I like to imagine that camel toe has been a part of human struggle since ancient times. I mean, think about those athletes in Olympia centuries ago – they must have faced the same issue with their clothing riding up their crotch. Who knows, maybe that’s why they performed in the nude, right?
As of today, camel toe is still a common concern for many athletes, whether they are pros or just doing sports for fun. It is a problem that can mess with their performance and confidence. But athletes are a resourceful bunch, and some of them have come up with ways to deal with this awkward issue.
So, if you’ve been wondering, ‘How do athletes prevent camel toe?’ Well, stick around because in this blog post, we will not only discuss how athletes avoid these annoying faux pas and stay comfortable during their competitions, but you will also learn how you, too, can use these methods.
How Do Athletes Prevent Camel Toe?
Athletes avoid camel toe by getting ahead of the issue. They find the right clothing and apply various effective tricks. So if you are into any sports, you can implement some of the following methods to get rid of camel toe for good.
1. Get a proper fit
Ensuring the proper fit is the first step to preventing camel toe. Finding a correct fit is not only about the size; it also involves getting quality materials and designs that best complement the body.
Many athletes get their outfits custom-made to fit their physique, but if you are getting your clothes off the rack, then you should take an accurate measurement of your body and check the reviews before committing to a purchase.
The fabric should the chosen based on the type of activity that it will be used for. For instance, if you are a swimmer or you perform any sports that cause you to sweat a lot, you may have a better chance of avoiding camel toe if you opt for moisture-wicking fabrics.
2. Invest in a camel toe concealer
The camel toe concealer can be a real game-changer for you as an athlete who’s been dealing with the dreaded camel toe dilemma. This little silicone wonder is like your secret weapon against camel toe. It’s super easy to use – just apply it, and you’re good to go. No more stressing or constantly checking if everything’s in place.
Comfort is key, and camel toe concealer gets that right. It won’t cramp your style or make you feel uncomfortable during your workouts or when you’re rocking your athletic gear. And let’s not forget about its waterproof adhesive that makes it perfect for those intense sweat sessions.
3. Apply butt glue or sticky spray
Believe it or not, there is a special body glue that is available for use in the nether regions which can help to fix the camel toe problem. Olympic gymnast Nastia Luikin revealed to People magazine that the use of this sticky spray was quite popular among gymnasts.
Butt glue is available in an easy-application container with a roll on top. So for that extra hold, simply lift the garment away from the camel toe area, apply the adhesive on the skin, and then press the fabric on the area for a few seconds to secure it in place. When the event is over, you can use gentle soap and warm water to remove the glue.
4. Try baby powder
You may have come across lifting chalk as it is a staple in gym bags and athletic venues. It is used to dry out the hands because it absorbs the sweat and moisture that often accumulate on our palms during strenuous activities, which in turn enhances grip and reduces the chances of an unfortunate slip-up.
But you probably did not know that gripping elements in chalk can also help with camel-toeing outfits. Of course, it is not recommended that you use chalk on your crotch as it may be too harsh on the delicate skin down there, so a good substitute can be baby powder.
Simply dab it on the crotch using a clean powder puff before putting on your underwear. The powder can help to keep the bottom of your outfit dry and prevent the fabric from slipping into a camel toe.
5. Use Kinesio tape
Kinesiology tape or KT tape as it is popularly called, is a stretchy tape that was developed in the 1970’s by a chiropractor named Kenzo Kase to promote the body’s natural healing processes.
This tape became popular amongst athletes and enthusiasts for its muscle-relief properties so it was a surprise when Olympic swimmer Haley Anderson shared that the Kinesio tape was her secret to avoiding any type of wedging during the 2012 Olympics.
But we can’t argue with her results, the Kinesio tape can provide support to any part of the body that it is applied. With its elastic fibres that stretch in movement, the cotton component that allows for quick drying, and medical grade adhesive that can last for up to three days; I have to confess that the KT tape is very suitable for tackling camel toe.
To properly use kinesiology tape for camel toe prevention, you have to prep the crotch area to ensure that the skin is clean and free of oils. Cut a piece of tape that can completely cover the pelvic region and smoothen it down. All this should be done before putting on your outfit.
6. Always wear panties
Going commando in athletic wear is not always a good idea. You might be trying to avoid panty lines or peekaboos but you have to understand that underwear serves as a barrier and removing this layer can increase the friction between your skin and the fabric of your athletic wear which increases the chances of a camel toe.
It is better to stick to wearing panties and if you are worried about showing you can go for seamless underwear, high cuts, or compression shorts that will provide good coverage and stay in place.
7. Add an extra lining
Sometimes the solution to camel toeing is as simple as putting some lining in the bottom area. You can do this yourself by cutting a piece of fabric and stitching it onto the crotch area of your athletic wear.
Or take it to a seamstress if you are scared of damaging the thin fabric of the outfit. This extra layer can help to give some structure to the affected area and prevent it from creasing into a camel toe.
8. Keep outfits practical
Here’s another pro tip that prevents camel toe, when shopping for athletic wear, keep it simple. Avoid complicated designs and contraptions because they can be unpredictable. For athletic clothing, the first and most important goal should be practicality; other details like fashion and style can come after.
Now, don’t get me wrong; looking stylish while working out is fantastic, and it can even boost your confidence. But these aspects can be considered once you’ve nailed down the essentials and ensured that your workout gear serves its primary purpose.
Final Takeaway
As athletes, we know the struggle that camel toe can bring, but it’s a problem that can be effectively prevented with the right clothing choices, underwear, grooming practices, and accessories.
By selecting high-quality athletic wear, paying attention to fit, and considering the specific requirements of your sport or activity, you can stay comfortable and confident during your workouts and competitions.
Remember that camel toe is a natural occurrence, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The goal is not to eliminate it entirely but to manage it in a way that allows you to focus on your athletic performance without distraction or discomfort.
With the tips and tricks discussed in this blog post, you can take control of your athletic attire and stride confidently toward your fitness goals.
