Jockey Skimmies Review: My Long-Term Review of the Original
I first published this Jockey Skimmies review in 2014 after purchasing two pairs with my own money. I went on to wear Skimmies for years, bought additional pairs, and even worked with Jockey on a campaign. This review has been updated after more than a decade of experience and my current thoughts on how Jockey Skimmies compare to newer anti-chafing shorts.
If you've ever dealt with thigh chafing under dresses and skirts, you know how quickly it can ruin an otherwise great outfit, or your entire day. Back in 2014, I kept seeing influencers rave about Jockey Skimmies Slipshorts, lightweight shorts designed to be worn under clothing to prevent thigh chafing.
At the time, many of the reviews I saw were sponsored. As someone who also does sponsored reviews, I know it's possible to be honest about gifted products, but I was curious enough about Skimmies that I decided to buy them myself and test them on my own terms.
I bought two pairs: the regular mid-thigh Jockey Skimmies Slipshort and the Short Length Slipshort. I wore them under dresses and skirts through hot, humid Washington, D.C. area summers and eventually bought more.
Shop all current Jockey Skimmies styles →
The short version of this very long-term Jockey Skimmies review? They're good. They aren't my favorite anti-chafing shorts anymore, but I still think Jockey Skimmies are a solid and relatively affordable option for preventing thigh chafing.
Looking for More than Jockey?
I have a separate guide to the best products to prevent thigh chafing, where I compare Jockey Skimmies with Thigh Society, Snag, Knix, thigh bands, anti-chafing sticks, and more.
What Are Jockey Skimmies?
Jockey Skimmies have changed and expanded quite a bit since I first reviewed them in 2014. What began as a simple slipshort is now a collection with different lengths, rises, fabrics, and levels of smoothing.
The mid-thigh Skimmies is the original style I wore and recommended for years, and that's the product this long-term review is primarily about. Jockey now also offers shorter styles, ultralight and cooling fabrics, and more smoothing-focused Skimmies for those who want additional support.
I haven't personally tested every version of Skimmies currently available, so I'm not going to pretend I can tell you which of the newer styles is best. My experience in this review is primarily with the Original Skimmies and the shorter version I purchased and wore.
If you're shopping the current collection, pay attention to length, rise, fabric, and compression rather than assuming all Skimmies will fit and feel like the Original.
My Original Jockey Skimmies Review
When I first tested Skimmies, I purchased both the mid-thigh and short lengths in size Large. At the time I was 5'3″ and wore around a size 14.
The fabric was one of the first things that impressed me. It was silky enough that knit dresses slid over it instead of getting caught, but the Skimmies didn't feel like pantyhose. The waistband didn't bind, the legs didn't dig into my thighs, and I didn't find that they created obvious lines underneath my clothing.
But the best thing? The mid-thigh length Skimmies stayed put.
I once wore them for 11 hours straight, including plenty of walking in hot weather, and they didn't shift, sag, or bunch. That was a revelation after years of trying various shorts underneath dresses to prevent chafing.
However, there was a catch…
Original Mid-Thigh vs. Short-Length Jockey Skimmies
On my 5'3″ frame, the mid-thigh Skimmies were quite long. My original pair ended only about 2.5″ above my knee, which made them great for midi and maxi dresses but visible with anything knee length or shorter. The Shortie Length seemed like the obvious solution…
Unfortunately, the shorter Skimmies rode up on me.
I'd stand up from my chair and need to tug down a leg. I'd walk a block and have to adjust them again. Usually only one leg rode up at first, so they still prevented chafing, but if I couldn't adjust them in time, both legs would eventually creep upward.
Bodies are as varied as snowflakes, so your experience may be completely different from mine. But after years of wearing anti-chafing shorts, I've consistently found that the length and where the hem hits your particular thighs can matter just as much as the brand.
Putting Jockey Skimmies to the Test
A year after my original independent review, Jockey invited me to participate in a sponsored Skimmies campaign. By then, I'd already become a genuine fan and was excited to test them again (and this time get paid). One of my best tests for that campaign happened at an outdoor wedding on an extremely hot and humid day.
