Underwear and Odour – Why Bamboo Wins

Short answer: Odour in underwear happens when bacteria live in sweat and moisture. Bamboo underwear beats cotton and synthetic fabrics because bamboo viscose wicks the moisture away and thereby removes what the bacteria feed on. Dry underwear quite simply smells less.

Why does underwear start to smell?

Sweat does not smell on its own. The odour appears when bacteria break down the sweat in a warm, damp environment, and the groin is exactly that kind of environment. The longer the fabric holds on to the moisture, the more odour. That is why the choice of material is decisive, see the range of bamboo underwear for men.

What makes bamboo different

Bamboo viscose absorbs and releases moisture quickly, so the skin and the fabric stay dry. Less moisture means fewer bacteria and less odour at the end of the day. The same principle applies to feet, read the post about bamboo socks against sweaty feet.

Washing and replacing do the rest

Change your underwear daily, wash at 30 to 40 degrees and skip the fabric softener, which seals the fibres. See the complete washing guide for bamboo clothing, and find more basics under bamboo underwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

Why does bamboo underwear smell less?

Because bamboo viscose wicks moisture away from the skin. Without moisture, odour bacteria have poor conditions, and the underwear stays fresh longer.

Does it help to wash underwear at a high temperature?

Bamboo viscose should be washed at 30 to 40 degrees. That is plenty for daily hygiene when you change your underwear every day.

Are synthetic underwear worse for odour?

Often, yes. Many synthetic fabrics do not absorb moisture, so the sweat stays on the skin and in the fabric, and that gives the bacteria free rein.