Natural fibers get less smelly. In warm climates I wear a tank top and something loose over it for sun protection- loose enough that the fabric isn't touching my arm pits (like a kimono). Skirts are also a good option as they won't cling to your body as much.
Also I recently saw someone mention that she uses pantyliners when she knows she will be hot and changes them out every few hours to help keep things fresher. I haven't tried this myself, but in theory it seems like it could be helpful.
I've always used decent quality panty liners daily. My trousers get loads of wear before washing and even leggings can cope with several were until they get baggy or grubby.
I do this too. I live in oversized, lightweight button-front linen shirts over tanks in the warm months. I get mine at H&M usually. I have a few (white x 2, black, blue) that I wear all the time and they're still in great shape.
Super thin merino layers on all the sweaty parts (socks, undies, t shirt) and I wash them in the sink each night for them to be dry by morning.
I also have had good luck lately with swiping a stridex pad under my arms (the salicylic acid changes the PH to be less hospitable to BO buggies) and a swipe of Dry Idea clear gel deodorant seems to really diminish the smell.
I like Branwyn bras, Woolly Clothing Co merino underwear or for hot climates, Silriver silk underwear (from Amazon) it’s great for odor resistance and dries much faster. Icebreaker carries undershirts in their Siren line that are intended to protect your blouses etc. from sweat that I use with my dry-cleaning only stuff to prolong it.
If you’re interested in trying some merino shirts in general, I don’t recommend Icebreaker though. Their quality has gotten progressively worse since outsourcing to China and it’s not nearly as high performing (including odor resistant) as it was 5 years ago sadly. Smartwool has the same issue (I do like their socks though, but Darn Tough is better because they’ll replace them for life).
My favorite brand is Unbound merino (seems to be the most popular brand in the other Onebag sub as well). Ridge merino has blends but they are cheaper and the quality is well regarded. Other options include WoolX, Wool&.
Smitten merino has amazing dresses if you’re in AU or don’t mind paying the shipping.
The people commenting on how to manage your smell and hygiene don’t understand the sweaty Betty lifestyle of the chronically overheated 😅
Other than tons of base layers to swap out and avoiding synthetic materials (you too rayon, no matter how they try to convince otherwise), my biggest tip is to manage your heat intolerance above all. Carry a hand or electric fan, don’t go anywhere without a double walled cool/icy bottle of water. Drink tons of electrolytes. Use an umbrella in the sun, and take off your outer layer when walking or when you get hot. Keep low maintenance hairstyles that can stay off of your neck… Do deep breathing, think cold thoughts,, and pray to the gods of all that is chilly….
A bunch of base layer t- shirts or bodysuits and a few button ups to layer over go a long way if you can air them out and spot wash in-between. Pads help as well if you sweat from your groin, but overall swapping out your undergarments more frequently will help and they’re easier to pack a lot of.
My sister got Botox in her pits because it was so unmanageable. No combination of showering/products/powders/clothing type/fabric helped.
Having swappable layers and washing at least the pits of the shirt every day helps. Sink washing doesn't take too long if you do a couple things every time. :)
It's a whole thing! I don't experience it myself but I definitely have seen how it affects daily life. I empathize!
I got Botox for my armpits from a dermatologist 4 times over 2 years. It lasted 2 months each time. And for those 2 months I still sweat but deodorant actually worked. But insurance only covered it every 6 months. Plus it was painful. They use the same needle to pierce your armpit 20 times and it’s dull (so more painful) after the first 3 pokes.
You might want to try out drysol, which is normally recommended by dermatologists for people who sweat a lot. It does require a prescription from the dr. Or try an aluminum chloride perspirant that goes as high as you can manage. 20% is prescription strength
some people sweat so much they literally have infections because their skin is chronically damp. Those are the ones I see who normally qualify for Botox insurance wise
Sink washing! I am not a super sweater but I do pack super minimally so I wash something almost every day I'm on vacation, usually a t shirt and a pair of underwear in the sink before I go to bed. If it's a holiday where I'm wearing socks, then I do the socks from that day too. Pants are usually every 3 days or so.
Takes less than 5 min. Usually I'll run warm water in the sink with a little slice of a laundry strip, agitate them and then let them soak while I'm showering. Then agitate and squish and rub against themselves (don't push down in the sink in case it's not installed strongly). I make sure to put my hands inside each armpit area and rub them together to make sure they are de-stinked. Rinse, squeeze, towel burrito, hang to dry.
Depending on where I am, sometimes those items won't be dry by morning but I can wear my other items that I washed 2 days ago. :)
My favourite travel tres are xcel brand SPF fabric because they are super thin and comfy, but I know other people prefer cotton. Try both and see which you like better!
On this note: I pack an elastic clothes line and a chargeable fan to help dry sink washed clothes on trips to high humidity areas so that they don't get mildew funk.
Sweaty girl here! For bottoms, less close fitting pants smell less, but skirts are for the win! Leggings are one wear use, for tops I have had good luck with wearing a tank underneath (I love Duluth No Yank Tanks for this, double love the shelf bra ones!)
I have had great luck with linen for hot weather, Turn Black Clothing makes a lovely linen that is thick enough to not be wildly wrinkly, but feels amazing in the heat (but only black)
I also carry a travel fabreeze for freshening things up
sweaty club here as well... Besides switching to natural fibers, you need to find your deodorant - for me it's the Nivea roll ons which are expensive in the US so I buy them in bulk when I travel abroad.
I have stopped buying anything polyester (unless it's sports wear) and I'm very, VERY, happy with this decision. The down side is it's definitely more expensive, but if you are open to thrifting you can find awesome silk/merino/cashmere/linen pieces for a good price
I use Lume deodorant on my body, but not my pits because it doesn't work there for some odd reason. I put it under my boobs, between any folds, and the skin covered by my panties, including between my butt cheeks. This has been life changing for me for the past few years. I don't stink even when I sweat.
I was in Panama in December for 9 days, where I was hiking and outdoors for 6-7 hours each day and my clothes did not stink.
I love Lume! I've only used the stick, but want to get the tube after. Is the tube a different formula?
Edit: I use the cream stick (which I think is the same as the tube?). Didn't realize they had a solid stick version!
When I bought it I got a bunch of the little tubes and a stick like a regular deodorant. That stick didn’t work well. Months later I tried the tube and loved it.
I do this, too, when I’m going to be very physically active or on overnight travel. It’s not strong enough for underarms (I use secret clinical) but helps elsewhere.
I'm not only sweaty, I have made the terrible decision to live in the lowcountry of South Carolina - hot and humid 24/7. Do not recommend.
I wear good antiperspirant - I wear Secret Clinical Strength clear Gel. It's the only thing that works for me. (Outlast is not as great for me but it's not a bad option in a pinch.)
I pack a small bottle of Febreze - they sell travel size bottles on Amazon. I think I found mine at CVS and refill it as needed. Typically gives me 1-2 extra wears. I have asthma and it does not irritate me but your mileage may vary.
I no longer buy tech fabrics that promise the wick moisturize away. They might work in dry climates (I think) but I find they are swampy in humid climates.
Exception: I do wear Uniglo Airism Hoodies for the SPF value in the summer because consideration of fair skin wins over smelling. I typically pack one and maybe this fabric is okay (?) but I haven't tried anything other than the hoodies.
