Sweating is a biological process/response that everyone has to deal with. It's an innate reaction and our body's attempt to cool off during hot summer days.
However, there are some people that are prone to heavy sweating, this is due to a condition called ‘primary hyperhidrosis.’ This condition triggers the sweat glands to become overactive, causing you to sweat more than you need to.
Various Doctors have shown that primary hyperhidrosis is hereditary. However medical issues like obesity, diabetes, endocarditis, and anxiety disorders can cause you to perspire and this is called secondary hyperhidrosis.
Sweating is actually good for your body. When you sweat, your pores open up; The sweat releases toxins, and keeps your body temperature stable. However, it can feel gross when you're on your way to an important business meeting or first date. What's worse is that it can stain on your clothes and be unsightly to look at.
Luckily, there are ways to minimize perspiration and make it far less noticeable with simple clothing changes. Let's look at how to prevent underarm sweat with your wardrobe:
How to Prevent Underarm Sweat with Clothing
1. Clothing Made from Natural Fibers
If you're someone who is prone to excessive perspiration then you need to consider the types of fabric you wear. Consider the following warm-weather fabric options:
Cotton
The most affordable, adaptable, and readily available fabric is cotton. It's one of the most widely used natural fibers in the world, and you likely already own clothes that are made of it.
Cotton is a breathable fabric. It won't trap heat or moist air in the wrong places. It's moisture-wicking and helps to draw moisture away from the body. Cotton is also lightweight, soft, and retains it's shape making it a perfect option for clothing.
Linen
Linen is one of the best warm weather fabrics. Similar to cotton, it's a natural fiber and is able to keep you cool during warm weather. Linen features a lower thread count, which means there are fewer fibers for improved breath-ability. Thanks to these hollow fibers, even with added moisture you won't feel damp when you start to sweat. Essentially, wearing linen is the closet thing to wearing nothing at all.
Tropical Wool
Tropical wool is a thin, breathable fabric. It is woven less densely than cotton, which makes it ideal for warmer weather.
If you're someone who has to dress formal and the summer months have you looking too casual, tropical wool is great for suits. Most suits are made of wool which retain heat and aren't ideal for people who sweat. Tropical wool can add a sense of structure while still being summer-friendly.
2. Darker Fabrics
Dark fabric has a way of hiding moisture and making sweat less visible. For instance, it's harder to make something darker.
You should avoid the "in-between" colors like light blues, greens, greys, and lighter shades of any colors.
3. Layering
Excess sweating may lead to skin problems, but when you layer clothes that are made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen, it’s like having a shield for your skin as the clothes absorb the sweat.
Layer yourself with thin and moisture-wicking clothes to keep greasy sweat off your skin. It’s like wearing armor from the scorching heat of the sun.
Conclusion
Your first line of defense from under-arm sweat is as simple as changing up your wardrobe. Consider breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Then consider layering these fabrics to act as a barrier between the fabric and your other clothing.
As another barrier, consider using an antiperspirant to protect against sweat and odor even further.
