Underarm guards are essential for maintaining the freshness and longevity of your clothes while also protecting them from the damaging effects of sweat and odor. They are invaluable when it comes to keeping your favorite shirts and blouses in pristine condition. While you can purchase pre-made underarm guards, creating them yourself is both cost-effective and allows for customization to perfectly suit your needs.

Here, we explore three methods to make your own underarm guards at home.

1. Fabric Underarm Guards

Materials needed:

– Soft, absorbent fabric (e.g., cotton or bamboo)

– Scissors

– Sewing machine or needle and thread

– Elastic or ribbon

– Pins

– Measuring tape

Instructions:

1. Measure the distance between the seam at the top of the shoulder and the bottom of your shirt’s armpit. Add an inch to this measurement to account for seam allowances and folding.
2. Using this measurement, cut out two rectangles of fabric. Fold each rectangle in half with the right sides facing each other.
3. Sew along three edges of each rectangle, leaving one end open. Turn the fabric right side out through the open end and sew it closed.
4. At both top corners of each guard, sew a piece of elastic or ribbon long enough to tie around your upper arm.
5. Wear the guards by tying them around your upper arms, tucking them into your shirt’s armpits.

2. Disposable Underarm Guards

Materials needed:

– Absorbent paper towels

– Double-sided tape

Instructions:

1. Cut out two rectangles from absorbent paper towel (large enough to cover underarm area).
2. Apply double-sided tape on one side of each paper towel rectangle.
3. Peel off the backing on the double-sided tape.
4. Stick one paper towel rectangle onto the inner side of each underarm of your shirt.
5. Replace the disposable underarm guards as needed.

3. No-Sew Fabric and Velcro Underarm Guards

Materials needed:

– Soft, absorbent fabric (e.g., cotton or bamboo)

– Scissors

– Self-adhesive Velcro

Instructions:

1. Measure the distance between the seam at the top of the shoulder and the bottom of your shirt’s armpit. Add an inch to this measurement to account for folding and overlap.
2. Using this measurement, cut out two rectangles of fabric.
3. Cut pieces of self-adhesive Velcro long enough to go across the top and bottom width of each guard.
4. Attach one side of Velcro to one end (top) of each fabric guard, then attach the opposite side to your shirt’s inner armpit seam so that it will hold the underarm guard in place.
5. Attach more self-adhesive Velcro along the bottom edge of the guard and corresponding part on your t-shirt to secure it in place and prevent sagging.

With these three DIY methods in your arsenal, you can now create effective and customized underarm guards to ensure your clothes stay fresh while extending their lifespan. Happy crafting!