I wore Skimmies under a silk maxi dress while helping my photographer husband organize people for photos, keeping up with our daughter, walking around in serious humidity, getting caught in torrential rain (twice!) and eventually dancing.
All that, and my thighs did not chafe.
Even better, I didn't spend the event thinking about my underwear. The Skimmies didn't roll down, sag, or squeeze me like a control garment. Besides the uncomfortable weather, I was comfortable thanks to the Jockey Skimmies and each time I think back to that day, I can't help but think about that. It's why I have continued to own and recommend these slipshorts for over a decade. My original account of that day appeared in a 2015 sponsored Jockey giveaway campaign, which I've since retired and consolidated into this long-term review.
What I Like About Jockey Skimmies
They prevent thigh chafing. That's obviously the main event, and the regular Skimmies worked extremely well for me.
They aren't shapewear. I don't want to spend a hot summer day with my abdomen and thighs compressed. Regular Skimmies provide a barrier without trying to change the shape of my body.
Clothes glide over them. The smooth fabric works nicely under dresses and skirts, especially knits that might otherwise cling to underwear.
They're comfortable. The waistband and leg openings of the regular Skimmies didn't dig into me, and I could wear them for hours without constantly thinking about them.
They're relatively affordable. This remains one of the biggest reasons I recommend Jockey. There are anti-chafing shorts I now prefer, but you don't have to buy the most expensive slip shorts on the market to stop your thighs from rubbing together.
What I Don't Like About Jockey Skimmies
The length isn't ideal for my body. The regular Skimmies stayed in place beautifully but were long on my petite frame. The shorter version worked with more of my wardrobe but always rode up on me.
They can feel warmer than newer options. Skimmies didn't make me unbearably hot, but after trying newer, lighter anti-chafing shorts, I realized how much less fabric I could get away with.
They're no longer my personal favorite. That's not because I suddenly think Jockey Skimmies are bad. Better options for my particular body and preferences have come along since I wrote this review.
Jockey Skimmies vs. Thigh Society
This is probably the biggest change since my original Jockey Skimmies review.
I eventually tried Thigh Society, and its Cooling shorts replaced Skimmies as my personal favorite. I find Thigh Society Cooling shorts lighter and less noticeable in hot weather, and the available lengths work better for my 5'3″ body. I've also had excellent longevity from my Thigh Society shorts. You can read my full Thigh Society review for my experience with the different styles and lengths.
But… and this is important… Thigh Society costs considerably more.
If you own Jockey Skimmies and they stay put, keep wearing them! There is no reason to replace a product that's doing its job just because I found something I personally prefer.
And if you're buying your first pair of anti-chafing shorts and don't want to spend Thigh Society prices, I still think Jockey Skimmies are worth considering.
For a broader comparison, my guide to preventing thigh chafing compares Jockey with Thigh Society, Snag, Knix, and other solutions.
Are Jockey Skimmies Still Worth Buying?
Yes. Jockey Skimmies remain a good choice if you want comfortable, non-compressive slip shorts to prevent thigh chafing without spending a lot of money.
My biggest advice is to pay attention to length.
The regular mid-thigh length stayed in place far better on my body, but it limited which dresses and skirts I could wear. The shorter version was more versatile but tended to ride up on me. Where your thighs touch and where the leg opening hits your body may determine which version works better for you.
If budget isn't your primary concern and you want the lightest, most barely-there feeling possible, I personally prefer Thigh Society Cooling shorts today. But that doesn't negate all the years I happily wore Jockey Skimmies. In fact, I still have a pair in my intimates drawer; I was on vacation and realized I forgot to pack slipshorts and grabbed a pair at the nearby big box retailer. They're still great under midi and maxi skirts, especially on a cooler day.
Jockey Skimmies worked then, and they still deserve a place on my list of recommended anti-chafing shorts now, a decade later!
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Wanted to post a quick update to this. I finally got a pair and I love them. I got the wicking in the regular length, and got a large (I wear 10-12). They weren’t hot at all, were very comfortable, and did not roll down at the waist. However, I wanted a bit more support, so I got my next pair in medium. They tend to roll a little at the waist when I’m wearing a dress, but stay put when I’m wearing a skirt. So when I wear a dress, I wear the large, and wear the medium with skirts. When I first put them on, I do feel that they’re shorter in the back than the front, but then I get used to them and they feel fine. Regardless, I love these things. They’ve been a life changer for me.