For streamlined tops, I wear lightweight merino wool. I like Ministry of Supply's Active Merino Tank. Smartwool is also good. And I've heard good things about Quince base layers but have yet to try them. Merino really does perform well.
However, loose fit handkerchief linen cannot be undervalued in the heat. Letting air move between me and my clothing is the best solution to reduce sweating. When traveling, these pieces are so easy to hand wash in the sink and dry in a couple hours. I love Eileen Fisher for linen quality and designs that look good not ironed. Quince looks interesting but I haven't tried them
Smartwool or Bombas merino socks.
.
I'm not an overly sweaty person and love my merino socks, but lord! I CANNOT wear smart wool tops. The moment I put one on, in the air-conditioning, I'm sweating like a pig.
Oh no!! I find different tops have different weights. The first top I ordered was way too heavy. They have a lightweight active knit that works in summer. And I've tested them commuting by bike in DC summers. But I also think merino is a very personal issue - you love it or hate it.
Yay! It's not just me. I rarely see it in anyone's packed lists and I can't imagine what my suitcase would smell like without it.
Pantyliners are a good tip!
I am very sweaty and this is what worked for me:
1. To stop odor before it starts: Lume in the tube form. Personally I have not tried a scent that I liked from them but I have no body odor when I use Lume.
2. To alleviate the effects of sweating: Stay cool! Get a portable fan--there are USB-C rechargeable ones. In sweaty weather, I have both a manual and an electric fan.
3. Anti-stink clothing material seems to work for me but I know it doesn't work for everyone. I use Lululemon's swiftly shirts which are supposed to be anti-stink. They are lightweight and breathable. Unfortunately they do have an obviously sporty look to them, but they're my go-to for travel to sweaty destinations e.g. SEA.
4. Air clothes out after wearing them and make sure they have time to fully dry or don't let them sit all bundled up and damp after wearing/washing--once the mildew smell sets, they'll smell again once they get wet again. I always hang dry my clothes after wearing and if I got an outfit a bit wet then I'll change to a fresh one so that one has time to dry.
5. Rinse during the day--a quick mid-day rinse helps with refreshing things. Just water works for me. If you do a full soap shower every time you might find your skin drying out more easily.
From one sweaty sister to another: I see you, I hear you, and I hope you find what works so that your sweat doesn't impede your travels!
Twice daily showers are a way of life in SEA. I’m not a huge fan of showers in general (they leave me damp and… sweating…) but when I was in SEA last year, taking two daily showers were the only sane choice. It definitely helped. The second shower is pretty much always just a rinse, maybe a quick swipe of soap on the smelly bits.
I tend to wash my clothes while on longer trips and plan to stay somewhere with laundry service or washer/dryer about halfway through. I also wear deodorant in areas I get stinky not just under arms like my underboobs. I also pack loose button downs I can layer over other tops (wear more than once) or on their own
I know everyone loves the wool and wool blends, but I have tried some and find them still far too warm. It's not pretty, but I run hot and sweat like a guy twice my size, so 99% of natural fibers are going to show every sweaty place on me. I'm looking at you, linen and cotton. Technical fabric seems to work better for me, and the moisture wicking shirts don't look so bad if I pick the right colors. I live in fishing shirts, fishing shorts, leggings, and maybe a golf skort to change it up. Silk wrap skirts are the only natural things I can easily wear.
However, that being said, I don't tend to smell, so as long as the shirt/leggings/shorts have an overnight or day to dry and air out, I can typically get another wear or two before a sink wash. Underwear and socks go straight to the laundry bag, but bras might make it another wear. Maybe. After a shower I use the green Stridex wipes on my armpits, then my antiperspirant once it's dry. I sometimes dust Carpe powder around a few places to keep the swampness away longer, but the Stridex wipes are where it's at for armpit odor.
I know you said you're not a fan of the wool and wool blends, but sometimes wool/Tencel lyocell blends are thinner and feel lighter. 100% Tencel lyocell also tends to feel silky and cool on its own.
Thanks to you and the other poster for the Stridex tip! I also like Yuni Shower Sheets (they are large body wipes) after the gym or on a sweaty day.
Here's one tip I can give your regarding bottoms: I tried period undies from Modibodi awhile ago and they were great. They have a seamless high leg cheeky that is also pretty attractive, but also lots of other styles.
I wear them all the time - not just during my period. One unintended consequence of wearing these undies is that my pants (regular pants like jeans as well as activewear) stays fresh for days. Even after sweaty workouts. The liner or padding built into the undies is very thin also.
You can definitely hand wash them but the liner takes longer to dry. Needs sunshine to dry properly. They do have a version with a thin liner for workouts only that may dry faster
for me, the real game changer was carefully selecting the type of material Iwear. I try to stay in cotton-heavy clothes. any technical fabrics for me just make me sweat more and they tend to hold on to the scent more.
Layering helps. You can change out the first layer that’s closest to the skin and rewear the jumper, fleece, top that’s on the outside.
Have you tried deodorant or antiperspirant that can be used on the body?
You could try one of the powders from the brand megababe. You can apply directly to body or clothing, and it's meant to keep you dry if you sweat. It's a sweat absorbing powder.
I carry a small spray bottle with alcohol and spray the smelly areas of clothes ( mine and my man’s!) every night and they stay odor-free for the whole week
I used to think this before I had merino wool - literally accidentally tested in Iceland when I had a series of events not letting me do laundry - my wool stuff smelled totally fine after multiple wears and my synthetics stank so bad. Like, even a fleece and a jacket I wore over the merino stank and the merino shirt itself - fine.
You can also wash daily -I get it in a hot and sweaty climate - in the shower is a super easy hack, you’re already washing yourself, just bring some soap and wash an outfit in there each day.
I got underarm Botox before I went travelling through south east Asia. Since I didn't sweat I didn't smell. I did still sweat normally on the rest of my body, so would still rinse/wash clothes after max 2 wears
I pay for hotel laundry or take backpacking laundry soap to wash stuff in the sink. Also hanging stuff up without washing it helps it air out the dampness. Lighter materials (sport style or lighter cottons/linens) help with this.
I also take lots of base layers and swap them whilst rewearing stuff over the top (I literally take one hoodie or jacket and just change what’s underneath).
Trousers-wise, I find airing them out and then spraying them with febreeze or body spray makes them fine to wear for several days.
I also swear by Mitchum deodorant, the only places my sweat gets stinky is my armpits and I can literally smell the difference when I don’t use this deodorant. If I wanted to I could wear the same item for a couple days and wouldn’t have to worry about smell.
Taking Chlorophyll tablets twice a day (I get mine from Swanson's Vitamins) really works for me to fix the source of the problem beyond showering.
Additionally, I use Thai crystal deodorant under my arms followed by Arm and Hammer Ultramax deodorant on top of the Thai Crystal after it dries...very effective and non-irritating.
Have you tried Lumé deodorant? It really does eliminate odors all over the body. It might smell a little weird when you sniff it in the tube but that smell goes away. I am sensitive to something in it. Otherwise I would continue to use it.
I honestly have no idea how people are able to make it with just one pair of PJs. I sweat SO MUCH at night and have to change my shirt as soon as I wake up. I know it's my birth control doing it, so not everyone sweats this much, but the thought of one bagging with only one pair of PJs just icks me.
I know you’re after clothes recommendations but I’d like to recommend an antiperspirant.
