Thanks for joining me in THE CHUB RUB CLUB. Remember, if you want that Skillshare link it's here - the first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/leenanorms06211 - I actually watched a cool one last night on interior design for rented properties and it was super helpful, on my way to buy self-adhesive wallpaper 😂
thanks for your positive attitude. I definitely needed the reminder. I also just wanted to say the birki's can be re-heeled! Or you can also ask the local cobbler for heel guards.
Just ordered chub rubs at snagh thights ... This was such a good tip , some summers I do get away without protection and I know that those exist but I dealt with the "rolling up" kind and they were to tight so it was about time to get proper once ... Yeah just noticed that this is so uninteresting as your collab was with Skillshare.... 🤔
What is your take on Coronavirus Disease 2019 and it's propensity to kill people who enjoy a cupcake and a wine too many and dread the early morning jog?
A beach-ready body is basically a body that can increase your chances of surviving Covid 19 infection. 78% of those who were hospitalized were overweight.
One of the ways I’ve been trying to change my thinking about this is instead of thinking about covering up or modesty I’ve decided to think of it as dressing comfortably. Like longer shorts are more comfortable (no chub rub, don’t have to constantly readjust) and I’m going to wear them because I want to live my life without having to constantly readjust my clothes and have the first reason I buy something is comfort. I came to this conclusion because I don’t think men dress with an eye to function and then form and women’s clothing is often only form with no function.
@@ringodax12 I love that framing and in definitely going to try that in my own head. I don't need my fashion choices to start with looks and have what it actually feels like as an afterthought. I like showing skin but I'm 1000% with you on the horribleness of riding up shorts and so many other pieces.
@@ringodax12 I agree getting covid and dying because you can't put down the cupcake and go for a jog is totally worth whining on the internet about what people think of you in public. Boo hoo people are mean vs oh shid fugg im gunna die!
@@apuapustaja1958 LOL sorry what? Me attempting to live outside the male gaze as much as possible has nothing to do with covid, my weight, or going for a jog. You know absolutely nothing about my vaccination status (I have been), my weight (Im straight sized) or my exercise regime (could be better there ill grant you, biking 15 miles a week and walking 10-15 miles a week could be better... but im a busy grad student so give me a break!). I said I want my first thought when wearing clothes to be function THEN form. Also the whole point is that Im dressing, or doing things for that matter like eating healthy FOR MYSELF. Distinctly not for what people will say about me. I actually am attempting to not give a flying fugg, as you say, about what other people think, and that means not dressing in clothes that are impossible to move in or function in.
I remember liking the following sentence in a magazine, about covering less of your body in summer: "I'm not showing my body (to anyone), I just have it"
Tip for those that have tried everything for chub rub: there are products specifically made to prevent chafing FOR MARATHON RUNNERS. So they are designed to stay on for a long time and not wear off with sweat. It's what I have found that works best for me and I don't fear wearing dresses o shorts anymore, so I'm putting this knowledge out into the universe. You can probably find them online or at places that sell sport equipment. Hope y'all have a good summer ☀️
Yes! Shorts always roll up on me no matter what, so I skip them and use anti-chafing sticks. I've tried the ones by K-Tape and Gold Bond, both work great, and they're like a stick of deodorant, so they're very easy and mess-free to apply. I've found them at grocery stores!
I was coming here to suggest this. As a fat triathlete and runner, I've tried a LOT of these products. My favorite is by 2Toms, called Sport Shield. You can get it in a roll on, which I keep at home, or towelettes which you can keep in your purse or bag for emergencies. I started using it to help get on my wetsuit instead of the commonly used Body Glide (which I thought was sticky and the opposite of proper lube, gross), and then tried it between my toes when I was getting horrible blisters one summer and it was a lifesaver. It works by reducing friction, a little goes a LONG way, and it never loses viscosity. The shop I first bought it from warned me that if you spill any or a drop gets on the floor, it will be slick for just about ever. Heh. Basically, you put on a very thin layer and you're good to go til you take it off. Highly recommend.
YES I’ve resoled mine twice and it’s been a great experience. Just make sure your shoes have only worn out the rubber not the cork, once it gets to the cork you also have to replace that and it’s way more pricey.
Consider buying men's shorts! I'm sometimes really disappointed in stores because all the women's shorts are too short for my thighs. But men generally get longer shorts and honestly their sizing is way less judgemental. I have two pairs of men's shorts and I love both.
