Bras, compression garments and similar tight-fitting garments easily absorb sweat, sebum and bacteria, even if they don’t look or feel dirty. If you wear them for several days in a row without washing them, you create space for odor to gradually and often completely unnoticed.
Why it matters: The area under the breasts is prone to moisture buildup and subsequent bacterial growth during the off-season, which can quickly result in an unpleasant sour or stale, musty odor.
What helps: Change your bras every day and wash them after one or two wears, ideally. Make sure they air dry thoroughly before wearing them again.
1. Wearing synthetic fabrics too often
Much of today’s modern clothing is made from polyester or various blends, which are designed to be wrinkle-resistant and long-lasting. However, these synthetic materials have an unpleasant tendency to trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria – even more so as the composition of sweat changes with age.
Why it matters: As estrogen levels drop, sweat can become significantly more concentrated and have a stronger, more pungent odor, making it all the more important to pay attention to choosing breathable fabrics.
