Fabrics with poor moisture-wicking – Fabrics that do not effectively wick moisture away from the skin, such as silk or satin, can become smelly when exposed to perspiration. Non-breathable fabrics – Fabrics that restrict airflow and ventilation can trap moisture and sweat, leading to unpleasant smells.
In summary, the best fabrics to avoid body odour are those that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally antimicrobial. Cotton, linen, bamboo, merino wool, Tencel, and hemp are all excellent choices for keeping odour at bay and staying fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
White vinegar can help remove odor from clothing. You can add into your fabric softener in your washer or pour 1/2 cup diluted vinegar straight in during the rinse cycle.
All this said, while satin may be ideal if you like the feeling of cool bedding against your skin, we have to revisit our initial statement: satin can potentially increase your body temperature, taking you out of the ideal range for sleep temperature, which can lead to sleepless nights and night sweats.
Silk is made from the protein fibers of the silkworm. These fibers are extremely strong and have a natural resistance to bacteria and mold. That being said, bacteria and mold are not what cause smells - it is actually chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are responsible for odors.
Fabrics with poor moisture-wicking – Fabrics that do not effectively wick moisture away from the skin, such as silk or satin, can become smelly when exposed to perspiration. Non-breathable fabrics – Fabrics that restrict airflow and ventilation can trap moisture and sweat, leading to unpleasant smells.
Unfortunately, flame retardants may bioaccumulate. They build up in the body. Over time, they can cause problems ranging from infertility to cancer. Other chemicals used in the creation of satin material can lead to dermatitis and allergies.
As a natural fiber, silk is typically more breathable than satin made with synthetic materials. Hot sleepers may therefore prefer the superior temperature control of silk pillowcases. However, silk commands a higher price-point because of its natural sourcing and luxury reputation.
Silk satin is naturally smooth and lustrous, which gives it's signature soft and luxurious feel. The fabric create a smooth and shiny surface that is comfortable against the skin. The softness of silk satin makes it ideal for clothing items that come in direct contact with the skin.
Satin is firmer and fresher. Under the effect of heat, silk curls and gives off a smell of burnt hair while synthetic satin melts giving off a smell of burnt plastic.
I would say it is the smell of storage. Musty dusty attics, damp-ish basements, old cardboard, (possibly once dampened), stuffy drawers, faint smells of soaps, water softeners, faded dryer sheet perfumes, ancient leftover body odors that never quite wash out, faded whiffs of mothballs and perhaps a note of mildew.
If your clothing contains anything other than cotton or wool, it has man-made fibers. These have been shown to promote the B.O. reaction. Sweat and bacteria find their way to the fabrics every time you wear them, and you cannot keep this B.O.
Opt for breathable materials and socks made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or bamboo. These allow your feet to breathe, cooling them down, minimizing sweat, and keeping them fresh.
People sleeping on satin usually sweat more, causing oil production that can produce and promote acne. Satin is also rougher and dull on one side while silk is smooth on both sides. Contrary to what some satin pillowcase companies try to tell you, satin has no benefits for skin, unlike silk, which benefits skin.
Satin vs. silk sheets are very similar, but cotton satin is probably the best option. This satin fabric feels soft on the skin, absorbs moisture, and is a lot more affordable than silk.
Both fabrics have that luxurious shiny look and are also wrinkle-resistant, but the similarities often end there. Because satin is usually made from synthetic fibers for affordability, it's not particularly breathable. When used to manufacture bedding, satin sheets can trap heat and cause you to sweat more.
The Disadvantages of Satin
Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.
Satin, much like silk is capable of reducing your suffering throughout a hot day. The fabric will keep you cool and refreshed. Besides, it can be used in bedding to prevent those sweaty nights, and help you out throughout your sleep.
Bacteria and dirt will build up more slowly on silk or satin than on cotton, but you still need to wash it frequently. You don't want to be applying a fresh layer of skin irritants every time you go to sleep! For this reason, read the label carefully before deciding between silk or satin pillowcases.
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), also known as olfactory reference disorder, is an underrecognized and often severe condition that has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with ORS think they smell bad, but in reality, they don't.
Women are typically reported to have higher olfactory sensitivity than men (for overviews, see Brand and Millot, 2001; Doty and Cameron, 2009; Sorokowski et al., 2019). Effect sizes seem to be small (Sorokowski et al., 2019), but the effects are consistent.
Using a saltwater rinse can help temporarily reduce the intensity of a bad smell in the nose. To make a saltwater rinse at home: Boil water, then leave to cool.