Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 6th October 2022

Sweat is a normal bodily function that all humans experience. Spending a few hours at the gym, however, can make you sweat a lot more than usual. You could start off looking and smelling fresh, but after a couple of crunches and burpees, the pool of sweat sitting on your skin and clothes might begin to develop an unpleasant odour. This can bring you harsh glances and unwanted attention. While exercising delivers a lot of benefits to your body, it could also cause the problem of post-workout stink. While sweat itself is supposed to be odourless, body odour is caused by the bacteria from your skin mixing with the oils and sweat on your body. Bacteria will always be present in the human body, so having some odour is inevitable. Still, there are ways to prevent stink from ruining your day at the gym. Here are some tips that we’ve rounded up to help you control bad body odour even after an intense workout.

Wear Stink-Eliminating Clothes 

Before starting a workout routine, stock your wardrobe with workout clothes that are specially designed for sweaty exercises. Choose gym clothes that are made from moisture-wicking fabric designed to mitigate the buildup of sweat. Usually, clothes will start to stink when sweat gets trapped in the fabric, but if the clothes dry quickly, there won’t be enough moisture for odour-causing bacteria to grow. As such, it’s best to stick to synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex that wick moisture off your skin and keep you dry when you sweat. Aside from tops and bottoms, it’s also important to wear gym apparel designed to keep your feet from stinking. To complete your gym wear, you may want to buy socks with antimicrobial properties to keep your feet and shoes from developing foul odours. Of course, you need to make sure that all of your clothes have been cleaned and washed before you wear them. Avoid wearing the same items for consecutive gym sessions.

Shower with Highly Effective Soap 

Taking a shower before a workout can make you feel refreshed and ready to sweat it out. But sometimes, a regular old soap just won’t do. If you tend to sweat a lot, you should consider showering with an antibacterial soap with additional ingredients that slow down the growth of bacteria populations on your skin. Make sure to properly clean the parts where sweat tends to accumulate, such as your armpits, feet, knee pits, and crotch area. 

Dab on Some Deodorant or Antiperspirant 

Foul odour from your armpits is immediately noticeable and often leads to bad impressions. To prevent smelly pits, consider putting on deodorant or antiperspirant to keep your sweat from causing underarm odour. It would be a good idea to dab on a bit more for days when you need to hit the gym. Although they fundamentally have the same function of masking pit odour, there are a few differences between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. For one, deodorant is meant to control the odour that comes with sweating. You should use deodorant if you only intend to eliminate odour and retain a fresh smell. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, block the openings of your sweat glands. If you sweat excessively and want to reduce armpit wetness, you may be better off with an antiperspirant. If you’re still not sure which one you should use, you may want to consult a medical professional such as a dermatologist to know what’s best for you. 

Bring Towels 

Because sweat is inevitable during a workout, it’s important to always bring a hand towel with you to wipe off sweat. Your towel should ideally be made from light fabrics to mitigate bacterial accumulation. And as with your other gym gear, your towel must be washed after every use to avert the buildup of moisture and germs.

Drink Lots of Water and Use Mouthwash 

Even if you wear a mask or avoid talking during your workout, it’s still possible for you to unknowingly open your mouth and emanate a bad odour. To prevent this, you should keep your mouth from getting dry and stay hydrated as much as possible. Exercise can make your mouth dry, which often results in bad breath. Besides replenishing your body, drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes will rinse your mouth and keep it refreshed. Some dentists also recommend using a mouthwash with xylitol before a workout to increase the production of saliva and keep your breath fresh. 

Wash Your Hair Thoroughly 

Sweat can also accumulate on your scalp, which is why it’s important to prevent moisture buildup on your head as much as possible. Just like the skin on your body, your scalp also has microorganisms living in it. When the scalp produces oil and sweat during a workout, these bacteria multiply and cause a stink. You can reduce bacteria by taking a pre-workout shower and making sure to wash your hair thoroughly so that your scalp is as clean as possible. Consider using shampoos and conditioners with micellar elements, as these can thoroughly cleanse your hair by attaching to the dirt and oils on your scalp. 

Keep Your Hair Away from Your Face 

If you have long hair, it may be best to put it up in a bun or wear it in a ponytail to keep it away from your face. Having long locks can be a hindrance to your workout since they often get in the way of your movements. But other than that, wearing your hair down can prevent air from reaching your shoulders and neck, which leads to more sweating. If you haven’t done so yet, invest in a good hair tie to keep your mane away from your stretches, lifts, and flexes.

Pay Attention to What You Eat and Drink 

The food you eat also plays a big role in your body odour. If you want to maintain a pleasant smell throughout your workout, avoid foods with strong odours such as garlic and onions. Aside from being noticeable in your breath, these aromas can emanate from your pores as you sweat. It may also be a good idea to avoid eating foods and beverages that activate the sweat glands. These include spicy food, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda. You don’t have to give up these items entirely, but it would be wise to consume them in moderation. 

Working on Your Body Doesn’t Have to Be Smelly 

Sweating is always going to be a side effect of working out, especially when your regimen involves vigorous exercises. Still, you don’t have to sacrifice smelling good in favour of intensive, sweat-inducing body movements. As long as you use the right equipment and take proper care of your body, you can make the most of your fitness routine—and retain a fresh scent while doing it.

Wear Stink-Eliminating Clothes, Shower with Highly Effective Soap, Dab on Some Deodorant or Antiperspirant, Bring Towels, and Drink Lots of Water and Use Mouthwash.