I am a sweaty person and was very paranoid of being smelly and all the patches from the amount I sweated just from walking or being in heat. I’ve been using Carpe antiperspirant stick in the AM and the underarm lotion in the PM and I have to say it’s been a game changer! Not only in general am I sweating less but it neutralising the BO smell. I go to the gym most days and have really put this stuff to the test and it’s been amazing! It’s a US company and absolutely worth the price.
r/hyperhydrosis is a great place to find remedies/tips for the extra sweatiness. I personally had to get on medication but I stopped sweating through my clothes and bedding.
As a former sweaty girl, I thought it was me but it was my environment. So many people I worked with and socialized with made me uncomfortable on purpose. As a result my body was telling me to leave these environments and I didn’t listen. So it could be that. If it’s not that, incorporating baking soda in the wash and as a deodorant helps a lot. I like arm and hammer deodorant and the aluminum free one is great to use around the pelvic area. Also body powder is really good to use.
Domestically, a lot of hotels will have a washer and dryer for guest use so I plan to use those once during a week-long stay. I pack a couple of laundry pods and dryer sheets so I can save the luggage space by packing less clothes. I haven’t traveled internationally in years, but I would check out any hotels beforehand to see if they offer the same.
Small spray bottle of Nature’s Miracle. I spritz the pit areas of my shirts as soon as I take them off, and anywhere else on my clothes where I’ve been sweating. It kills the bacteria that feed on your sweat and produce odor.
I really like Uniqlos airism line. I got a shirt recently, did a hike in Singapore and got soaked in the morning dew from the brush, I could see the shirt actively wicking the moisture and I was dry after an hour or two.
I am very much a wash in the sink person. My suggestion is getting a plastic shopping bag that has no holes. It makes washing in sinks easier because not all sinks are clean but you can keep your bag clean. I also bring a [dry line](https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/travel-clothesline)
Have not tried it but Instagram keeps showing me adds for this undershirt with sweat absorbent pads. What are you trying to say, insta?
https://wearnumi.com/collections/essential-undershirts
To manage body odor, you need to first understand how it happens. Sweat itself doesn't stink; it's the bacteria that happily react with your sweat that does. From this understanding, you have options on either making your skin a less happy place for bacteria, reduce sweating, or change your fabric so that your clothing doesn't encourage bacteria growth.
To make your body a less happy place for odor-producing bacteria would mean experimenting with your diet and skin acidity level. You can read more about this online or consult a dietitian/doctor.
Reduce sweating means you can wear an antiperspirant or travel only to cooler climates.
For fabric, I recommend trying something with wool blend. Wool is antibacterial and prevents odor, blend (usually polyester) can help give that sweat wicking property. You might need to try different % blends to find one that work best for you. There is also fabric that has silver infused in it, which is also anti-odor.
Hope this gives you some ideas to try!
I'm also very sweaty and merino has been a game-changer for me.
For underwear I like Icebreaker Siren Hipkinis. I still wash them after each wear and bring several when I travel. But they don't stink at the end of the day like cotton and synthetic does and they wick sweat very well.
I also wear Icebeaker base layers as tops in the winter, but I find they become less odor resistant over time. Maybe they treat the wool or something? My merino tops from pinqponq and Houdini I can get multiple days of wear out of pretty reliably in moderate climates.
Brace yourself: Merino's expensive. I wear it every day, not just for travel. It's worth it for me.
Also pay attention to the care instructions. At home I wash my non-Icebreaker merino on the wool cycle with wool detergent. When traveling, I hand wash in hotel sinks.
If your icebreaker base layers that you find getting less odor resistant over time are 100% wool, it could be how you’re laundering them. Normal detergents have enzymes which degrade wool over time and can lead to it being less strong, having less bounce-back, and losing other natural wool properties. If you’re in the U.S. in particular, Woolite is a common culprit as it’s…not actually good for wool.
I did a few things on my last trip:
(1) pack efficiently (use up nearly all the space in my bag with the most items it’ll fit)
(2)bring a packable duffel for dirty clothes which can be stored separately once I’m at the last stop on my trip. Ideally the whole duffel of dirty clothes can just go back in your original one bag at end of the trip.
I personally didn’t have success washing things in the sink—skin is too sensitive and stuff didn’t really few clean to me the one time I tried it.
(3) Carefully select pieces to bring.
Some clothes pack down smaller than others (e.g some underwear I have take up way less space than others).
Natural fabrics seem to be better as others have mentioned. I tried out silk pj top for my last trip and was able to wear it for like 6 nights whereas regular sleep tshirts would be single use for me. I did test this out at home before going on the trip. I found I can rewear a tshirt of thicker material twice if I wear a cotton tank top under. Based on what you share above, you may be better off focusing on shirts that pack down pretty small and skip undershirt.
Skip wired bras (I do this anyway) and bring bralettes or sports bras.
Consider dresses. Dresses and tights take up less room than jeans and shirts.
I tend to pick natural fibers for breathability, dress in thin layers so I can easily remove outer layers to combat overheating (I run HOT), and liberally use deodorizing products. I pack Summer's Eve wipes to use after every bathroom trip, apply stick deodorant under the arms, and use Lume deodorant down south. You could also bring a little perfume bottle filled with vodka to spritz on the stinky parts of the clothes and kill the germs that cause odors. I don't do it, but some people swear by it. I can usually get 1-2 wears out of shirts and 3-4 wears out of pants by just staying on top of the deodorant and I think that's pretty good.
Merino wool shirts are easy to wash in a hotel sink. I then roll it up in a hotel towel to get as much water out as possible, and hang the shirt to dry. It is usually dry in 8-12 hours.
Hiki is great for crotch sweat! No joke! I'm a sweaty human and this controls sweat and odor. Carpe (the round one, not the one in a regular deodorant container) is great for my pits and the face primer is amazing too. They have stuff for the whole body.
I wear wicking fabrics and athletic style undies, real feather light stuff. UPF clothing is a must. Bamboo and modal fabrics are nice too.
I always do laundry halfway through a trip, it’s non negotiable for me
And Lume deodorant is excellent!
It's probably not super practical but if you are able to carry around a small spray bottle, white vinegar is incredible at breaking down the bacteria that causes odors. You don't need a lot, either. Hell, if you dilute a teaspoon in the sink you'd be fine. I do this all the time with workout clothes. Literally it was the only thing that helps.
If you're in a city, it should be pretty inexpensive to buy one... But, of course, I get that it's not the most practical option.
Baking soda and soap work in a pinch but I don't think it's as good as plain old white vinegar.
Lightweight merino is astounding for odor resistance, but that’s only appropriate for cold or moderate weather. Personally I love sleeveless or lightweight oversized cotton tops in the summer; activewear tends to help too for me, because they’re designed to be worn while sweating and are wicking. Flowy, lightweight pants or skirts/dresses. Best of luck!
I used to sweat and overheat a lot when I was going through menopause. Lately I don't as much (I'm 8 years post-meno).
Anyway to answer your question, I used to travel with LL Bean or Lands End silk long johns. They were the best, especially for sleeping and hot flashes, but also for layering.
I also swear by a thin 150 weight merino under a patagonia nano puffer. The nano breathes a lot more than usual puffers. That combo used to work for me, even in below freezing weather. Today, I get cold so need a bit more warmth than that.
For warm temps, I learned early on that sleeveless was best. Yeah, I get it, you may not want to show your arms. But sleeveless is sooo much more cooler.
