Oh My Armpits!

Nov 16, 2023

By Theresa Dao

Armpits are a funny thing. We don't talk about it too much, don't we? When we do, most of the time it's not always put in the most glamorous or positive light! Armpits, or underarms - are unique in that they can be somewhat "private" because they're sensitive and delicate parts of our bodies, yet they can also be very "public" at the same time! One of the rare areas of our bodies that can be both, if you really think about it! That's what makes armpits kind of cool and unique.

Respect the Armpits!

Although we don't often think about it in this way, armpits do some pretty amazing and important stuff for our bodies. Like what? Well, they help to keep us healthy by keeping toxins out of the tissues of our bodies through lymph nodes, about 20 or so of them, that reside in our armpits.

Lymph nodes work with the immune system to help fight infection. When lymph nodes get swollen, it's also a way of warning us that there could be something wrong, like as something as serious as an early symptom of breast cancer. But most of the time, it may just be an indication of your body fighting a cold or flu. It's always best to see your doctor if you notice swollen lymph nodes.

Having a consistent routine of tender loving care for your armpits as you do for your face and other sensitive areas of your body is wise. Simple, daily washing with a mild cleanser is best to remove the accumulation of dirt, sweat and odor.

Applying a special armpit mask, or delicately applying gentle exfoliation can really help unclog trapped dirt and deodorant residue, especially if you don't shave. Studies have shown shaving actually helps to reduce the odor, but people may choose not to shave for whatever reason. Armpit hair is understood to serve a purpose too! In Western culture, particularly in America, the preference has been for a long time, hairless armpits, especially for women, while other cultures don't mind the hair at all. Hey, do what makes you feel your best, right?

Go Ahead, Show Them Off!

Raise your arms and bare your armpits, if it makes you feel good, with or without the hair! Who should care? Feel free to be you. You're beautiful just the way you are!

When Armpits Can Be More of A Nuisance Though!

Admittedly though, that pair can be a problem to many people when they do sweat, sweat excessively (a condition called Hyperhidrosis), and/or smell! That's why deodorant and antiperspirants were invented.

Did you know that the actual sweat that comes out of the armpits isn't the culprit of the offensive odors? It's a common misconception. Sweating is a way to help your body cool down. It's when sweat comes in contact with the bacteria already living on the surface of the skin and hair of your armpits. Hey, it's all part of nature and being human though! But odors can vary in intensity depending on multiple factors, but most commonly it varies depending on what you drink or eat, or the kind of medications taken.

A common situation when it becomes a real nuisance in which most everyone can relate to is when sweating and/or odor from the armpit area come into contact with your tops, shirts, blouses, dresses, sweater, etc.

Imagine, after just taking a bath or shower and feeling so squeaky clean, and maybe just a few hours later or even sooner, your nice shirt that you saved for wearing on special occasions have already been soiled from the sweat.

If sweating wasn't an issue then maybe it's the odor from your armpits coming into contact with your shirt. Many people suffer silently from embarrassment and even shame needlessly, and it's not talked about as openly.

What also ends up happening is you end up having to wash or dry clean your shirt after barely wearing it. Maybe, it's not a big deal to some people who don't mind washing or dry cleaning their clothes after just one time of wearing for just a few hours even.

But for many, it is time consuming, adding more wear and tear on clothes than necessary, and adds to high turnover rates in replacing clothes, contributing to negative impacts not only emotionally and psychologically, but financially and environmentally.

How Underarm Wear by Undeur Can Help

Believe it or not, special undergarments with the purpose of shielding the underarms with pads have been around as far back as the early 1900s. So clearly, people saw the need for it back then and developed solutions. Perhaps, they haven't been perceived as glamorous and sexy as lingerie and bras, or well known for its functional purpose as regular underwear and panties. Today, you can find them semi-hidden as part of that "special" category of undergarments with different types and styles, some are disposable, some are reusable.

But Undeur sees them differently! We see underarm wear as just as important and necessary as any other types of underwear. It's primary purpose is functional. But with Undeur, functional doesn't have to feel "clinical". It can also feel fun and sexy to wear at the same!

Undeur is the first brand in the 21st Century to widely start the dialogue and raise awareness about the experiences and issues shared by many more openly and offer solutions and designs that make a difference in people's lives and at the same time contribute to the environment in a positive way.

We would love to hear from you! What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment on this blog post.