From Niche to Necessity: The Rise of Underarm Sweat Pads
Underarm sweat pads are a discrete, convenient way to stop sweat. Here’s when they are (and aren’t) a good option.
Pit stains have a knack for making cameos at the worst possible times, like during a job interview or on a first date. Many solutions promise to stop underarm sweat once and for all, but end up falling short. Fortunately, there’s a trending solution that may help: underarm sweat pads. Thanks to their popularity on social media, these pads are quickly becoming a cult favorite.
But if you’re wary about anything with social media hype, you’re not alone—I am too. To find out if these underarm sweat pads are really all that, I did some digging. The cliff notes version is that they are super absorbent and could be good sweat guards. However, they may not be enough on their own and finding the right sweat pads for your sweat severity and lifestyle matters.
What Are Underarm Sweat Pads?
Sweat pads stick to your shirt or directly onto your skin, specifically over the underarms (aka a prime space for sweat stains). The pads then work to absorb any sweat, similar to how a band-aid draws in blood from a cut.
In theory, sweat pads are a great way to eliminate sweat marks, though they’re not all created equal. When shopping, you’ll notice a few different types. The first, and most common, are disposable underarm sweat pads. These are just what they sound like—one and done pads you throw away after use, similar to a tissue or band-aid.
Disposable solutions can be broken down further into two subtypes: pads that stick directly to the skin and pads that stick to your clothing. The second is more popular and better for more severe sweat, though the ones that stick to your skin may be an option for lighter amounts of sweat.
An eco-friendly alternative is a reusable sweat pad. These are either sewn into clothing or you can use a strap to secure them to your arm or a piece of clothing, usually a bra. While reusable, make sure these pads visit the laundry machine between uses. Some companies, like Thompson Tees, even integrate reusable sweat pads into their shirts, no additional purchase required.
The Problem of Underarm Sweat
Excessive underarm sweat is actually a medical condition referred to as axillary hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis (with or without the axillary) is a medical classification for people who sweat four to five times more than average. About 50% of those with hyperhidrosis experience axillary sweat specifically.
Sweat Stains
While some dismiss hyperhidrosis as “just sweat,” it’s much more than a bit of perspiration after a workout. Hyperhidrosis increases social anxiety, negatively impacts mental health, and heightens the risk of skin infections, to name just three of its many impacts.
Axillary hyperhidrosis in particular is famous for causing sweat stains. And as anyone who has experienced pit stains will tell you, they contribute to the aforementioned mental health effects, causing many people to avoid sweaty or social situations.
And that’s not taking into account the financial impacts of armpit sweat. Axillary hyperhidrosis means more laundry, purchasing stain removers, and buying new clothing more often. In fact, those with hyperhidrosis spend $260 on average for more casual t-shirts and up to $1,200 on dress shirts.
Available Treatments
When it comes to treatment options, we have good and bad news. The good news? There are effective treatment options, and most with hyperhidrosis experienced a better quality of life once they start treatment. The bad? It can be confusing to navigate the different options (and some treatments are out of budget for many of us). For axillary hyperhidrosis in particular, available treatments, include:
The Evolution of Underarm Sweat Pads
Underarm sweat pads started as a niche product, mainly adopted by those with hyperhidrosis, actors, and other stage performers. But all it took for these pads to find a bigger fanbase was a few social media posts.
More specifically, influencers are spreading awareness about the effectiveness of underarm sweat pads. Fortunately, this mainstream interest has occurred at the same time as advances in sweat pad design, making sweat pads more comfortable, discrete, and eco-friendly than they were even a few years ago.
Today, there’s a variety of brands that create underarm sweat pads. Many find it useful to try a few different products before settling on the right choice. And most people’s preferred option? The sweat pads that feel comfortable to them, don’t irritate their skin, and are discrete, meaning they don’t show underneath even tight clothing.
Why Underarm Sweat Pads Are Growing in Popularity
Armpit pads aren’t just a passing fad. They’re a convenient, affordable sweat shield that provides extra protection and are super absorbent. Specific reasons these pads are growing in popularity include:
Convenience: Underarm sweat pads are convenient and accessible. They can be bought online and used right away, no prescriptions or directions from a healthcare provider required.
Cost-effectiveness: While surgery and botox are effective, they don’t fit everyone’s budget. By contrast, underarm sweat pads cost much less (about $10-$30 for one reusable pad or 100 disposable pads, based on a few products we checked out).
Discreet protection: Toweling down or swapping out a shirt with a sweat stain is pretty noticeable. Underarm sweat pads? Not so much.
More awareness: Social media has raised awareness for many trends. While more awareness for cute cat videos may not stop sweat (though it can help with stress), the hype around sweat guards like sweat pads may help.
So, do sweat pads deserve a starring role?
Underarm sweat pads are a low-cost solution to axillary hyperhidrosis. That said, they don't need to be a solo act. Instead, they work best when combined with other treatments, such as antiperspirants or oral medications. To find the right product line-up to treat your armpit sweat, consult a healthcare provider.
If you don’t already work with a provider well-versed in treating hyperhidrosis, the SweatRx platform can help. Our platform connects you with a provider who specializes in underarm sweat and ships recommended prescriptions straight to your door.