Awesome feedback, thank you!
OK, I had to come back here and find the post and comment. I got a pair to wear on vacation and holy moly, I’m thrilled!!! Just say no to chub rub!! The dress I wore didn’t cling to them at all, they didn’t budge once I had them where I wanted them, and they didn’t make me hot or crampy like Spanx. Of course, they didn’t have the suck-it-in-ness of Spanx, but that’s OK. Over all, very glad to have them and will probably get another pair or two next time I’m at the outlet.
Hooray! 🙂
I’m always looking out for something to stop the thigh chafing, so thanks for this review! Personally I’m very happy with my “panty shorts” from Thigh Society (http://www.thighsociety.ca/) – they’re nice and breathable, and don’t stick to my dresses, plus don’t have heavy waistbands like bike shorts.
Thanks Allie! It seems like there’s a whole army of us wearing bike shorts or similar under our dresses but hardly anyone talking about it. I’m a size under plus size, but I find it much comfier having a layer between my thighs on a hot day. I’ve only got one pair that’s vague comfy though, so I could possibly do with another for when those are in the wash.
I just heard about these and would love to try them out! I used to wear Spanx under all my dresses and skirts, but they started to mess with my digestive system. I’ve been wearing a pair of old biking shorts lately, but they have seams that are visible under the dress/skirt, which is annoying. I’m glad to hear you like these! I’ll definitely have to try them out! Thank you for the review, Allie!
I like the Commando Control Skort. It’s expensive, but gives a nice smooth line under skirts. The slip is attached to the shorts at the bottom, so it stays put.
I have half a dozen pairs of these and love them. I don’t do a summer skirt or dress without them. I am only 5’3″ but I don’t find they show under skirts that hit above my knee, unless they are well above the knee or I yank down the shorts as far as they will go. I do wear my regular underwear with them.
I also find these are great for travel, even under pants. They rinse and dry fairly quickly, and they put a layer between my clothing and me. So I can rinse (or wash with shampoo after an extra sweaty day) after each wear and prolong the freshness of my clothing. When trying to travel light (carry-on only), it’s a great help.
The Jockey online store has fairly frequent sales so if you stalk a bit, you can pick them up discounted.
I have two pairs (longer short version and the shorter short version) and I love them. I wear them under all my sundresses and winter dresses. I have tried bike shorts and sweat and feel too warm in them. These are lightweight every stretchy and are not too tight that you feel like you can’t breath. I need to buy another pair in beige now.
I love the skimmies! I found them at an outlet on sale 2/$20, loved them, and have since bought a third pair. I do wish there was a medium length, though. I find the short ones to be just a little too short to prevent rub, and the long ones are tough to wear under knee length skirts.
I’m delurking because I can’t *not* comment on this post. About two years ago, three things changed my life in quick succession: Jockey Slipshorts, Wardrobe Oxygen and Gwynnie Bee (the 3rd was thanks to the 2nd!) I hadn’t worn skirts or dresses regularly for years until I discovered the Jockey slipshorts, which I do wear with cotton panties (i.e. the only thing that comes between me and “my Clavins,” due to my lady chemistry.) The first slipshorts I bought have been washed 100s of times and they have not pilled; on only one pair, the waist seam is just barely coming apart. They’re now a little dingy, but it’s only perceptible when compared to a new pair. I can’t think of anything negative about the slipshorts–except to say that like you, I’m not confident that the gusset is cotton. Just recently, I stocked up on several new pairs of the long length in my current size, and they appear to be the same as my original purchase. Because they fit even better, I only now realize the older pairs ride ever so slightly–virtually undetectable except by comparison. If anyone finds that the long ones ride, I would recommend trying the smaller size.