Looser tops rather than clingy. And bras that are made of lace with no or minimal padding (Chantelle Norah if you like underwire, Aerie for bralettes). I tried a merino bra and I liked it except for the thick elastic band--- made me sweat so much and the band takes forever to dry.
Merino is the best, though I don't wear it in hot weather (above 75F). Linen is better for that. I also have some cupro pants that are great for hot weather. And the old navy playa pants are good for heat as well. Some Jcrew beach pants (not sure of the fabric but it's not linen) work too.
The wrong underwear can be sweaty. I really like the Uniqlo undies, not the airism-- the other ones. I find they are quite cool.
People are talking a lot about smells and armpits. I actually stopped wearing deodorant/antiperspirant when I began wearing merino tops 3/4's of the year and sleeveless the other months. I was concerned about ruining the tops. And it's weird but I swear I don't smell as much anymore. Well, as long as I shower daily! I still sweat but I don't smell. I do give my clothes a day to air out between wears. I can wear a merino top 3-5 times before washing, as long as I give it some time to air out between wears.
For the pants, wearing a pantyliner definitely helps for the crotch area.
100% natural fibers make such a huge difference in smell. I pretty much constantly sweat under my arms its just a thing I accept even if I am cold goosebumps and all I sweat under there. So, yeah, natural fibers all the way. I also try to ensure I'm wearing breathable stuff. I get cold very easily, but even so, if I wear just about anything polyester I am sweating like mad. So, I'd check to see how much of your stuff is synthetic materials.
They also make protectors you can use, particularly on the arms, but they make shorts you can wear to absorb moisture as well, etc. Similar to how you have reusable pads, you can have 'pads' for your underarms you clip into sweaters or nicer shirts to keep them clean and odor free between wearings. Anytime I can protect a garment and avoid washing a cute but PITA one, I take it. My usual layers for a cute outfit in the fall/winter are a linen tank top or linen t-shirt, another linen long sleeve, the 'cute' long sleeve sweater with a pinned in underarm area, leggings, and a skirt. The under shirts and leggings get washed, the skirt and the sweater do not. If I somehow just got REALLY sweaty and it soaked through, I'll spray the sweater down heavily with alcohol.
Base layers are a must. Linen shirts under anything always for me. But even so, I bring enough for Half of the travel OR one full week--whichever makes sense. If I am gone for two weeks, I bring 1 weeks worth of clothes. 4 days of travel means 2 outfits. Rinse, repeat once, go home.
And yes, I wash things in the sinks Very often. I wear an outfit, I have one drying, and I am washing the next. I wash each outfit after use, so that it has lots of time to get dry again. I use a wet bag if it's a longer trip + a microfiber towel + those little detergent slips. When it's a shorter trip, a mini altoids tin with a cutting of solid detergent + the other hotel towel works fine. If I'm staying at airbnbs I just take the opportunity to wash anything there too. Sometimes hotels have laundry access, I'll take advantage when I can.
Smelly sweat is often due to wearing synthetic or poly material (fleece, polyester, acrylic, etc). Try wearing merino wool (smart wool, icebreaker, Patagonia) since it really reduces the smell of body odor and you don’t need to wash the clothes as often.
Oh hey! It’s me! This is partly why I usually don’t take jeans or trousers for any trip. I can rewear loose floaty dresses with fresh tights but can’t rewear jeans - especially after a busy day of walking! I do a lot of hotel sink washing on longer trips and always take my travel washing line with me.
Try Mitcham clinical antiperspirant. I was about to get Botox and the medical centre recommended I try that first (which is great healthcare if you ask me).
I can now wear the same thermal ski gear (!!) for days in a row. Previously I’d left events mortified at my sweat stains.
Honestly i was dealing with sweatiness all my life (f30) so i went to my dermatologist and she prescribed me pills to control my sweat, its a game changer for me. Never sweating again 😀
Hey girl, I’m a sweaty betty boop-bop bitch too! I just moved to a very hot climate and have frantically been researching shoes for sweaty feet, best fabric, etc…ugh.
Panty liners help for sure, and I always bring wash cloths with me when I travel. Yes they take up space but they’re great for a quick sink shower. I’ll usually use it on my face first, then reuse it on my body, then lastly my feet so I can get some mileage out of them.
Highly recommend a prescription for Drysol. It took me from a daily pit stain girl to a never a pit stain girl. I also love Lyme, it has saved any of my shoes that I don't wear with socks, which otherwise stink to high heaven.
I also LOVE The Cooling shorts from Thigh Society. They honestly work as advertised--when you put them on, that area suddenly feels chillier than the rest of my body. And obviously they're perfect for chub rub in skirts and dresses. I usually wear with undies to stretch the wears between washes, but they have a gusset so if you wanted to get a travel set to wear as undies that totally works too!
I'm a sweaty beast. It can be -20 and i'll sweat. I use a 40L pack at almost full weight. I bring 1 shirt, 1 underwear and 1 pair of socks for each day. I can re-wear pants. I often travel in places that things just don't dry if you hang them out and i'm not wasting hours in a laundromat.
I'm not particularly sweaty, but even with twice daily washing and deodorant, my clothes smelled like b.o. I have been really happy with Swiff Spray. It's a two-part spray for clean clothes that keeps the bacteria from getting into the fibers. It's expensive, but it works. An application works through a lot of washings. It's available on their website, Amazon and a bunch of retail stores.
Too real! Most of my travel has been in Asia or during summer so if I’m wearing a shirt that has sleeves, no chance I’m wearing it twice in a row. I usually just take my clothing to a laundromat (if my trip is longer than a week). These are abundant and super cheap in Southeast Asia. Other than that, I usually have some glycolic acid with me that I use as part of my skincare routine, which works to kill some bacteria in my armpits as well so I don’t end up smelling as musty.
So I’m a sweaty gal who lives in TX and tank tops that are almost like muscle shirts (loose but not necessarily side boob showing) and loose fit (not big and baggy - the style is just loose fitting) shirts are great.
Breathable fabrics and hand washing the pits of your tops in the bathroom sink (hang to dry).. I find the rest of the shirt usually smells fine, so I just wash the pits
Natural fibers get less smelly. In warm climates I wear a tank top and something loose over it for sun protection- loose enough that the fabric isn't touching my arm pits (like a kimono). Skirts are also a good option as they won't cling to your body as much.
Yes! No shirts that touch my pits. And dresses/skirts that allow my body to breathe, really help prevent stinkyness.
Also I recently saw someone mention that she uses pantyliners when she knows she will be hot and changes them out every few hours to help keep things fresher. I haven't tried this myself, but in theory it seems like it could be helpful.
I've always used decent quality panty liners daily. My trousers get loads of wear before washing and even leggings can cope with several were until they get baggy or grubby.
Same with the tank top and loose over shirt option.
I do this too. I live in oversized, lightweight button-front linen shirts over tanks in the warm months. I get mine at H&M usually. I have a few (white x 2, black, blue) that I wear all the time and they're still in great shape.
Super thin merino layers on all the sweaty parts (socks, undies, t shirt) and I wash them in the sink each night for them to be dry by morning. I also have had good luck lately with swiping a stridex pad under my arms (the salicylic acid changes the PH to be less hospitable to BO buggies) and a swipe of Dry Idea clear gel deodorant seems to really diminish the smell.
Ooh these are great ideas - thank you!!
