Odour in the T-shirt, why it stays in some fabrics

Short answer: Odour stays in a T-shirt when sweat, skin oils and bacteria remain in the fabric and the wash does not remove everything. Some fabrics hold on to odour more than others, but it depends on the fibre, the wash and how long the garment sat damp.

Where the odour comes from

The smell does not come from the sweat itself, but from bacteria that break down sweat and skin oils and create an odour that settles in the fabric. It happens in all clothes worn close to the body, and it is most noticeable under the arms and at the neck. The longer a garment sits damp, the more odour you get.

Why some fabrics hold on to odour

Different fibres behave differently. Some synthetic fabrics can hold on to odour firmly, because oils and bacteria settle in the surface, while natural and cellulose-based fibres are often easier to wash clean. That is not a guarantee, though, so do not assume that any one fabric never smells.

Bamboo and odour

Viscose from bamboo is a cellulose fibre, and bamboo T-shirts for men are worn by many in everyday life because the fabric is soft and smooth. Odour can still appear if the garment is worn for long, sits damp or is washed too rarely. See it as a fibre that can be washed clean, not as something that never smells.

Wash quickly and thoroughly

The sooner you wash the clothes, the less the bacteria can do. Do not leave a sweaty T-shirt scrunched up in a basket for days, but hang it up to dry first if you cannot wash straight away. Follow the care label and use a temperature the clothes can take.

Detergent and fabric softener

Too much detergent can stay in the fabric and trap dirt, and fabric softener can leave a film that holds on to odour. Dose by the pack and use no more softener than necessary. If you notice that the clothes do not smell clean after washing, add an extra rinse.

Drying and storing

Clothes that dry slowly or are put away damp begin to smell. Hang the T-shirt to dry with plenty of space and air it before you put it in the drawer. If it dries in fresh air and a little sun, it is ready for next time without odour setting in.

Underwear and socks count too

Odour does not only sit in T-shirts. Look at socks for men and bamboo boxer briefs in the same light, because they also get damp during the day. Change them, wash them by the label and let them dry fully, so odour does not build up.

If the odour does not go away

If the smell is still in a clean T-shirt, you can soak it in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent for an hour and then wash it again. Always follow the care label. If that does not help, the fabric may be worn, and it may be time for a new one.

In short, odour in a T-shirt

Odour arises when sweat and bacteria stay in the fabric, and some fabrics hold on to it more than others. Wash quickly, dose detergent correctly, dry well and air out. That way your T-shirts stay fresh, whichever fabric you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my T-shirt smell even though it is washed?

Usually because bacteria, skin oils or detergent residue remain in the fabric. Try an extra rinse and dry it fully in fresh air.

Do some fabrics smell more than others?

Yes, some synthetic fabrics can hold on to odour more, but it also depends on washing and drying. No fabric is completely free of odour.

How quickly should I wash a sweaty T-shirt?

The sooner the better. If you cannot wash straight away, hang it up to dry rather than leaving it damp.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.