Sweat pads for underarms- What are they and do they work?

What's the deal with sweat pads? Do they really work, or are they just another beauty gimmick? If you're like me, you've probably wondered what all the fuss is about. But before we get too deep into it, let's first take a look at what armpit sweat pads actually are.

What are underarm sweat pads?

Basically, they're small inserts that you place in your shirt or your bra to absorb sweat and prevent embarrassing wet marks or pit stains. Some are disposable underarm sweat pads and others are reusable. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most importantly, they claim to keep you dry. Sweat pads have been around for years in one form or another and have several different names.

Dress shields, garment guards, or underarm sweat pads? What's the difference?

You may have heard these terms used interchangeably for disposable underarm pads in the past. But are they all the same thing? They're all designed to absorb underarm sweat and protect your clothes from underarm wetness. But there are some differences.

Dress Shields

Dress shields are the most old-fashioned option. They're essentially small pieces of fabric that you place inside of your shirt under your arms. In the past, dress shields were sometimes sewn into the armpit of the garment but the seam would be visible from the outside of the garment. This method also means they are not disposable. They're not very effective at absorbing sweat, and offer no protection against odor, but they can help to protect your clothes from some underarm wetness if you are looking for a home remedy.

Garment Guards

These types of armpit sweat pads are a more modern option. They can be made from a variety of materials, including absorbent cotton, bamboo, and even disposable paper. They're more effective than dress shields at absorbing underarm sweat, but they can be a bit uncomfortable to wear. They usually have an adhesive backing that is supposed to help them stay in place, and many brands offer washable and reusable options. And reusable sweat shields need to be washed often so that odor doesn't build up rending them ineffective and they cannot be worn. Another type of underarm sweat pad of this type is a garment with straps that is worn under the clothing. I wish I knew what to call this but I don't even have a name for this as I have never known anyone to wear these and have never actually seen one in person. This design of underarm shields seems to be rife with loopholes that would render it ineffective when compared to other types of armpit sweat pads.

Underarm sweat pads

Underarm sweat pads are a newer option on the market. They're thin pads that you stick to the underarms of your clothing. They claim to help absorb sweat and prevent it from reaching your clothes, and they're less likely to cause discomfort than garment guards as they are usually disposable and use more discreet materials.

But do sweat pads work?

So do they live up to the hype, or are they nothing more than a waste of money? Keep reading to find out!

So, which sweat shield is the best option for you?

It depends on your preferences and needs. If you want maximum protection from armpit sweat, underarm sweat pads can possibly be your way to go. If you're less concerned about comfort, garment guards may be a better option. And if you're on a budget, dress shields are the most economical choice. And while I just spelled out the differences in these three types of underarm shields, for the purposes of this article, I will be referring to all of these collectively as underarm sweat pads, armpit pads, sweat pads or something similar. In other words, I will be using them interchangeably.

Let's look at the pros and cons for the prevention of underarm sweat stains.

Underarm sweat pads- Pros and cons

OK, let's talk underarm sweat pads. As we all know, most of us have experienced the embarrassment of underarm sweat at some point in our lives. Whether it's during a first date or a big presentation, armpit sweat can be a real confidence killer. As mentioned, one possible solution to this problem is the use of underarm sweat pads. Armpit sweat pads are small, absorbent pads that are placed under the arms to absorb sweat and prevent it from ruining your clothes. There are both pros and cons to using underarm sweat pads. But do they work? Well, yes and no.

Underarm sweat pads can help protect the armpit area of your garments from yellow stains

Underarm sweat pads can be an effective tool in the fight against excessive sweating and keeping it from soaking through your shirt. Ironically, it isn't the armpit sweat that stains your clothes but the combination of antiperspirant with said armpit sweat that creates the yellow stains. If that isn't a kick in the gut I don't know what is. On the plus side, many people who sweat profusely have found disposable underarm sweat pads very helpful in absorbing sweat, keeping your clothes dry and stain free. Disposable underarm pads are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

Underarm sweat pads do not prevent sweat

Underarm sweat pads will not prevent you from sweating in the first place. So if you're looking for a way to stop sweating, armpit pads are not the answer.

Underarm pads can be uncomfortable

Also on the downside, underarm sweat pads can be uncomfortable to wear, and they may not work well with certain types of clothing. For example sleeveless designs or under thinner fabrics where their presence can be seen from the outside of the garment.

Poor placement can render armpit sweat pads ineffective

Another con for the use of disposable underarm sweat pads is the placement of the armpit sweat pads in your clothing. The adhesive used to keep underarm sweat pads in place has been known to peel away (ironically, many times due to the excessive sweat that it is there to absorb) and leave the sweat pad unattached and bunched up under the wearer's armpits. Or even worse, the sweat shields can get lost in the shirt sleeve. This has to rank up there with finding panties stuck inside your pants after you've done laundry. Women know what I'm talking about. This is not only uncomfortable but becomes visible from the outside of the garment which can lead to further embarrassment.

Armpit sweat pads can cause irritation

Additionally, some people find that armpit sweat pads actually make excessive sweating worse by trapping heat and moisture under the arms. And this excess heat and moisture created by the underarm shields combined with excessive sweating can cause some users who have sensitive skin significant irritation and rashes. Ultimately, whether or not to use underarm sweat pads is a personal decision. If you're struggling with excessive underarm sweating, it's worth giving them a try to see if they work for you.

Another option if sweat pads haven't worked for you

The newest option on the market, sweat proof clothes, hold the most promise for those who suffer from excessive sweating. Sweat proof clothes are clothes that have built-in protection. Most offer underarm sweat shields that absorb excess sweat and prevents underarm sweat stains from showing. Plus, with the performance fabrics available, the armpit pads used in sweat proof shirts and dresses, odor isn't absorbed either. Most options for sweat proof clothing is available as an undergarment. This option has been valuable for many but has its drawbacks as well. Sweat proof undergarments add another layer of clothing which can in turn increase body temperature which leads to increased perspiration. Sweat proof undergarments can't be worn under sleeveless designs or shirts/dresses with deep necklines. This is a big deal for women.

But not all sweat proof clothing is created equal.

None of these solutions were the perfect answer to deal with perspiration for our founder. So after many years of searching and suffering, she quit looking for the perfect solution and got busy creating it.

Here at Elizabeth Reagan, we went one step further and created a full protection liner that not only includes underarm shields, but a hydrophobic, breathable, lightweight liner that wicks away moisture on your torso and back and prevents breakthrough sweat from showing anywhere on your clothes. Its full protection for your clothing. And since the liner is fully integrated into the design, you can wear designs where sweat proof undergarments won't work such as sleeveless designs or tops with deep necklines. Plus, our sweat proof clothing isn't detectable from the outer garment so no one knows you are wearing sweat pads.

What's that you say? Brilliant? Thanks, we thought so too.

Try our first top, the Annalise Sweat Proof Shirt, risk free.

If you don't love the look and protection, simply return within 30 calendar days from date of purchase and we will offer a refund.

And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to know when we launch our next sweat proof design! It's coming soon and you don't want to miss this!!