.
By using anti-chafing sticks, balms, or similar products, you can help ensure that your wedding day is comfortable and enjoyable, without the irritation and discomfort of shoulder chafing from your dress.
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Wear shorts under your dress
Wearing shorts under your wedding dress is a great way to prevent chafing and to provide some extra coverage. Anti-chafing shorts are designed to be worn in high-friction zones, so they are comfortable and invisible underneath your dress. They are usually made from lightweight, silky-smooth, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat and moisture.
You can choose from a variety of styles and fabrics, including nylon, spandex, polyester, and bamboo. Some popular options include the Thigh Society Cooling Shorts, which are made from innovative performance fabric that draws heat and sweat away from the body. They are light and thin, so you won't feel like you're wearing extra layers. You can also find anti-chafing shorts from brands like Soma, Lululemon, Shapermint, Jockey, and Spanx.
For a budget-friendly option, Amazon offers a pack of three anti-chafing shorts made from a nylon and spandex blend, providing a touch of support and comfort. If you're looking for skin tone-matching shades, Noosh's Air shorts offer a wide range of colours.
Anti-chafing shorts are a great investment as they can be worn long after your wedding day, providing comfort and confidence under dresses, skirts, or any other outfit.
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Ask your seamstress to add boning to the bodice
If your wedding dress is causing chafing on your shoulders, one solution is to ask your seamstress to add boning to the bodice. Boning is a flexible plastic that can be inserted into the dress to give it rigidity and reinforce the structure of the dress. It helps to redistribute the weight of the dress so that it isn't all resting on your shoulders. This can prevent the fabric from digging into your skin and causing discomfort or chafing.
Adding boning to the bodice can be especially helpful if you have a larger bust size, as it will provide extra support and help to hold up the weight of the dress in other ways. However, keep in mind that boning will not prevent the dress from falling down—it simply ensures that the dress moves with gravity in a uniform way, maintaining its structure and silhouette.
When adding boning, your seamstress should ensure that the side seams are snug, providing a secure fit that will also help to keep the dress in place. Additionally, consider the style and silhouette of your dress, as adding boning may slightly change the way the dress falls. If you are concerned about altering the appearance of your dress, you may want to discuss other options with your seamstress, such as reducing the layers in the skirt or adjusting the armhole size.
It is worth noting that boning is not the only solution to shoulder chafing. Other options include using anti-chafing products or adding shapewear underneath your dress. However, adding boning to the bodice can be an effective way to provide additional support and comfort while also preserving the aesthetics of your wedding dress.
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Use liquid latex or liquid band-aid
Liquid latex or liquid bandages are a great way to prevent shoulder chafing from your wedding dress. Liquid bandages are small and unobtrusive, and they won't get in the way of your wedding attire. They are also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about them coming off while you're getting ready or dancing the night away.
Liquid bandages are available at your local pharmacy and come in spray-on or paint-on forms. They are easy to apply and work well for small cuts and blisters. To use a liquid bandage, start by washing the affected area with soap and cold water. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel or gauze pad. Once the area is completely dry, apply the liquid bandage. It should go on top of the skin, where the cut comes together, and cover the wound completely. Hold the skin together for about a minute to let the adhesive dry.
Liquid latex is another option for preventing chafing. It is a skin-coloured liquid that can be applied to the skin to create a protective barrier. It is often used by cyclists to prevent chafing in their trouser areas. You can find liquid latex products online or at specialty stores.
To prevent wedding day chafing, you can also use products like Body Glide balms, which are designed to prevent chafing in areas like the underarms, elbows, hips, and chest. These can be applied to your trouble areas before getting dressed, and you can keep them on hand throughout the ceremony.
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Wear silicone gel or lube
If you're experiencing shoulder chafing from your wedding dress, one solution is to apply silicone gel or lube to the affected areas. Lanacane is a popular anti-chafe gel that can be used to prevent chafing on the arms, legs, stomach, and anywhere else that clothing may rub. It's designed to protect the skin from irritation and has been known to work for athletes during triathlons, so it should definitely work for your wedding day!
Silicone-based products like Lanacane are a great option because they are designed to form a protective barrier on the skin, reducing friction and providing long-lasting comfort. This type of product is usually clear and non-staining, so you don't have to worry about any discolouration on your wedding dress. It's also a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before your wedding day to ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions.
To apply the silicone gel or lube, simply follow the instructions on the product and apply a thin layer to your shoulders and anywhere else that your dress may be causing chafing. You may want to ask your maid of honour or a trusted friend to help you apply the product to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that you don't miss any spots. It's always a good idea to do a test run before your wedding day to see how the product works and to make sure it doesn't affect the fabric of your dress.
On your wedding day, make sure to keep the silicone gel or lube on hand for reapplication if needed. Depending on the formula, you may need to reapply it after a few hours, especially if you're going to be dancing and moving around a lot. Keeping some with you will ensure that you can quickly touch up any areas that need it and continue enjoying your special day chafe-free!
While silicone gel or lube can be a great solution for preventing and treating shoulder chafing, it's always a good idea to also consider other options, such as adjusting the fit of your dress or using anti-chafe sticks or patches. However, by following the tips above, you can definitely make silicone gel or lube work for you and help you feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to prevent your wedding dress from chafing your shoulders. You could ask your seamstress to add boning to the bodice to redistribute the weight of the dress, or to loosen the armhole if it is too small and causing the fabric to dig in. You could also apply an anti-chafing stick or balm, such as Body Glide, to your shoulders, or use Tegaderm patches to protect your skin.
You could ask your seamstress to replace the beading with smooth beads of equal size and colour, or add a smooth fabric backing to the affected seams. Alternatively, you could apply liquid latex or liquid Band-Aid to your inner arms to protect your skin from the beading.
To prevent chafing in other areas, such as the underarms, elbows, hips, and chest, you can apply an anti-chafing balm such as Body Glide to the affected areas. You can also wear anti-chafing shorts or knickers underneath your dress for extra protection and comfort.
