Sweat through the shirt on the chest
Short answer: Sweat comes through a shirt where the fabric lies closest to the skin, and on the chest it shows quickly. A vest between skin and shirt solves it for most people, and the choice of shirt fabric and a few habits do the rest.
The layer in between
A vest takes up moisture before it reaches the shirt fabric and spreads it over a larger area. That way the sweat does not come through as a clear patch, and the shirt looks neater all day. Choose a thin style that sits close so it does not bunch under the shirt. See the styles in bamboo vest for men.
With or without sleeves
A sleeveless vest is the least visible under a shirt, but it does not catch sweat in the armpit. If you sweat mostly on the chest and back, it is often enough. If you also sweat under the arms, a style with short sleeves is better, as it protects the shirt there. Read more in vest without sleeves or with sleeves.
Choosing the colour of the vest
Skin tone shows least under a light shirt, because it is close to your own skin. A white vest can show clearly through thin white fabric, especially in daylight. Under dark shirts the colour matters less. Read more about the choice in white or skin tone vest, where both options are compared.
The shirt fabric
A shirt in bamboo viscose moves moisture on and feels drier than a dense cotton shirt that stays wet against the skin. A light, smooth fabric also leaves a little more air between shirt and body. Fit plays a part too: a shirt that is tight across the chest presses the fabric to the skin. See bamboo shirt for men.
Washing
Wash the shirt within a couple of days so the sweat does not settle in the fibres and cause discolouration. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener, as it leaves a film on the fabric and reduces moisture uptake. Hang the shirt on a hanger to dry. More advice in the washing guide.
Deodorant marks
The yellow marks on shirts usually come from deodorant that mixes with sweat and settles in the fabric. Let the deodorant dry fully before you put the shirt on, and do not use more than you need. If a mark has appeared, it can often be loosened. See how to remove deodorant stains from bamboo clothing.
See also
White shirts are the hardest, because sweat and deodorant both show clearly on them, and because they are often worn to work and on special occasions. This is where the vest makes the biggest difference. Read more on the subject in sweat and white shirts, where the choice of layers is covered.
How many vests
If you wear a vest every day and wash once a week, you need at least seven. With a few more you are not left without one if washing day slips. When there are more to rotate, each one also wears more slowly. See more basics in bamboo underwear for men.
If it bothers you a lot
If you sweat heavily even when sitting still in a cool room, there may be causes other than your clothes. Vests and shirt fabric can reduce the discomfort, but they cannot treat heavy sweating. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor about what may lie behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop sweat coming through my shirt?
Wear a thin vest between skin and shirt. It takes up the moisture before it reaches the shirt fabric and spreads it, so no clear patch appears on the chest.
What colour vest should I wear under a white shirt?
Skin tone shows least under a light shirt, because it is close to your own skin. A white vest can show clearly through thin white fabric in daylight.
How often should the shirt be washed?
Wash it within a couple of days of wearing, so the sweat does not settle in the fibres. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener and let it dry on a hanger.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
