Running and chub rub

I have noticed when I go for a run longer than 30 minutes the skin under my arms starts to hurt where it rubs up against my shirt. I usually just run in a cotton tank top. Should I get silkier fabrics, or invest in some long sleeved running shirts? I really would like my arms to be bare as I get hot easily.

Any advice from runners?

I usually run shirtless, unless I'm in the gym, and I get pretty bad "chafing" in the skin around my armpit area. I think as I sweat the salt deposits and then my skin rubs over it and it gets irritated. Probably a shirt would sleeves would help, though when I run the last thing I want is to be covered up.

Original Post by deerskin310:

I usually just run in a cotton tank top.

Cotton is lousy for running.  You should try wicking material.

Original Post by armandounc:

I usually run shirtless, unless I'm in the gym, and I get pretty bad "chafing" in the skin around my armpit area. I think as I sweat the salt deposits and then my skin rubs over it and it gets irritated. Probably a shirt would sleeves would help, though when I run the last thing I want is to be covered up.

too bad when girls run topless, things tend to get a little wild :/

I second the motion not to run in cotton. Wicking fabrics are your friend. Target carries decent C9 (champion) tech apparel on the cheap. Or you can go with Nike, Under Armour, etc, etc. Also a friend, is Body Glide (http://www.bodyglide.com/) . Available at Dick's, Sports Authority, your local running store, or online. It looks like a deodorant stick that you apply to areas that might chafe. A LIFE SAVER! In a pinch you could try Vaseline, but that usually stains.  

Okay, wicking fabrics and body glide are now on my shopping list for tomorrow. Thanks guys!

I highly recommend a snug fitting compression shirt. I had a problem with chafness that is now gone.  My tight fitting compression shirt made from wicking material goes nicely under at cotton tshirt I really want to wear...

Original Post by wannarun262:

I second the motion not to run in cotton. Wicking fabrics are your friend. Target carries decent C9 (champion) tech apparel on the cheap.

I second this.  Just about all of my workout gear is C9, and it does the same thing as UA but at about half the price!  I only own a long-sleeve UA Cold Gear tech shirt.

And I third the motion about cotton -- it absorbs moisture and holds onto it, making it heavier and making you warmer than necessary since the sweat doesn't evaporate (and it just feels gross!).

Body glide (they make one "for women", not sure what the difference is but I use it) and well-fitting wicking material shirts. If they don't fit, you may still get the chafe.

Dri-fit by Nike is really a great line. Pricey but I've been really happy with all of the pieces I own.