I'm sure this video is going to help so many, who's bodies have changed during lockdown, myself included. I am all over elasticated waistbands this summer ✌️
This is exactly what I thought, Holly! I've been feeling so much anxiety about the changes I experienced in quarantine - I broke down in tears earlier today trying to look for shorts that didn't get pushed up by my butt and thighs. This video is a blessing.
Agreed!!! I don't fit in ANY of my summer clothes any more thanks to lockdown, but THAT'S OK (though I do have to really try and remember that sometimes)
That isn't good either if people have been getting even more overweight during lockeown because infections like covid are lot more dangerous then, it isn't easy to know what's always best but understandable if not everyone managed to keep their weight during lockdown.
I would add on to the "getting your arms out" point that there are different ways to dress to be comfy in heat. Generally, yeah, taking off clothes means you are cooler, but not in the sun, where sunlight on your skin will warm you up a lot more than sunlight on light-coloured light-weight fabrics. Loose clothes (skirts are GREAT, blouses are great, tighter things like crop tops or modern dress bodices aren't as good: think Edwardian bodices they are great in how loose they are) are ideal, and natural fabrics especially linen will cool you off naturally. Other plant-fibre fabrics might work the same but I'm not sure. Wool maintains your temperature so if you're hot it will keep you hot. Silk is hot too, as is cotton. Linen's expensive so that's not always ideal, but cotton is a lot cheaper and still pretty cool. Fancy athletic fabrics might advertise themselves as being cooling and they probably are, but price and being tight are factors to consider. Parasols are also great, as are absolutely bonkers giant hats. In the northern hemisphere a lot of the time you can get away with shorts and a t-shirt to cool off in summer, but in desert countries or humid and hot ones, you really need to cover up. There's a reason Arab people who live near the Sahara traditionally dress in those clothes!
For me, this is what works. I switched from taking off clothes in the summer to covering myself in nice loose, cool clothes. I always bring a large flowy scarf when I go out in the summer so that if I get too hot I can put it over my head and shoulders! Another benefit from this is that I am less likely to get sunburned. However, I have friends that sweat too much for this to be a good option, so it's not for everyone.
I recently sized up on my jeggings to a 14 to encompass the lockdown/PCOS/endo/adeno gut. Best move ever. Being comfortable while sitting is one of the best pleasures in life
I feel you on the thigh rub also sometimes feeling like my arms are too flabby. I recently went out wearing a boobtube and felt self-conscious about my arms. I had an eating disorder and my arms used to be much skinnier but I just keep reminding myself that I am healthy and that I don't need to starve myself or over exercise to fit into an instagram body model. It makes me so happy women loving and accepting their bodies.
Fun fact about thigh rubbing - even when I my weight was around 53 kg they still were touching and causing me pain in the summer. And later on I realised it's because: 1. my hip bone structure and 2. shaving. When I was waxing my legs or either letting the hair grow out it was definitely less painful. Shaving and my hair being very sharp and thick afterwards was a big trigger in terms of thigh chafing. From that day on - only biker shorts under skirts!
I got chub rub shorts a couple of years ago and it's honestly changed my life! Something that's also helped me is (how Louise Pentland pointed out) that our arms and legs are just chunks of meat and no one is going to faint at the sight of a bit of flesh
I feel like your point about arm tattoos changing how you feel about your arms is SO important, and can be applied to other things too! I've been overweight for as long as I can remember, and I used to feel pretty uncomfortable showing skin in hot weather, but I got into hula hooping during lockdown and it's really changed how I feel about my body, particularly my stomach. The idea of wearing shorts and a crop top to hang out in the park no longer fills me with dread, it just means I can hoop around with minimal fabric interference.😜 It definitely ties in with your point about keeping moving too, I just find it so cool how physically *using* my tummy for a cool new skill has helped me feel so much more relaxed about how it *looks* 😊
Yes! I had moderately bad teenage acne (quite obvious and angry but no cystic acne) and it’s decided to return for an encore now that I am 30. I got my nose pierced and bought brightly colored glasses. Partly to make sure my acne isn’t the loudest thing on my face (I know that’s not the best mindset) but also so I can feel some sort of control over how my face looks. I think they help me find a small bit of love for my face.
