The myth that natural fibres never smell
Short answer: Every fibre can end up smelling. Odour develops when bacteria break down sweat, and that happens on cotton, wool and viscose just as it does on synthetic fabrics. Some materials do, however, hold on to odour more than others.
Where the smell comes from
Fresh sweat hardly smells at all. Odour appears when bacteria on the skin and in the fabric break the sweat down. The longer moisture and warmth are allowed to act, the stronger the smell. This means that any fabric worn close to the body can smell. The difference between materials lies in how easily they release moisture and how well they can be washed clean again afterwards in an ordinary machine.
Wool does well, but not perfectly
Wool has a reputation for smelling less, and there is some truth in that. Wool fibres can absorb a lot of moisture inside the fibre, so the surface feels drier and bacteria have poorer conditions. After several days of wear, however, wool will smell too. Airing helps a great deal, but it does not replace a wash if the garment has been worn for a long time or during hard physical activity.
Cotton and viscose
Cotton and viscose absorb moisture well, but they also hold on to it. If clothing stays damp for a long time, odour can set in. On the other hand, most of them tolerate an ordinary wash, which removes the smell effectively. Viscose from bamboo is soft and absorbent and is often used in garments such as a bamboo undershirt for men, where regular washing is the simple solution to keeping it fresh.
Synthetic fabrics hold on to odour
Polyester and other synthetic fibres absorb very little moisture into the fibre itself. Sweat stays on the surface, and oils from the skin can bind to the fibres, so the smell lingers even after washing. That is why many people find that old sportswear smells as soon as it warms up. It does not mean synthetics are bad, but they do need a little extra care in the wash to stay fresh over time.
Long days and layering
In winter many people wear a layer under their everyday clothes. A warm base layer takes sweat from the skin and needs washing more often than the outer layer. This also applies to bamboo long johns, which should be washed regularly when worn several days in a row. By rotating between several sets, each piece has time to be washed and dried completely before it is worn again, which keeps odour away.
How to keep clothes fresh
Hang worn clothes up rather than putting them damp into the laundry basket. Wash them before the smell sets in and let them dry completely. Do not use too much detergent, as residue can trap odour. Wash sportswear inside out. Fabrics from brands such as Nordic Weaving and other soft viscose fabrics benefit from this routine and stay fresh for longer between each wash.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo clothing smell less than cotton
Both absorb moisture well. The difference in odour depends mostly on how long the garment is worn and how it is washed.
Why does my sportswear smell after washing
Oils and sweat can stick to synthetic fibres. Wash inside out, dose correctly and let the clothes dry quickly.
Can you remove odour by freezing clothes
Freezing does not remove odour reliably. An ordinary wash is the dependable solution.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