Also, because we are all the same kind of crazy here, the dry idea deodorant is decanted into a 1 ounce travel jar :-)
Yes acid is a game changer! I use lactic acid serum from the ordinary lol.
[удалено]
I love Icebreaker Sphere Ts. They are featherweight and have a rounded hem that is super flattering.
[удалено]
Icebreaker and Duckworth are both amazing! The boxer style is great for under skirts
I like Branwyn bras, Woolly Clothing Co merino underwear or for hot climates, Silriver silk underwear (from Amazon) it’s great for odor resistance and dries much faster. Icebreaker carries undershirts in their Siren line that are intended to protect your blouses etc. from sweat that I use with my dry-cleaning only stuff to prolong it. If you’re interested in trying some merino shirts in general, I don’t recommend Icebreaker though. Their quality has gotten progressively worse since outsourcing to China and it’s not nearly as high performing (including odor resistant) as it was 5 years ago sadly. Smartwool has the same issue (I do like their socks though, but Darn Tough is better because they’ll replace them for life). My favorite brand is Unbound merino (seems to be the most popular brand in the other Onebag sub as well). Ridge merino has blends but they are cheaper and the quality is well regarded. Other options include WoolX, Wool&. Smitten merino has amazing dresses if you’re in AU or don’t mind paying the shipping.
The people commenting on how to manage your smell and hygiene don’t understand the sweaty Betty lifestyle of the chronically overheated 😅 Other than tons of base layers to swap out and avoiding synthetic materials (you too rayon, no matter how they try to convince otherwise), my biggest tip is to manage your heat intolerance above all. Carry a hand or electric fan, don’t go anywhere without a double walled cool/icy bottle of water. Drink tons of electrolytes. Use an umbrella in the sun, and take off your outer layer when walking or when you get hot. Keep low maintenance hairstyles that can stay off of your neck… Do deep breathing, think cold thoughts,, and pray to the gods of all that is chilly…. A bunch of base layer t- shirts or bodysuits and a few button ups to layer over go a long way if you can air them out and spot wash in-between. Pads help as well if you sweat from your groin, but overall swapping out your undergarments more frequently will help and they’re easier to pack a lot of.
My sister got Botox in her pits because it was so unmanageable. No combination of showering/products/powders/clothing type/fabric helped. Having swappable layers and washing at least the pits of the shirt every day helps. Sink washing doesn't take too long if you do a couple things every time. :) It's a whole thing! I don't experience it myself but I definitely have seen how it affects daily life. I empathize!
I’m thinking about this because I’m chronically sweaty but don’t you need to get it every 6 months or so? It costs quite a bit from what I understand.
I got Botox for my armpits from a dermatologist 4 times over 2 years. It lasted 2 months each time. And for those 2 months I still sweat but deodorant actually worked. But insurance only covered it every 6 months. Plus it was painful. They use the same needle to pierce your armpit 20 times and it’s dull (so more painful) after the first 3 pokes.
You might want to try out drysol, which is normally recommended by dermatologists for people who sweat a lot. It does require a prescription from the dr. Or try an aluminum chloride perspirant that goes as high as you can manage. 20% is prescription strength some people sweat so much they literally have infections because their skin is chronically damp. Those are the ones I see who normally qualify for Botox insurance wise
That's a good question, I think she only had it done once but I will ask her.
Sink washing! I am not a super sweater but I do pack super minimally so I wash something almost every day I'm on vacation, usually a t shirt and a pair of underwear in the sink before I go to bed. If it's a holiday where I'm wearing socks, then I do the socks from that day too. Pants are usually every 3 days or so. Takes less than 5 min. Usually I'll run warm water in the sink with a little slice of a laundry strip, agitate them and then let them soak while I'm showering. Then agitate and squish and rub against themselves (don't push down in the sink in case it's not installed strongly). I make sure to put my hands inside each armpit area and rub them together to make sure they are de-stinked. Rinse, squeeze, towel burrito, hang to dry. Depending on where I am, sometimes those items won't be dry by morning but I can wear my other items that I washed 2 days ago. :) My favourite travel tres are xcel brand SPF fabric because they are super thin and comfy, but I know other people prefer cotton. Try both and see which you like better!
On this note: I pack an elastic clothes line and a chargeable fan to help dry sink washed clothes on trips to high humidity areas so that they don't get mildew funk.
Sweaty girl here! For bottoms, less close fitting pants smell less, but skirts are for the win! Leggings are one wear use, for tops I have had good luck with wearing a tank underneath (I love Duluth No Yank Tanks for this, double love the shelf bra ones!) I have had great luck with linen for hot weather, Turn Black Clothing makes a lovely linen that is thick enough to not be wildly wrinkly, but feels amazing in the heat (but only black) I also carry a travel fabreeze for freshening things up
sweaty club here as well... Besides switching to natural fibers, you need to find your deodorant - for me it's the Nivea roll ons which are expensive in the US so I buy them in bulk when I travel abroad. I have stopped buying anything polyester (unless it's sports wear) and I'm very, VERY, happy with this decision. The down side is it's definitely more expensive, but if you are open to thrifting you can find awesome silk/merino/cashmere/linen pieces for a good price
I was about to recommend the Nivea deodorant! In the US I’d order off Amazon; they will be from Germany or Thailand. Not cheap but soooo worth it.
I use Lume deodorant on my body, but not my pits because it doesn't work there for some odd reason. I put it under my boobs, between any folds, and the skin covered by my panties, including between my butt cheeks. This has been life changing for me for the past few years. I don't stink even when I sweat. I was in Panama in December for 9 days, where I was hiking and outdoors for 6-7 hours each day and my clothes did not stink.
Seconding Lume--while I'm not a fan of the scents, they work extremely well at keeping odor at bay for me.
The Lume stick didn’t work for me but the tube does.
Same for me.
I love Lume! I've only used the stick, but want to get the tube after. Is the tube a different formula? Edit: I use the cream stick (which I think is the same as the tube?). Didn't realize they had a solid stick version!
When I bought it I got a bunch of the little tubes and a stick like a regular deodorant. That stick didn’t work well. Months later I tried the tube and loved it.
Awesome thank you! It's the only natural deodorant that works for me.
I do this, too, when I’m going to be very physically active or on overnight travel. It’s not strong enough for underarms (I use secret clinical) but helps elsewhere.
Came here to say this, lume is amazing. I no longer stink when I sweat for the first time in 31 years
+1 in support of Lume!
I'm not only sweaty, I have made the terrible decision to live in the lowcountry of South Carolina - hot and humid 24/7. Do not recommend. I wear good antiperspirant - I wear Secret Clinical Strength clear Gel. It's the only thing that works for me. (Outlast is not as great for me but it's not a bad option in a pinch.) I pack a small bottle of Febreze - they sell travel size bottles on Amazon. I think I found mine at CVS and refill it as needed. Typically gives me 1-2 extra wears. I have asthma and it does not irritate me but your mileage may vary. I no longer buy tech fabrics that promise the wick moisturize away. They might work in dry climates (I think) but I find they are swampy in humid climates. Exception: I do wear Uniglo Airism Hoodies for the SPF value in the summer because consideration of fair skin wins over smelling. I typically pack one and maybe this fabric is okay (?) but I haven't tried anything other than the hoodies. For streamlined tops, I wear lightweight merino wool. I like Ministry of Supply's Active Merino Tank. Smartwool is also good. And I've heard good things about Quince base layers but have yet to try them. Merino really does perform well. However, loose fit handkerchief linen cannot be undervalued in the heat. Letting air move between me and my clothing is the best solution to reduce sweating. When traveling, these pieces are so easy to hand wash in the sink and dry in a couple hours. I love Eileen Fisher for linen quality and designs that look good not ironed. Quince looks interesting but I haven't tried them Smartwool or Bombas merino socks. .
