When you sweat more than most people
Short answer: If you sweat a lot, the material closest to your skin decides how the day feels. A layer that moves moisture away keeps the skin drier than one that soaks it up and stays wet.
The inner layer matters most
The outer layer cannot make up for a wet layer underneath. It is the layer touching your skin that decides whether you feel clammy or dry. That is why this is the place to start if you sweat a lot. Begin with underwear and an undershirt before looking at the rest. See bamboo underwear for men.
Cotton gets wet
Cotton absorbs moisture and holds on to it. That feels fine while you are moving, but when you stand still afterwards, the wet layer draws heat from the body. Many people know the feeling of a cold, damp T-shirt after a busy morning. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin feels different.
Change during the day
A spare set in your bag does more than any choice of material. That applies at work and at the gym. A dry undershirt and a pair of dry socks take up almost no space and can be changed in minutes. Put the wet things in a separate bag so the rest stays dry.
Under the shirt
An undershirt absorbs sweat before it reaches your shirt. That spares the outer layer from marks, and the shirt can last another day before it needs washing. Choose a thin model that sits close without squeezing, so it does not show under the shirt. See bamboo undershirts for men.
The feet
The feet are one of the places where the body gives off a lot of moisture, and they sit inside a shoe all day. A sock that stays wet feels unpleasant and encourages odour. Change socks at midday if you can, and let your shoes dry between uses. See all bamboo socks for men.
Wash quickly
Sweaty clothes left in the basket for days smell even after washing. Hang them up to dry if they are not going in the wash straight away, and wash them as soon as you can. Avoid stuffing damp clothes into a closed basket. Read more about smell in clothes that will not go away.
The fit
Clothes that are too tight create more heat and friction, while clothes that are too loose can rub. A layer that rests lightly against the skin is the best starting point, because it can carry the moisture with it. Measure yourself and choose by the table rather than habit, especially for undershirts.
Enough for a week
If you sweat a lot, you often use more than one set a day. Make sure you have enough underwear, undershirts and socks, so you do not run out midweek. It also makes it easier to wash often without waiting for a full machine.
When in doubt
If the amount you sweat has suddenly changed, or you sweat heavily without having moved, your doctor should look at it. Choosing clothes can make everyday life easier, but it is not a treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the cause.
Small habits make a difference
It is rarely one thing that solves it. A good inner layer, a spare set in your bag, frequent washing and shoes that are allowed to dry add up to a noticeable difference. Start with the inner layer and add the other habits as you find out what works for you.
Frequently asked questions
What helps most when you sweat a lot?
An inner layer that moves moisture away from the skin and a spare set to change into. The outer layer matters less than the layer touching your skin all day.
Why do sweaty clothes smell after washing?
Often because they have lain damp in the basket for too long. Hang them up to dry and wash them soon, so the smell does not settle in the fabric.
When should you see a doctor?
If the amount you sweat suddenly changes or you sweat heavily for no reason. Clothes can make the day easier, but they are not a treatment, so talk to your doctor if in doubt.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