And, while I don’t want to derail this particular topic too drastically, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank you, Allie. I don’t enjoy shopping, have no particular interest in fashion, and for years was extremely frustrated with clothing options available/not available in my size. When I took a new job that required a significantly more professional look, I was lucky to stumble upon Wardrobe Oxygen. Your experiences and insight have truly inspired me to approach building a wardrobe differently, and have influenced my whole outlook. I offer you my sincere appreciation, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Aww you are lovely, Jaynye, thank you so much, you made me tear up. I am so glad I have been of help! <3
Thanks for the frank review. I’ve also seen the run of reviews, and am especially frustrated by reviews on plus size fashion blogs that don’t address how the sizing doesn’t seem to run into plus sizes, or what sizes might fit plus sizes. So not helpful!
Have you tried Bandelettes? I picked up a pair of those a couple months back after reading some reviews by fatshion bloggers and I’m pretty sold on them. They’re basically the top 6″ of a pair of thigh-highs – wide elastic lace bands (though they’ve just come out with a solid/unisex style too) backed with silicone grippy strip stuff. They’re sized by thigh measurement, but size down. I was on the cusp between two sizes and got the smaller of the two, and still had to exchange them for the next one down. But, on the plus side, they’re great about exchanging if you need to.
Anyway, I highly recommend them. They’re inexpensive, light so it doesn’t feel like wearing an entire extra garment under your dress, and I also think they’re kinda sexy in a way bike-short-type solutions aren’t. I’ve worn mine several times in California summer heat and they’ve been fantastic; I’m able to wear dresses for summer for the first time in years!
I bought some bandelettes and have been a bit disappointed. I feel like I have to adjust them constantly. They ride up or just generally get wonky. However, I agree that they are much sexier than bike shorts…
I’ve heard mixed reviews, but glad to hear your positive one!
,,,while i don’t suffer from chafing…Question, have you tried using some sort of powder? would that be helpful? i’m sure you’ve exhausted most recs. (smile) hope you’re able to find just the right solution. i seldom read blogs anymore but when i do i come back to yours,,,
Aww thanks for coming back, Rebecca! Yep, tried everything and fabric seems to do the best for the longest period of time!
http://www.xojane.com/healthy/chub-rub-thigh-chafing-solutions This is a good review of a heap of options.
Also, I would ALWAYS wear underpants under these types of things. I don’t know why, but I have something against wearing hose/tights/skimmies/spanx, etc. without first donning the panties. Goes with the whole potential for a yeast infection I think. Sorry if TMI!
I’m with you on that!
Not TMI, true life!
Like you, I have a pair of cotton/spandex exercise/bike shorts and they are the best. However, they don’t work under light colored dresses. I am reluctant to get something that I won’t absolutely love. Maybe I’ll give these a try, but I worry about being too hot. I like my cotton/spandex, and I’m not sure anything else will do. Ugh.
They really aren’t too hot, they feel like nothing except for that one area. Above someone said they’re often at Jockey Outlets and I hear Kohl’s often has them on sale!
Thanks for the honest review Allie – these sound like just what I need when summer comes around again (I’m in Australia). Do you know if these are available outside the US?
I don’t know what size you are, but I’ve heard good things about Virtu easy breezy shorts (Australian size 12 and up). I’ve just ordered a few pairs myself as they’re on sale for $13 at the moment. http://www.virtushop.com.au/default.aspx?catid=990&pdid=5945
I’ve also been wearing these long undies by a brand called “sloggi” – might have got them from David Jones? They’re great but the one problem is that have lace around the leg openings and I feel like a grandma wearing them 🙂
Thanks Sarah G – I’m currently an Aus16 and have purchased items from Virtu before. I’ll give those a look. And I’m totally willing to wear ‘retro’ lacy sloggi brand!
Thanks Sarah!
I’ve been looking for these in Aus too! I don’t know why they don’t stock them here when Jockey is stocked so many places and it’s hot! Crazy. Anyhow – I’ve found some on ebay in the US that deliver to Aus as Amazon wont.
I only wear the long version – the shorter style feels “too short” on me – but I LOOOOOVE them and buy more whenever they go on sale. I also have found the waist seam has unraveled a bit after half a dozen washes (for $20 undepants that annoys me), but i don’t care. I switch to these as soon as I stop wearing tights in the spring, and wear them in cooler weather with boots too. I don’t stick to my dresses, I feel more covered when the wind blows my skirt up, and I wear them with stretch sport skirts (think Athleta or Title Nine) and find that combo much more flattering and convenient than shorts. Plus I never have any rub or panty line. I have tried pettipants and they felt too loose and floppy.