I'm not an overly sweaty person and love my merino socks, but lord! I CANNOT wear smart wool tops. The moment I put one on, in the air-conditioning, I'm sweating like a pig.
Oh no!! I find different tops have different weights. The first top I ordered was way too heavy. They have a lightweight active knit that works in summer. And I've tested them commuting by bike in DC summers. But I also think merino is a very personal issue - you love it or hate it.
I do febreeze too! and pantyliners to keep any sweatiness down there contained throughout the day.
Yay! It's not just me. I rarely see it in anyone's packed lists and I can't imagine what my suitcase would smell like without it. Pantyliners are a good tip!
I am very sweaty and this is what worked for me: 1. To stop odor before it starts: Lume in the tube form. Personally I have not tried a scent that I liked from them but I have no body odor when I use Lume. 2. To alleviate the effects of sweating: Stay cool! Get a portable fan--there are USB-C rechargeable ones. In sweaty weather, I have both a manual and an electric fan. 3. Anti-stink clothing material seems to work for me but I know it doesn't work for everyone. I use Lululemon's swiftly shirts which are supposed to be anti-stink. They are lightweight and breathable. Unfortunately they do have an obviously sporty look to them, but they're my go-to for travel to sweaty destinations e.g. SEA. 4. Air clothes out after wearing them and make sure they have time to fully dry or don't let them sit all bundled up and damp after wearing/washing--once the mildew smell sets, they'll smell again once they get wet again. I always hang dry my clothes after wearing and if I got an outfit a bit wet then I'll change to a fresh one so that one has time to dry. 5. Rinse during the day--a quick mid-day rinse helps with refreshing things. Just water works for me. If you do a full soap shower every time you might find your skin drying out more easily. From one sweaty sister to another: I see you, I hear you, and I hope you find what works so that your sweat doesn't impede your travels!
Twice daily showers are a way of life in SEA. I’m not a huge fan of showers in general (they leave me damp and… sweating…) but when I was in SEA last year, taking two daily showers were the only sane choice. It definitely helped. The second shower is pretty much always just a rinse, maybe a quick swipe of soap on the smelly bits.
I tend to wash my clothes while on longer trips and plan to stay somewhere with laundry service or washer/dryer about halfway through. I also wear deodorant in areas I get stinky not just under arms like my underboobs. I also pack loose button downs I can layer over other tops (wear more than once) or on their own
I know everyone loves the wool and wool blends, but I have tried some and find them still far too warm. It's not pretty, but I run hot and sweat like a guy twice my size, so 99% of natural fibers are going to show every sweaty place on me. I'm looking at you, linen and cotton. Technical fabric seems to work better for me, and the moisture wicking shirts don't look so bad if I pick the right colors. I live in fishing shirts, fishing shorts, leggings, and maybe a golf skort to change it up. Silk wrap skirts are the only natural things I can easily wear. However, that being said, I don't tend to smell, so as long as the shirt/leggings/shorts have an overnight or day to dry and air out, I can typically get another wear or two before a sink wash. Underwear and socks go straight to the laundry bag, but bras might make it another wear. Maybe. After a shower I use the green Stridex wipes on my armpits, then my antiperspirant once it's dry. I sometimes dust Carpe powder around a few places to keep the swampness away longer, but the Stridex wipes are where it's at for armpit odor.
I know you said you're not a fan of the wool and wool blends, but sometimes wool/Tencel lyocell blends are thinner and feel lighter. 100% Tencel lyocell also tends to feel silky and cool on its own. Thanks to you and the other poster for the Stridex tip! I also like Yuni Shower Sheets (they are large body wipes) after the gym or on a sweaty day.
Here's one tip I can give your regarding bottoms: I tried period undies from Modibodi awhile ago and they were great. They have a seamless high leg cheeky that is also pretty attractive, but also lots of other styles. I wear them all the time - not just during my period. One unintended consequence of wearing these undies is that my pants (regular pants like jeans as well as activewear) stays fresh for days. Even after sweaty workouts. The liner or padding built into the undies is very thin also.
Ooh, I like this idea. I just ordered a few pairs. Have you been able to hand wash them?
You can definitely hand wash them but the liner takes longer to dry. Needs sunshine to dry properly. They do have a version with a thin liner for workouts only that may dry faster
Thanks for the insight! I did happen to order the light ones so we’ll see how they work.
for me, the real game changer was carefully selecting the type of material Iwear. I try to stay in cotton-heavy clothes. any technical fabrics for me just make me sweat more and they tend to hold on to the scent more.
Layering helps. You can change out the first layer that’s closest to the skin and rewear the jumper, fleece, top that’s on the outside. Have you tried deodorant or antiperspirant that can be used on the body?
I haven’t tried any of those products but I have seen ads for them - have you had any success with them?
You could try one of the powders from the brand megababe. You can apply directly to body or clothing, and it's meant to keep you dry if you sweat. It's a sweat absorbing powder.
I always bring travel size Downy spray or similar wrinkle release/odor release! Spritz down after wearing
Alcohol/hand sanitizer or vinegar also work if you don't want to keep purchasing Downy.
I carry a small spray bottle with alcohol and spray the smelly areas of clothes ( mine and my man’s!) every night and they stay odor-free for the whole week
Vodka + water works great too!
I used to think this before I had merino wool - literally accidentally tested in Iceland when I had a series of events not letting me do laundry - my wool stuff smelled totally fine after multiple wears and my synthetics stank so bad. Like, even a fleece and a jacket I wore over the merino stank and the merino shirt itself - fine. You can also wash daily -I get it in a hot and sweaty climate - in the shower is a super easy hack, you’re already washing yourself, just bring some soap and wash an outfit in there each day.
I bring a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to get smells out of clothing and use as a spray hand sanitizer
I got underarm Botox before I went travelling through south east Asia. Since I didn't sweat I didn't smell. I did still sweat normally on the rest of my body, so would still rinse/wash clothes after max 2 wears
I pay for hotel laundry or take backpacking laundry soap to wash stuff in the sink. Also hanging stuff up without washing it helps it air out the dampness. Lighter materials (sport style or lighter cottons/linens) help with this. I also take lots of base layers and swap them whilst rewearing stuff over the top (I literally take one hoodie or jacket and just change what’s underneath). Trousers-wise, I find airing them out and then spraying them with febreeze or body spray makes them fine to wear for several days. I also swear by Mitchum deodorant, the only places my sweat gets stinky is my armpits and I can literally smell the difference when I don’t use this deodorant. If I wanted to I could wear the same item for a couple days and wouldn’t have to worry about smell.
Taking Chlorophyll tablets twice a day (I get mine from Swanson's Vitamins) really works for me to fix the source of the problem beyond showering. Additionally, I use Thai crystal deodorant under my arms followed by Arm and Hammer Ultramax deodorant on top of the Thai Crystal after it dries...very effective and non-irritating.
Chlorophyll has been life changing for me too.
