Cotton has long been popular due to its excellent properties, making it one of the best materials for combating moisture. Its natural structure allows the skin to breathe by allowing air circulation, effectively absorbing moisture, and helping maintain a feeling of dryness even on the hottest days.
From a sweaty person's perspective, your best bet is to look for natural materials and fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and wool (particularly merino wool), as these fabrics absorb moisture.
For someone who is sweating frequently using natural fabrics like cotton and linen can make a big difference. They absorb sweat so it does not stick to the body and they allow for more airflow to cool the skin.
Cotton is one of the best moisture absorbing fabrics around, making it a popular choice for people who suffer from excessive sweating and don't want it to stain their clothes.
Think of nylon as the best of performance fabrics combined. It's breathable like cotton, but also has the ability to wick sweat away from your body like polyester, so it keeps you dry and comfortable no matter what you're doing – whether you're going for a light jog or hitting it hard in the gym.
Polyester: Polyester is durable and water-resistant, but don't let these words fool you. Polyester doesn't absorb sweat; in fact, it might make you sweat even more.
As polyester dries quickly and is just as breathable as cotton, it is particularly suitable for sports and outdoor use. Since the fabric does not absorb sweat as much as cotton, it keeps you warm longer in cold weather. Sweating in polyester is also much more pleasant, as the moisture is wicked directly to the outside.
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.
Cotton promotes better air circulation, which aids in the absorption and removal of body moisture caused by sweat via evaporation. So, cotton clothes absorb more sweat because of the greater adhesive forces between cotton and water.
While breathable fabrics won't stop you from sweating, they'll help reduce the appearance of sweat on your clothes. According to Anderson, typically, moisture-wicking synthetic blends like polyester and nylon blends do the best at not showing sweat.
Antiperspirant Wipes
However, this isn't the only option that stars turn to. Another solid option they can rely on for extra protection or as a good alternative when they don't have access to deodorant is antiperspirant wipes.
Plant-based fabrics, like cotton, linen, and bamboo, are the most breathable fabrics, making them ideal for clothing and bedding. Animal-based fabrics like silk and wool are also breathable, and all of the above allow for easy air circulation, wick away perspiration, and to help keep the body cool.
When wondering what metal is sweat resistant, stainless steel, titanium, platinum, and tungsten carbide should be your go-to options. These metals are renowned for their ability to resist corrosion and maintain durability, making them perfect for enduring the wear and tear of daily activities.
Stronger antiperspirants
If a regular antiperspirant doesn't control your sweating, your GP may prescribe or suggest a stronger one for you. Antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride is often used to treat hyperhidrosis. This works by plugging the sweat glands.
Natural fibers absorb sweat very well, so if you are looking for clothes that can absorb sweat, try t-shirts made of quality organic cotton, bamboo or linen.
It's nearly impossible to prevent odor from flourishing on these fabrics or remove it with washing. If you're searching for fabrics that don't have anti-odor technology but are still odor-resistant, look for natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, merino wool, linen, hemp or a blend of those fibers.
Opt for Lightweight Clothing
It's important you also select clothing made from moisture-wicking, breathable materials, so they work with your sweating by absorbing it, rather than leaving it to sit on your skin and build odor-inducing bacteria. Look for materials like cotton, wool, silk, or polypro.
Cotton: Cotton clothing acts as a sponge as it has water retention capacity, hence soaking sweat and helping the skin breathe. It does not trap the body smell like the synthetic fibres do, helping both bacteria and sweat evaporate and keep your body odour free and make you feel comfortable.
Linen stands out as a top choice for hot weather, boasting some of the best qualities for summer comfort. Known for its exceptional breathability, linen fabric allows air to circulate freely, keeping you cool as temperatures rise. This natural fiber is not only lightweight but also excels in heat regulation.
Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk tend to hold scents better than synthetic materials. To maximize fragrance retention, try these techniques: Layer your scents: Apply unscented lotion before spraying perfume to create a base for the fragrance to cling to.
Nylon is stretchy, quick-drying, and mildew resistant. It's also incredibly breathable. The fabric allows cool air to reach the skin and also wicks sweat from your skin to the fabric's surface, where it can evaporate safely – leaving you comfortable and temperature controlled.
If you were looking for clothing that would be the most hard-wearing and long-lasting, synthetic materials like polyester would be the best choice. It certainly is more durable than cotton which is better for keeping you comfortable while you're at work.