This is the first base, the easiest, least expensive and least invasive of the solutions to your problem…cover it up!
Start by assessing your problem: when and where do you sweat? If you can define the location, circumstances, activity when sweat becomes your number one thought, the clothing might be the answer.
80% of the body is covered in moderate climates (probably a lot more in winter) so the addition of undershirts, leggings, specialized socks, even gloves is straightforward and mostly invisible.
Body odor? Well that’s the key issue, isn’t it? Clothing won’t solve this, but it can ameliorate the effects. It takes time for the bacteria to devour the sweet sweat and exude its definitive anti-social odor- it can take a lot more time with the benefit of sweat-absorbing clothes and materials. A change of clothing and a shower would double or triple the time frame. This means that if your high sweat interval is, say, at work (a nine-hour interval) and you know that you can retain freshness for four and a half hours, a lunchtime change can get you through the workday unscathed.
Choosing the clothing means understanding what the garment is meant to do and how you are going to use it…and maintain it. This means taking a serious approach to the garment labels. fiber content. Washing and cleaning. Think about it… you want to accomplish a specific goal (e.g a business presentation, a date, a job interview, etc) and the clothes you will choose are tools to help you achieve the objective. In this case, the outer garments are going to show off your best attributes and help you move forward to your objective… the undergarments are going to be your shield from a known inhibitor- your own sweat. Good choices will maximize your winning chances.
Sweat inhibiting Materials to look for:
- Microfiber –
developed in the ’60s, microfiber is a fiber derived from polyester having a diameter of less than 10 micrometers (finer than silk). The effect of the huge surface area to weight ratio means that the natural function of the fiber is to “wick” sweat away from your body, keeping you cool and dry
- Wool–
a natural fiber that incorporates a “crimp” ( a tiny wave) in the shape. this has the effect of trapping air in small pockets, thereby warming the wearer. Wool, therefore can act as the Ph buffer in the swimming pool, preventing excess body heat, or excess body cooling.
- Cotton –
as a natural fiber, cotton is well regarded for being comfortable, stylish, and non-allergenic. However, while pure cotton does absorb sweat, but it does not wick the sweat away. This means that the moisture stays in the cotton singlet, stopping the cooling cycle the body requires.
- Alpaca–
like wool, alpaca fleece is a natural product with a definitive crimp. It is usually a finer merino quality, meaning that the fiber is very thin. This should auger for the best of both worlds, with the wicking properties of polyester microfiber and the natural absorption of wool, however, there is a catch… the stuff is very expensive.
- Bamboo –
with very few exceptions, clothing labeled as “bamboo” is actually viscose rayon, a fiber produced by dissolving the cellulose in sodium hydroxide which is then washed out, extruding a fibrous, workable pulp. The wicking process is enhanced by blending this fiber with a natural yarn such as cotton.
Nylon -notable for wicking and not holding the moisture, like microfibre, nylon is seen to be a superior thermoregulator with a more durable aspect than natural fibers.
Actual purchases.
The items listed below are currently (mid-2020) available on Amazon. They represent a selection of the better quality items available, however, don’t be gulled by assertions of “best ever…”, just because something worked for someone at some time, doesn’t mean you will get the same results… check your journal, look at the label, restate (to yourself) the problem that you are looking for this apparel to solve…
Underwear
Women’s
lycra and cotton sportswear
for the workout at the gym
Cool and dry fabric: Made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, these combine the best elements of the wicking fabrics.
There are limited color and style options for these.
Tee shirts