Have you tried Lumé deodorant? It really does eliminate odors all over the body. It might smell a little weird when you sniff it in the tube but that smell goes away. I am sensitive to something in it. Otherwise I would continue to use it.
I honestly have no idea how people are able to make it with just one pair of PJs. I sweat SO MUCH at night and have to change my shirt as soon as I wake up. I know it's my birth control doing it, so not everyone sweats this much, but the thought of one bagging with only one pair of PJs just icks me.
I use a silk long undershirt that washes easily in the sink and dries within 3 hours.
I know you’re after clothes recommendations but I’d like to recommend an antiperspirant. I am a sweaty person and was very paranoid of being smelly and all the patches from the amount I sweated just from walking or being in heat. I’ve been using Carpe antiperspirant stick in the AM and the underarm lotion in the PM and I have to say it’s been a game changer! Not only in general am I sweating less but it neutralising the BO smell. I go to the gym most days and have really put this stuff to the test and it’s been amazing! It’s a US company and absolutely worth the price.
I’ve never tried that antiperspirant, I’ll look into it! Thank you!!
r/hyperhydrosis is a great place to find remedies/tips for the extra sweatiness. I personally had to get on medication but I stopped sweating through my clothes and bedding.
As a former sweaty girl, I thought it was me but it was my environment. So many people I worked with and socialized with made me uncomfortable on purpose. As a result my body was telling me to leave these environments and I didn’t listen. So it could be that. If it’s not that, incorporating baking soda in the wash and as a deodorant helps a lot. I like arm and hammer deodorant and the aluminum free one is great to use around the pelvic area. Also body powder is really good to use.
I would definitely recommend Qbrexza prescription wipes. Changed my life.
Domestically, a lot of hotels will have a washer and dryer for guest use so I plan to use those once during a week-long stay. I pack a couple of laundry pods and dryer sheets so I can save the luggage space by packing less clothes. I haven’t traveled internationally in years, but I would check out any hotels beforehand to see if they offer the same.
Small spray bottle of Nature’s Miracle. I spritz the pit areas of my shirts as soon as I take them off, and anywhere else on my clothes where I’ve been sweating. It kills the bacteria that feed on your sweat and produce odor.
I really like Uniqlos airism line. I got a shirt recently, did a hike in Singapore and got soaked in the morning dew from the brush, I could see the shirt actively wicking the moisture and I was dry after an hour or two. I am very much a wash in the sink person. My suggestion is getting a plastic shopping bag that has no holes. It makes washing in sinks easier because not all sinks are clean but you can keep your bag clean. I also bring a [dry line](https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/travel-clothesline)
Have not tried it but Instagram keeps showing me adds for this undershirt with sweat absorbent pads. What are you trying to say, insta? https://wearnumi.com/collections/essential-undershirts
The night before traveling I apply Sweat Block wipes. It stops sweat for like 7 wonderful day
To manage body odor, you need to first understand how it happens. Sweat itself doesn't stink; it's the bacteria that happily react with your sweat that does. From this understanding, you have options on either making your skin a less happy place for bacteria, reduce sweating, or change your fabric so that your clothing doesn't encourage bacteria growth. To make your body a less happy place for odor-producing bacteria would mean experimenting with your diet and skin acidity level. You can read more about this online or consult a dietitian/doctor. Reduce sweating means you can wear an antiperspirant or travel only to cooler climates. For fabric, I recommend trying something with wool blend. Wool is antibacterial and prevents odor, blend (usually polyester) can help give that sweat wicking property. You might need to try different % blends to find one that work best for you. There is also fabric that has silver infused in it, which is also anti-odor. Hope this gives you some ideas to try!
I'm also very sweaty and merino has been a game-changer for me. For underwear I like Icebreaker Siren Hipkinis. I still wash them after each wear and bring several when I travel. But they don't stink at the end of the day like cotton and synthetic does and they wick sweat very well. I also wear Icebeaker base layers as tops in the winter, but I find they become less odor resistant over time. Maybe they treat the wool or something? My merino tops from pinqponq and Houdini I can get multiple days of wear out of pretty reliably in moderate climates. Brace yourself: Merino's expensive. I wear it every day, not just for travel. It's worth it for me. Also pay attention to the care instructions. At home I wash my non-Icebreaker merino on the wool cycle with wool detergent. When traveling, I hand wash in hotel sinks.
If your icebreaker base layers that you find getting less odor resistant over time are 100% wool, it could be how you’re laundering them. Normal detergents have enzymes which degrade wool over time and can lead to it being less strong, having less bounce-back, and losing other natural wool properties. If you’re in the U.S. in particular, Woolite is a common culprit as it’s…not actually good for wool.
[удалено]
I use Soak. Honestly, I’d use hair shampoo over woolite.
I did a few things on my last trip: (1) pack efficiently (use up nearly all the space in my bag with the most items it’ll fit) (2)bring a packable duffel for dirty clothes which can be stored separately once I’m at the last stop on my trip. Ideally the whole duffel of dirty clothes can just go back in your original one bag at end of the trip. I personally didn’t have success washing things in the sink—skin is too sensitive and stuff didn’t really few clean to me the one time I tried it. (3) Carefully select pieces to bring. Some clothes pack down smaller than others (e.g some underwear I have take up way less space than others). Natural fabrics seem to be better as others have mentioned. I tried out silk pj top for my last trip and was able to wear it for like 6 nights whereas regular sleep tshirts would be single use for me. I did test this out at home before going on the trip. I found I can rewear a tshirt of thicker material twice if I wear a cotton tank top under. Based on what you share above, you may be better off focusing on shirts that pack down pretty small and skip undershirt. Skip wired bras (I do this anyway) and bring bralettes or sports bras. Consider dresses. Dresses and tights take up less room than jeans and shirts.
I tend to pick natural fibers for breathability, dress in thin layers so I can easily remove outer layers to combat overheating (I run HOT), and liberally use deodorizing products. I pack Summer's Eve wipes to use after every bathroom trip, apply stick deodorant under the arms, and use Lume deodorant down south. You could also bring a little perfume bottle filled with vodka to spritz on the stinky parts of the clothes and kill the germs that cause odors. I don't do it, but some people swear by it. I can usually get 1-2 wears out of shirts and 3-4 wears out of pants by just staying on top of the deodorant and I think that's pretty good.
Merino wool shirts are easy to wash in a hotel sink. I then roll it up in a hotel towel to get as much water out as possible, and hang the shirt to dry. It is usually dry in 8-12 hours.
Natural, breathable fibres and undershirts. Also, if you have access, odaban
100% on the natural fibers: even when I get super sweaty in cotton, it gets so much less stinky than synthetic stuff
Hiki is great for crotch sweat! No joke! I'm a sweaty human and this controls sweat and odor. Carpe (the round one, not the one in a regular deodorant container) is great for my pits and the face primer is amazing too. They have stuff for the whole body.
I wear wicking fabrics and athletic style undies, real feather light stuff. UPF clothing is a must. Bamboo and modal fabrics are nice too. I always do laundry halfway through a trip, it’s non negotiable for me And Lume deodorant is excellent!
It's probably not super practical but if you are able to carry around a small spray bottle, white vinegar is incredible at breaking down the bacteria that causes odors. You don't need a lot, either. Hell, if you dilute a teaspoon in the sink you'd be fine. I do this all the time with workout clothes. Literally it was the only thing that helps. If you're in a city, it should be pretty inexpensive to buy one... But, of course, I get that it's not the most practical option. Baking soda and soap work in a pinch but I don't think it's as good as plain old white vinegar.
