Why some fabrics smell more than others

Short answer: Some fabrics smell more than others because they hold on to moisture and because bacteria and oils lodge in the fibre. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are often the worst, while cellulose fibres and wool let go of odour more easily. Washing and airing do the rest.

Moisture is the precondition

Without moisture there is no breakdown and so no odour. Bacteria on the skin need a damp environment to thrive. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin and lets it evaporate gives them poorer conditions. You notice this most in clothes that sit close all day, such as bamboo underwear for men.

Where the odour comes from

Fresh sweat hardly smells of anything. Odour appears when bacteria on the skin break down sweat and oils and form new substances that smell. The longer sweat and moisture stay in the fabric, the more time the bacteria have to work. That is why a shirt left damp in a bag smells more than one that was allowed to dry.

The fibre surface matters

Polyester and other synthetic fibres have a surface that skin oils tend to cling to. The oil binds the odour, which often stays even after washing. Cellulose fibres such as viscose and cotton absorb water rather than oil, so they release odour more easily in the washing machine. See the fabrics in our most popular styles.

Cellulose fibres and wool

Viscose and cotton take moisture into the fibre itself, which keeps the skin drier. Wool has a similar ability and is known for often needing only airing. What these fibres share is that they do not hold on to oils the way synthetic fibres do. That makes them easier to get clean in a normal wash.

When odour survives the wash

Do you know the feeling of sports clothes that smell as soon as you warm up, even though they are clean? Bacteria and oils have stayed in the fibres, and body heat brings the odour back. Try an extra rinse, a full dose of detergent and no fabric softener. Hang the clothes to dry right after washing.

Washing and dosing

Wash at 40 degrees with a full dose of detergent as the maker recommends. Too little detergent does not remove the oils, and too much can leave residue. Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that can trap odour, so it is best left out. Turn clothes inside out so the side worn against the skin gets the most washing.

Airing and drying

Worn clothes should not lie damp in a pile or a closed laundry basket. Hang them up so they can dry until wash day. After washing they should dry quickly, ideally on a rack with plenty of air around them. Outer layers can often be aired overnight instead of going straight into the wash.

Small everyday habits

Change underwear and socks every day, and give shoes and clothes a break between wears. With several pieces of the same type, you can rotate so each one dries completely. A thin base layer under a shirt or sweater also takes up sweat, so the outer layer stays fresh for longer. See the range of bamboo clothing for men.

Frequently asked questions

Why do sports clothes smell after washing

Because bacteria and oils remain in the fibres, especially in synthetic fabrics. An extra rinse, a full dose of detergent and no fabric softener usually help the most.

Does washing hotter help

A little, but higher temperatures wear on the fabric and the elastic. Try a full dose at 40 degrees and quick drying first, before you turn up the heat.

Can you remove odour without washing

Airing overnight removes a lot if the fabric is dry and was only worn briefly. Clothes that sat against the skin for a whole day should still be washed.