Should My Inner Thighs Touch?
Whether or not your inner thighs touch is perfectly normal and depends on several factors. There's no single correct answer.
The space between your inner thighs, often referred to as a "thigh gap," is largely determined by your bone structure and body fat percentage. Some individuals naturally have a thigh gap, while others do not, and this is completely normal. The presence or absence of a thigh gap is not an indicator of health or fitness. As stated in an article from Business Insider, "A thigh gap, which means not having your inner thighs touch, is an aesthetic standard...nor should you try."1 Focusing on achieving a thigh gap is unhealthy and can lead to disordered eating.
Muscle Mass
Increased muscle mass in the thighs can also affect whether your inner thighs touch. As noted in a Reddit thread, increased thigh muscle growth can lead to thighs touching.2 This is a positive sign of strength training and is not something to be concerned about.
Chafing and Discomfort
When inner thighs rub together, it can cause chafing, a common skin irritation.[3, 4, 5](#ref3, ref4, ref5) This is especially true during activities that involve a lot of movement. This friction can lead to redness, blisters, and burning. Choosing appropriate clothing and using anti-chafing products can help alleviate this discomfort.
Medical Considerations
While generally harmless, persistent rubbing between the inner thighs might be a sign of knock knees (genu valgum).6 In such cases, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, certain medical procedures, such as the application of topical testosterone, might specifically involve the inner thighs.7
In summary: Whether or not your inner thighs touch is determined by your individual body composition, genetics, and muscle mass. It's a natural variation and should not be a source of concern unless accompanied by discomfort or medical issues. Focus on overall health and wellbeing, not on achieving a specific aesthetic ideal.
[1]: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/mental-health/thigh-gap (Business Insider, Oct 8, 2021)
[2]: https://www.reddit.com/r/xxfitness/comments/69zvcm/thighs_are_touching_normal_muscle_growth/ (Reddit, May 8, 2017)
[3]: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23517-chafing (Cleveland Clinic)
[4]: https://www.healthline.com/health/thigh-chafing (Healthline)
[5]: https://www.healthline.com/health/inner-thigh-chafing (Healthline)
[6]: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knock-knees/ (NHS)
[7]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444 (Mayo Clinic)