Important note for "moving" in summer - if it's really hot, try to do it in the morning or evening when it's cooler. The extra chub really works as an insulator, and those of us with arctic-appropriate body types have an extra risk of overheating. I'd put a bottle of ice-cold water in that survival bag, and if you're out in the heat of the day *do not* be ashamed to pour it all over your hair to cool off. I commuted in london for years, and office appropriate wear in a 40 degree centigrade non air-conditioned train for an hour really makes you appreciate a good bottle of water to tip all over your head. (yes, by home time, the trains really do get 5-8 degrees warmer than ambient... regularly).
you can take it even further and put a half full (plastic) bottle in the freezer overnight, top up in the morning, throw it in the bag and it stays cold for a nice long time
Leena, THE THIGH FRICTION!!! The death of so many of my jeans and pants over the last few years!!! Love this idea for a video :) So great!!! Chubby girl summer!!
You’re like the big sister I never had giving me advice to get better at life. Thank you for that Leena; forever grateful! Whenever I watch your videos I feel less alone, understood and inspired. You are amazing 🤍
I also have PCOS and it’s taken me years but I’ve finally decided that if a pair of bottoms doesn’t have an elasticated waist then I don’t need them in my life 😂
yass chubby girl summer, I absolutely love that phrase ahaha. Also this is such a well timed video I was having a chubby summer crisis literally yesterday, being annoyed at myself for feeling self concious (i.e being a "bad feminist") but chubby peeps have different issues in the summer months and its so refreshing to see them being spoken about so honestly! Feeling v prepped now for summer hahah :D
Can I also add board shorts. You know those things guys wear for swimming? We can wear them too! Perfect for dealing with thigh rub on the beach AND it means less pressure to shave everything down there. Honestly, they are a life saver.
Yes! I have a pair of bikini bottoms that reach half way down my thigh and it gives me the privacy and comfort I always wanted. No more salt (sea) water increasing the chub rub
This is so relatable and yet I’ve literally never heard anybody discuss these things…like ever! That’s how taboo it is I guess?? You are the best, thanks for making us all feel better ☺️💖👌
When I gained some weight a while back, I was surprised and ashamed of the resulting chub rub. It was not just painful, but terrible for my self esteem. We need to talk about it more openly
Normal lube is probably not great, but i can imagine that silicone oil lube would work because it's not water based and won't dry out. It's hard to get off though and could potentially stain your clothes.
No its water soluble so will just dissappear. I have used moisturiser and vaseline over the years but really nothing works better than 2 layers of fabric. Also wearing the shorts under a skirt and not wearing underpants means the heat is less confined to the crotch area.
When I was on a trip to Rome with my uni quite a few years ago my thighs were in agony. I remember walking with my legs as far apart as possible and basically waddling to avoid further friction because it hurt so much!
I love that you’re using the word privacy instead of coverage. Like sometimes it feels silly or prudish to say I want to cover up, but to say I want privacy feels more like ownership of my space. I’ve admittedly been a lurker lately without commitment yet, but you officially got me to commit today with this one, it was all too relatable for me!
Regarding the lube situation, Hannah Witton made a whole video with Sierra Shultzie a few summers agao where they tried different chub-rub remedies throughout the day, and the lube was a flop! It's a good video, do seek it out!
@@K.Kitbex I would think it might stain, wouldn't it? I would either go with cornstarch, or failing that, there's a product you can get called Body Glide that comes in a roll up stick like a deodorant and applies just the same. Works pretty well, no irritation and no stains.
I recommend using patches to strengthen the inner thigh area. Just adding a second layer of a strong fabric on the inside of trousers can help prevent the inner thigh rip. Love the video Leena x
I love that you mention skipping!! It is just about the most efficient way to travel! Easier than running and faster than walking!! Ab workout included! Let's not overthink it! Skip all over!! Prove me wrong!!!
Last year, I finally comitted to the long boyfriend denim shorts for summer and it has been top tier, life changing. I look like a walking 1999 but worth it for the comfy.
I needed this today. It made me cry but in a good way. I always dread summer and just punish myself the entire time with hateful thoughts. The arm thing. I've only just started getting the arms out. I still struggle with it and getting used to it, but it's great to not be sweating everyday! Thanks for making this video 💛 it made me reflect on some of my behaviours and thoughts!
I found a pair of jeans that actually fit me in the sale and then went back the next day to buy the same jeans. I will wear one pair exclusively until my exquisite thighs destroy them with the forest fire they create and then I've still got a pair that fits and looks great 😊
We'll start seeing everyone high kicking around the shops now 😂😂 great tips Leena! "Hot girl summer" sucks as a concept, it's "love yourself for exactly how you are and appreciate the body that got you through a pandemic girl summer" this year I think 💪💪
I just wanted to add that the whole concept of hot girl summer was invented by black women to celebrate being yourself and having fun. It has nothing to do with traditional beauty standards. Anyone can have a hot girl summer regardless of size or weight.
