The Shorts I Always Wear Under Short Dresses

There are few things more annoying than a cute dress ruined by discomfort (i.e. thigh chafing) or that awkward moment when a strong gust of wind turns a casual stroll into a surprise flashing incident. And as a mom to two young boys, I’m constantly bending over, sitting on the floor, or chasing after them, so wearing dresses can be a challenge. And I don’t want to give up wearing cute dresses! However, when I discovered these little shorts to wear under dresses, I was able to embrace all the cute dresses in my closet again. My casual mom style doesn’t exclude dresses!

Wearing shorts underneath dresses is an essential mom hack, but the right pair makes all the difference. You want something that provides coverage and comfort (I don’t want to wear shapewear, but a little compression is nice), stays in place, and ideally doesn’t make you feel like you’re wrapped in plastic on a hot summer day. I’ve tested many options over the years, and today I’m sharing the clear winner for me, along with a few other picks that might work, depending on your style and wardrobe needs.

Why I wear shorts under a dress

Prevents chafing

This is what led me to find shorts to wear under dresses, even before I had kids. In the humid south, the inner thigh rub is real – and real painful.

Bending down with kids

Now, on top of that, I have to wear shorts underneath my shorter dresses since I’m bending down a lot with my young kids. (Here are my favorite white sneakers so I can chase my kids in said dresses and here’s how to style dresses with sneakers!)

No more flashing

If it’s a windy day, dresses are out unless I have shorts underneath. And I always wear them to church, even if it doesn’t seem windy, because the location tends to be windy more often than not.

Modesty + Convenience

A lot of golf dresses specifically don’t come with shorts, or the ones included aren’t comfortable and often don’t have pockets, which is crazy. So I always wear these under my golf dresses. (See my favorite golf clothes here.)

The Best Shorts to Wear Under Dresses are a $25 Amazon Find

My top pick? Amazon biker shorts. This Colorfulkoala pair checks all the boxes, especially if you’re looking for something that’s budget-friendly, ships fast, and actually delivers on comfort and performance. I always order the Heather Coffee color since it’s similar to a neutral skin tone and doesn’t show under white dresses.

Here’s why I love them:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric: They’re soft and stretchy without being sheer. The moisture-wicking element is a lifesaver on humid days.
• Wide waistband: I want a wide waistband that doesn’t dig in or roll down—and these deliver. You feel gently held in but not squeezed. I wear a size small.
• Stay in place: They ride up a little bit, but nothing horrible. I hate shorts that dig into my thighs, so I’d rather deal with a little movement than sausage casing on my legs. 
• Affordable + fast shipping: They’re under $25 and they arrive quickly with Prime shipping, which is great when you need a quick wardrobe fix (like if you’re headed to a graduation ceremony or attending an outdoor wedding!).
• Tons of color options: I keep black and Heather Coffee colors on hand for versatility, but there are also cute seasonal colors and even a few prints if you want something fun.
• Some styles have pockets: This is a huge bonus. If I’m wearing a casual t-shirt dress to walk around the neighborhood, it’s nice to tuck in my phone or keys without carrying a bag. The pockets are also must-haves if you’re wearing these shorts under tennis or golf dresses.
• Great layering piece: These work under mini dresses, skirts, rompers, golf dresses or even loose maxi dresses if you just want a bit more coverage. They’re also easy to throw on with a camisole or oversized tee for lounging at home, which makes them a solid wardrobe staple, not just a seasonal purchase. And, they’re GREAT for running, so they’re a super versatile piece in your wardrobe (see all my favorite running clothes here.)

Add the Amazon Biker Shorts to your cart here.

Other Good Options & What to Look for 

The right pair should feel like a second skin—snug but stretchy, breathable, and totally invisible under clothes. Whatever brand or pair you go for, look for shorts with these features: 

• Comfortable Fit: No pinching, squeezing, or constant adjusting. Look for a secure fit that hugs your body without cutting into your skin or feeling like shapewear.
• Discreet Under Clothes: Choose a neutral shade that won’t show through sheer fabrics and a silhouette that stays smooth and line-free.
• Breathable Fabric: Moisture-wicking blends like polyester/spandex, nylon/spandex, or bamboo/modal are great for hot days. Cotton feels soft but holds moisture, so skip it for all-day wear.
• Inseam Length: A 5–7 inch inseam typically offers the best balance—long enough to prevent thigh rub, short enough to stay hidden.
• Stay-Put Waistband: A high-rise, wide waistband won’t roll down or dig in like tight elastic ones do.
• Color Options: Black is a classic, but nude tones work better under light fabrics. Some brands now offer a wider range of skin-tone shades.
• Bonus Features: Built-in pockets are a win when dresses lack them. Seamless designs are ideal if you want a smoother look under clingy fabrics.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more or want something a little different than my Amazon pick, here are a few other options you may like.

Thigh Society makes a handful of different shorts to wear underneath dresses. The Original shorts are the most similar to the Amazon Biker shorts. They’re opaque, come in multiple colors, and they’re velvety-soft. But what’s worth calling out is the Cooling Short that’s sheer. They’re made with silky, performance fabric that pulls heat and moisture away from the body. The Cooling Short would be best for someone who wants chafing prevention and moisture-wicking. However, I wouldn’t wear them under mini dresses that you’re afraid may blow up since they’re sheer.

SPANX is known for its shapewear, so their shorts will have more compression than the other two brands in this post. But if you want something that holds you in, it’s hard to beat the classic SPANXsculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts. These are lightweight, breathable, and seam-free at the center. This pair of shorts is sheer as well, so keep that in mind when you’re wearing loose mini dresses. These is probably best to wear under more fitted dresses when you want to highlight your figure.

Both are great brands, but if you want something affordable, comfortable, and available in multiple colors and lengths, Amazon biker shorts are still my go-to.

Tips for Wearing Shorts Under Dresses

Try them on with the dress

The best way to know if they’ll work is to test the whole outfit.

Watch the length

Make sure your shorts don’t peek out from under a shorter dress unless that’s the look you’re going for.

Check for lines

Especially with bodycon or jersey knit dresses, test to see if the fabric is too clingy or see-through. If you can see it, you may be better off with shorts that are more in the undergarment category, like the Cooling Short from Thigh Society, which is a thinner fabric and designed specifically to disappear under clothing. 

Don’t forget to breathe

You’re not trying to squeeze into a smaller size here. You want comfort and mobility.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Is Confidence

At the end of the day, finding the best shorts to wear under your dress is about more than just avoiding chafing or covering up. It’s about feeling confident and comfortable in whatever you wear. Whether you’re walking through the park, running errands in 95-degree weather, or just want to avoid a “Marilyn Monroe moment” on a breezy day, these shorts have your back (and your thighs).

For me, it’s Amazon biker shorts all the way—affordable, reliable, and comfortable enough to live in. 

Want to shop my favorites? I’ve rounded up links to my most-worn Amazon biker shorts and a few other under-dress staples on my Closet Essentials page.

Let me know your favorites in the comments—or if you’ve found a secret under-dress short that everyone needs to know about.

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