Seriously, life-changing for me.
What about going with the long and hemming them? Do you think that would work?
Good idea, but one of the best things about these is the lack of seams, so no itching, lines under clothes, etc. They don’t have a hem, sort of like Spanx etc. where it’s a finished edge. Not sure how it would look underneath. But something to consider!
Can I wear them outside as shorts
I’m a Male and these are verry comfortable
Like several others, I am on Team Skimmies. I picked up a pair in the U.S. last summer and wore them during a heatwave while I was visiting – they were a lifesaver. They do double duty in the winter as an extra layer of warmth, too, instead of or with a petticoat. And yet they don’t overheat one in the summer. Thanks for the heads up on the “riding up” of the shorter length one! I will stick with longer ones for my next purchase.
Thanks so much for this review. I saw these in an ad and wondered if they were worth the money. They are on my list now. I have to try a pair.
I have a pair of regular and wicking, the longer length. I like both models.
I had some spandx shorts on earlier in the week and by lunch I was dying from the constriction. These shorts aren’t as tight so they won’t smooth you down a size but you get smoothing and can wear them all day without feeling squeezed. I have some Danskin bike shorts from Walmart that I”ll wear on weekends under really short dresses, but they’re bulkier at the waist than these.
Almost anything at the crotch will get hot in 90 degree weather if you’re walking very far. If it’s really hot I’ll wait until I get to work to put them on.
Can’t wait for the petti-pant review!
Not an actual pettipant review but mentioning them as an option (and that I found mine at eBay 🙂 )
I come here for your reviews and info and this post did not disappoint. Thanks Allison!
Thanks for sharing, Allie. I’ve yet to buy anything to wear under dresses out shirts because it’s been a while since I wore any. But, this summer the plan is to wear them and wear them often. I’ll give these a try based on your experience. I am a 14 @ 5’6″ so the regulars sound like a winner for me.
Haven’t tried them, but great honest review!
http://audreyallure.blogspot.com
I’m not sure if what I have are these or a predecessor (picked them up a few years ago), but I’ve been really happy with them. Especially with a little girl that seems to forget what she’s doing and pick up my skirt on occasion, they’ve become a wardrobe staple.
Emerson does that too!
Love hearing honest reviews… I just got a pair and have yet to really review or wear them to be honest. I rarely wear skimmies and things like thsi — and it gets SO hot in Florida — but I’m finding more and more it would be helpful. Now motivated to give mine a whirl.
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
Long time follower, first time commenter. LOVE your blog. Re: skimmies, I love the originals in regular length, but agree — the short ride up (and I’m 5’7″) and are basically unwearable for me. After a year of frequent wear, my regular length ones were looking a little ragged and the seam at the waist came out, so I purchased the anti-static ones in the regular length and they were terrible! Could be because I have a smaller waist and large hips/rear, but the waist came up higher in the front and lower in the back and they slide down to the point of almost falling off, requiring constant adjustment. I read reviews online, and I’m not alone in this experience with the anti-static. I just ordered a new pair of the originals in regular length, but hope you will update once you’ve tried the wicking.
Thank you Erin for this feedback! I haven’t bought another pair yet but this gives me serious pause. And don’t be a stranger, glad to have your comment! 🙂
Unrelated, sort of, but I’ve encountered a number of items, mainly workout clothes, that ride down in the back but not in the front. What is that all about?
Not sure, but I have had that as well, figured it’s because I’m so bootylicious? 😉
I still like pettipants unless it’s a super form-fitting garment. Prevents chub rub but are also airy enough (made from a slip material) so that they don’t get swampy.
Got a post going live next week that mentions pettipants! ‘Tis the season to prevent chafing!
I reviewed these last summer after finding them in a Jockey Outlet. I think they’re fantastic! I was previously wearing athletic shorts from Walmart under skirts & dresses but they’ve been replaced by the Jockey shorts.
I am totally hitting up the Jockey outlet when I go to the beach this summer!