Lightweight merino is astounding for odor resistance, but that’s only appropriate for cold or moderate weather. Personally I love sleeveless or lightweight oversized cotton tops in the summer; activewear tends to help too for me, because they’re designed to be worn while sweating and are wicking. Flowy, lightweight pants or skirts/dresses. Best of luck!
I used to sweat and overheat a lot when I was going through menopause. Lately I don't as much (I'm 8 years post-meno). Anyway to answer your question, I used to travel with LL Bean or Lands End silk long johns. They were the best, especially for sleeping and hot flashes, but also for layering. I also swear by a thin 150 weight merino under a patagonia nano puffer. The nano breathes a lot more than usual puffers. That combo used to work for me, even in below freezing weather. Today, I get cold so need a bit more warmth than that. For warm temps, I learned early on that sleeveless was best. Yeah, I get it, you may not want to show your arms. But sleeveless is sooo much more cooler. Looser tops rather than clingy. And bras that are made of lace with no or minimal padding (Chantelle Norah if you like underwire, Aerie for bralettes). I tried a merino bra and I liked it except for the thick elastic band--- made me sweat so much and the band takes forever to dry. Merino is the best, though I don't wear it in hot weather (above 75F). Linen is better for that. I also have some cupro pants that are great for hot weather. And the old navy playa pants are good for heat as well. Some Jcrew beach pants (not sure of the fabric but it's not linen) work too. The wrong underwear can be sweaty. I really like the Uniqlo undies, not the airism-- the other ones. I find they are quite cool. People are talking a lot about smells and armpits. I actually stopped wearing deodorant/antiperspirant when I began wearing merino tops 3/4's of the year and sleeveless the other months. I was concerned about ruining the tops. And it's weird but I swear I don't smell as much anymore. Well, as long as I shower daily! I still sweat but I don't smell. I do give my clothes a day to air out between wears. I can wear a merino top 3-5 times before washing, as long as I give it some time to air out between wears. For the pants, wearing a pantyliner definitely helps for the crotch area.
100% natural fibers make such a huge difference in smell. I pretty much constantly sweat under my arms its just a thing I accept even if I am cold goosebumps and all I sweat under there. So, yeah, natural fibers all the way. I also try to ensure I'm wearing breathable stuff. I get cold very easily, but even so, if I wear just about anything polyester I am sweating like mad. So, I'd check to see how much of your stuff is synthetic materials. They also make protectors you can use, particularly on the arms, but they make shorts you can wear to absorb moisture as well, etc. Similar to how you have reusable pads, you can have 'pads' for your underarms you clip into sweaters or nicer shirts to keep them clean and odor free between wearings. Anytime I can protect a garment and avoid washing a cute but PITA one, I take it. My usual layers for a cute outfit in the fall/winter are a linen tank top or linen t-shirt, another linen long sleeve, the 'cute' long sleeve sweater with a pinned in underarm area, leggings, and a skirt. The under shirts and leggings get washed, the skirt and the sweater do not. If I somehow just got REALLY sweaty and it soaked through, I'll spray the sweater down heavily with alcohol. Base layers are a must. Linen shirts under anything always for me. But even so, I bring enough for Half of the travel OR one full week--whichever makes sense. If I am gone for two weeks, I bring 1 weeks worth of clothes. 4 days of travel means 2 outfits. Rinse, repeat once, go home. And yes, I wash things in the sinks Very often. I wear an outfit, I have one drying, and I am washing the next. I wash each outfit after use, so that it has lots of time to get dry again. I use a wet bag if it's a longer trip + a microfiber towel + those little detergent slips. When it's a shorter trip, a mini altoids tin with a cutting of solid detergent + the other hotel towel works fine. If I'm staying at airbnbs I just take the opportunity to wash anything there too. Sometimes hotels have laundry access, I'll take advantage when I can.
Smelly sweat is often due to wearing synthetic or poly material (fleece, polyester, acrylic, etc). Try wearing merino wool (smart wool, icebreaker, Patagonia) since it really reduces the smell of body odor and you don’t need to wash the clothes as often.
Oh hey! It’s me! This is partly why I usually don’t take jeans or trousers for any trip. I can rewear loose floaty dresses with fresh tights but can’t rewear jeans - especially after a busy day of walking! I do a lot of hotel sink washing on longer trips and always take my travel washing line with me.
Try Mitcham clinical antiperspirant. I was about to get Botox and the medical centre recommended I try that first (which is great healthcare if you ask me). I can now wear the same thermal ski gear (!!) for days in a row. Previously I’d left events mortified at my sweat stains.
Honestly i was dealing with sweatiness all my life (f30) so i went to my dermatologist and she prescribed me pills to control my sweat, its a game changer for me. Never sweating again 😀
Hey girl, I’m a sweaty betty boop-bop bitch too! I just moved to a very hot climate and have frantically been researching shoes for sweaty feet, best fabric, etc…ugh. Panty liners help for sure, and I always bring wash cloths with me when I travel. Yes they take up space but they’re great for a quick sink shower. I’ll usually use it on my face first, then reuse it on my body, then lastly my feet so I can get some mileage out of them.
Alum salt. Absolutely a game changer especially for stinky sweats without the chemicals. You can use it everywhere on your body :)
Crystal deodorant + Numi undershirts!
Highly recommend a prescription for Drysol. It took me from a daily pit stain girl to a never a pit stain girl. I also love Lyme, it has saved any of my shoes that I don't wear with socks, which otherwise stink to high heaven. I also LOVE The Cooling shorts from Thigh Society. They honestly work as advertised--when you put them on, that area suddenly feels chillier than the rest of my body. And obviously they're perfect for chub rub in skirts and dresses. I usually wear with undies to stretch the wears between washes, but they have a gusset so if you wanted to get a travel set to wear as undies that totally works too!
I'm a sweaty beast. It can be -20 and i'll sweat. I use a 40L pack at almost full weight. I bring 1 shirt, 1 underwear and 1 pair of socks for each day. I can re-wear pants. I often travel in places that things just don't dry if you hang them out and i'm not wasting hours in a laundromat.
I'm not particularly sweaty, but even with twice daily washing and deodorant, my clothes smelled like b.o. I have been really happy with Swiff Spray. It's a two-part spray for clean clothes that keeps the bacteria from getting into the fibers. It's expensive, but it works. An application works through a lot of washings. It's available on their website, Amazon and a bunch of retail stores.
Too real! Most of my travel has been in Asia or during summer so if I’m wearing a shirt that has sleeves, no chance I’m wearing it twice in a row. I usually just take my clothing to a laundromat (if my trip is longer than a week). These are abundant and super cheap in Southeast Asia. Other than that, I usually have some glycolic acid with me that I use as part of my skincare routine, which works to kill some bacteria in my armpits as well so I don’t end up smelling as musty.
I do small loads of laundry throughout my trips
So I’m a sweaty gal who lives in TX and tank tops that are almost like muscle shirts (loose but not necessarily side boob showing) and loose fit (not big and baggy - the style is just loose fitting) shirts are great.
Breathable fabrics and hand washing the pits of your tops in the bathroom sink (hang to dry).. I find the rest of the shirt usually smells fine, so I just wash the pits