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Underwear Functions

Underwear serves several primary functions beyond merely covering private areas:

Physiological Protection: It protects outer clothing from bodily excretions (like sweat, urine, menstrual fluid). This includes specialized products like period underwear, incontinence underwear, and swimwear with liners [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md].
Friction Reduction: Fabrics designed for skin contact help minimize friction irritation on sensitive areas.
Body Shaping & Support: Items like bras (for breast support), shapewear (to smooth the body silhouette), and long underwear (to provide warmth or shape) fulfill this role [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md].
Concealment & Modesty: Underwear helps cover certain parts of the body under outer garments.
Comfort Enhancement: Materials like cotton are commonly used for everyday wear due to their breathability, while technical fabrics offer specific performance benefits.

Underwear encompasses a wide range of items:

Period underwear differs from conventional menstrual products like pads and tampons in several key ways:

Design: It is specifically designed with extra room at the crotch to allow for fluid absorption without leaks, while still fitting comfortably against the skin [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md]. Conventional pads are typically more compact but have a built-in leak guard.
Function: Period underwear absorbs menstrual flow directly as part of its design, providing protection throughout the day and reducing frequent changes needed for tampons or pads. Tampons absorb internally without being visible, while pads provide external absorption but can cause chafing if seams are not designed properly [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md].
Usage: Period underwear is worn daily during menstruation to manage flow continuously and offers the benefit of being reusable (or having specific disposable models). Pads and tampons require more frequent changing and disposal.

Different types of undergarments or purposes often recommend different materials for comfort, functionality, and health:

Cotton: Traditionally used for everyday bras, panties, and long underwear due to its breathability and natural feel. Cotton can be prone to wrinkling and bunching during the day unless blended with other fibers.
Technical Fabrics (e.g., Copper-Infused): Used primarily in specialized undergarments like period underwear or performance wear. These fabrics may incorporate features such as enhanced moisture-wicking, increased absorption capacity, specific stretch properties for comfort, antibacterial qualities (like copper-infused fabric), and sometimes even built-in leak protection [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md]. The choice of material depends on the intended function; breathable blends are crucial for items that need to stay comfortable against the skin all day.

The terminology for women's undergarments varies by culture:

In many places, "underwear" or "underclothes" is general term.
Bras and panties are common terms worldwide.
The UK sometimes uses "smalls" or "unmentionables".
In the US, items like bras might be called "bras", while women's bottoms (panties) are often termed "panties" or colloquially "delicates". Specific types like lingerie have its own distinct meaning and category.

Wearing appropriate underwear contributes to genital health by:

Absorption: Managing bodily fluids effectively, especially during menstruation with period underwear [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md] or postpartum when there may be lochia discharge. This helps keep the vaginal area clean and dry.
Breathability & Comfort: Using breathable materials like cotton (or blends) for everyday underwear reduces moisture, prevents overheating, minimizes skin irritation, chafing, and potential discomfort [link: ../anatomy/reproductive/genitalia.md]. Copper-infused fabric in period underwear can help with natural infection control by providing an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. Tight or synthetic materials without proper wicking capabilities can increase moisture trapping, potentially leading to irritation or infections.