Regarding Birkenstocks (my go-to summer shoe), when the heel wears out (and it almost always wears out first), take them to your local shoe repair. They should be able to replace just the heel area for $15-20 and you’ll get several more years of wear out of them. I’ve had my oldest pair for about 7 years and put about 1,000 miles on them but the replacement heels I added 2 years ago have held up tremendously.
This is a revelation. First year truly in this category (hey gang!) as opposed to borderline and this information is invaluable. My personal favourite moment is the bra sizing on-screen graphic, having just bought a bunch of non-wired bras for the summer I could truly enjoy the balancing act 🤣
YES! As usual, Leena coming through with the wisdom. I am farther down in the straight sizes (6-8 in US) and I still do all of these things in summer because I like being comfortable. I fully gave up on denim shorts years ago because they are just not a lightweight fabric and it's absolutely miserable to wear them when it is really, brutally hot. Here in the states I buy Monistat brand anti-chafing gel, but I've seen tons of other brands popping up lately. Also, for those of us with fair skin, carrying around that lightweight cotton button up can absolutely save you from a sunburn when your outdoor adventures put you in more direct sunlight than you had anticipated.
Thanks Leena! It's time to ditch our shame and enjoy our summers and our bodies! The new Snag rub shorts are AMAZING! And Snag has VERY inclusive sizing! The shorts are extremely breathable and stay put! I recently bought and tried a pair, and I need more!
I used to be overweight until I had to quit dairy for health reasons. Was it easy? No. Did I go hungry? No. Did I have a poor nutrition? No. Did I have a better digestion as a result? Yes. 100% would recommend. It's a massive change but it doesn't feel like a restrictive diet.
I'm around a size ten, but quite curvy with chonky thigh muscles from dancing and honestly most of this advice still applied to me. I just find the key to being comfortable in summer is to have a fabric barrier between any skin that's going to be in contact for prolonged amounts of time. E.g. shorts under my dresses for chub rub, cool thin trousers or tights for behind the knees if sitting or kneeling is gonna be a thing, short sleeve tees to prevent armpit chaffing, a bralette to separate my boobs and stomach, etc.
It can be a total game changer to talk about how a bigger belly affects sports. I told my pilates instructor that at a few poses my belly was uncomfortabel or even made it hard to breathe. So she suggested the adjustments for pregnaned women for me. Very helpful!
poly styrene is an icon!!! x ray spex is one of the best bands (serious sax inspiration!). once i was able to play xrayspex as a scrabble word and the person i was playing with (supposedly a punk 🙄) said i couldn't play it, so i flipped the board and told him to bugger off. poly would have been proud.
i'm so glad you mentioned Snag Tights! I have the shorts and the full length tights and they are the BEST. I've tried the two separate leg band things and I've tried cheap cotton cycling shorts off amazon and i did not realise how much better it is to spend a bit of extra money on something like Snag. and the colours are so fun!
Thankyou for defining Thin-passing. I thought I was for ages until I realised nothing was actually fitting me. I recently gave up on that and just look for second hand stuff that actually fits and modifying the stuff that doesn't. It's improved my summer outlook a lot to not try and wear thin person clothes.
Oh Leena, this video has made me feel so comforted and way less alone this summer. After suffering through thigh-chafing for 23 years, I've finally invested in some anti-chafe cream and shorts. I can't thank you enough for this video and for being so lovely and positive about a topic that truly is so normal. Sending all my love!!
Leena thank you so much for making this video. I recently realised I have almost no real summer clothes and had no idea what to get, especially since my body has changed a lot since I've been on testosterone, so this has given me some really great ideas!! not everything applies since I lean a bit more masc but I can absolutely concur with elastic waistbands and loose flowy shorts and trousers. just generally good vibes from this, thank you 🙏
This video has helped me so much - I’ve gained some weight on my eating disorder recovery journey recently, and you have made me feel like my bigger, softer body is still beautiful and normal - and it deserves to have fun and enjoy the lovely weather this season! thank you 💗
I get getting your videos in my recommends, so I didn't even realise I wasn't subscribed. Rectified immediately! Love your videos, leena! Keep on keeping on
Shorts under dresses are an absolute life saver! I bought a pair of volleyball shorts recently and this is the first time I felt comfortable in a dress! Now i can live out my cottagecore dream lmao
I love my body in the mirror but recently bought my wedding dress and felt so self conscious about all the weight that I had gained during quarantine. This video felt like a love letter. Thank you. ❤️
If you reapply and keep in your bag a quick and easy fix for chub rub is specifically the roll on powder Mitchum deodorant. Others didn’t work for me which is why I understand so many ppl saying deodorant doesn’t work, it’s bc you have to get the right one. It works perfect on trips to places you want to wear a dress or romper and walk around a lot in places like NYC. I kind of learned this from Helen Anderson. Idk why but I haven’t seen it in stores lately though. Thanks for all the tips, they really help❤️
I really needed this. I always felt like once summer hit I missed my deadline to go back to an unrealistic body I had when I was 15. Now I’m a woman and my body is a woman’s body. Thank you for this amazing reminder! ❤️
I love your comment about your arm tattoos! I only have one tattoo but now I feel like getting at least another on my arms would push me to stop hiding them
another tip for getting the arms out if you are uncomfortable, consider getting some sheer-ish lightweight cardigan/"kimono". they are super cute and breathable :) i still have one from yeaaars ago that i use if im feeling abit down but its too hot to wear longer sleeves.
omg I love this video. I always had those panties under skirts and dresses but wondered for a long time how many people with even bigger thighs could wear hotpants or no panties under skirts/dresses. Now I know..many of them suffer silently. I am so sorry for all those who try to live with the pain. I cannot even walk 5 min. without having red marks on my inner thighs. Also I love the info about the supporting leggins for your belly. You definitely found a new follower. I have a similar body to yours and you can't believe how happy I was when I watched some of your outfit videos. I never thought extravagant and colourful stuff like you wear could look good on me. I will from now on be more brave when I go second hand shopping! Have an awesome day
This video was DELIGHTFUL! I don't know if it's 2020/lockdown or the fact I've turned 35 but I've stopped giving a damn that I'll never be a size 10 again and am embracing long slirts and baggy tops. I sold my favourite dress on ebay last week because it was never going to fit me again and was just sitting in my wardrobe making me feel sad. Someone else may as well enjoy it! Big bloomers bought!
Birkenstocks are actually supper repairable. Take them to your cobler!! Also heel savers are AMAZING!! I'm sorry to here they wore out so quickly but yeah get them fixed and reinforced and you'll have em forever. I've had mine for 6 years and only had to repair them once. I know people who have dad them for 15!!
You can get Birkenstock soles replaced!! Met someone on the street the other day who’d been wearing there’s since the 90s, this way!! I can also really recommend TEVAs for wide feet; I have three pairs- flat, platform and a special platform collaboration.
I never could find dresses that I liked, so I'm making my own this summer. Got my fabric, just need to find some courage to start. Must be hidden in a drawer somewhere...
Just do it, u already have the tools, trying won't hurt anyone and nobody forces u to actually wear it, if you end up not liking it ^^ Also only practice makes perfect
Sewing can be overwhelming sometimes, so I encourage myself to do at least one step each day. I might wind up getting into the zone and doing more, or I might do just that one step, but either way, I've made progress.
You can do it! Get patterns from Connie Crawford and sheets from the thrift store that you can cut up to try different adjustments. It takes a few tries to get from pattern to perfect dress. Not using good fabric gives you the freedom to cause some mayhem.
Thank you everyone. Starting projects is always the hardest for me, but I'm determined to make my dress by summer's end, so I'll keep all your advice in mind.
Brilliant video, about to order some of the snag shorts to save my thighs! Also heads up the light cotton shirt is perfect for saving your back from burning. My ginger genetics does not let me enjoy the most part of summer so a shirt, wide hat and lashings of suncream is an absolute must for me 😅
Thank you so much for this video! I've been telling myself the same things you say in the video, but sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else to be able to believe it!!
Another tip I have put into use this year. If your body has changed since last summer, give away the clothes that no longer comfortably fit you, and if needed and you are able, buy replacements in your new size. Keeping clothes that don't fit, or worse, trying to wear them because they kind of fit even though they make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, is not good for your relationship with your body.
Hats for us fine haired ladies during summer too! I invested in some beauties and it makes me so confident collecting compliments on them instead of worrying about my head getting sunburned. Try open weave for air flow, swap hat bands with snaps, use a scarf on windy days. Old Hollywood chic.
YES LEENA! I was right on the precipice of the dreaded summer crash diet- THANK UUUUU! Summer expires!! Gunna get those sweet free Experiences in a comfortable manner!!!!!!!!!
