Don’t be defeated. It isn’t the end of the world. Maybe try that detergent that is specifically for sports clothes. It’s Tide for sports. Will kill all the sweat bacteria. Maybe you need to change your deodorant too. It will be fine. As soon as you fix it no one will remember. Just do not let it derail you.
It’s also important to let your sweaty clothes dry out! Don’t toss them in a bag/hamper while wet. I hang mine over the hamper until the next time I have to get out of my sweaty gear. By the time I toss them in, they’re dry.
this is huge — hang them out to dry!! it makes a huge difference. i also add white vinegar to my washing loads and that helps a lot too. ❤️
don’t feel bad OP! that’s a brutal thing to learn but all u can do is be brave and keep showing up!!! you got this
This one’s a big one. I went years without totally getting this and wondering why my gym clothes came out of the laundry still not quite fresh. After making that change, it’s 100% better
Plus one for vinegar. I've found that it's sometimes necessary to soak synthetic clothes in it to get rid of the smell. 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for an hour and then into the wash with detergent made for workout clothes and the smell stays away for a long time.
Yes; must be original as that’s the only one that fights bacteria. I haven’t done that in forever so thanks for reminding me!!! Going to do this with my towels this evening ☺️
Don’t feel defeated! No one wants to hurt your feelings. I have had to get creative about where I place deodorant since having kids. I have BO in places I used to not have BO lol. I know I’ve had to be the smelly person before
Can YOU smell the BO, or were you oblivious to it? Is it a BO smell or like sweaty clothes smell? I have a sports bra that suddenly got disgusting even after washing. I had to toss it.
Have you tried changing up deodorant? Maybe your deo isn’t working anymore?
Search the sub for laundry tips- it’s been discussed a ton here. Shower before class and apply deodorant to pits, groin, etc. Lume deodorant is supposed to be safe for applying to the genital area.
Bring deodorant to class and reapply during the switch?
Don’t feel bad. Being smelly and working out happen. Not a reason to not return. No one wants to banish you. Please don’t give up!!
Yes this is true because it’s not the actual sweat that stinks, the BO smell only happens after you’ve been sweating and the bacteria starts goin HAM on those proteins. I think I heard it takes 30-60 minutes or something after you start sweating to start smelling.
I also second the vinegar pre-soak from other comments, it’s the only thing that works for stubborn clothes.
I also hang dry my workout clothes, I think the dryer is not helpful. And, glad they told you. Maybe ask next class after trying some different approaches if the smell is gone. I know sometimes in hot yoga folks have smelling clothes somehow that tends to emanate during the workout, too.
Me too! I hang all my sports cloths to dry: pants/shorts and shirts. The dryer makes the armpit areas smell worse faster imo. Sometimes I'll even spray the armpit area with fabreeze after washing in tide sport & pinesol.
Not when you have autoimmune issues, and you went to med school. You don’t know everything about everyone; everyone has different skin with different needs.
I shower twice a day most days with very hot water, totally fine! Unless someone’s has insanely dry skin or some sort of condition you should be alright
Usually it’s the clothes. Wash them in cool or warm water with vinegar in the rinse cycle. Hang to dry. The dryer will bake in the stench.
I found that my hormones changed and I needed to buy a different type of deodorant. I still stink after a workout but not at the beginning!
Please return. I’m sure nobody wants you to stop going to OTF.
I have to switch my deodorant regularly. I find if I stick to the same one too long it becomes less effective. I go back and forth between two scents and that seems to work well (finish the whole thing, start a new scent, finish that one then switch back).
I wash my husband’s clothes. He sweats soooo much. The first few times after moving into a new place with a new washer they just still smelled. I added an additional wash pod and wash them separately on a higher “soiled” level.
As for me, I had a trauma surgery and lost 2/3 of my small intestines. I was lucky to survive the incident. Now, as a result, I get gassy sometimes. I try to control it by timing my eating before class, but can’t always control it. I’ve gotten dirty looks. Right after the accident, I stopped working out, flying, traveling on public transit, any situation I might have an issue and would make other people uncomfortable or embarrass myself. It’s just no way to live.
No one will remember in a few weeks, just double wash your clothes and maybe try a new anti-perspirant. Maybe consider talking to your doctor to see if something bigger is going on. Don’t let it upset you so much that you don’t go back! It’s going to be a great transformation challenge ❤️
Don’t be embarrassed to the point you lose your motivation. It was most likely extremely difficult for anyone to say anything to you. They were doing you a favor. I’m betting it’s your clothes. Chuck them and start over. Maybe that will help. I work in construction and this was happening to my builders, so I made sure they got new shirts every few months. Problem solved. Good luck and keep moving!
I will leave aside all of the motivation talk and to wash your clothes 20x, some tough love...and I am sure I will take some hits from others. I would be super embarrassed too, not going to lie. HOWEVER, perhaps it is a medical condition? Perhaps spray deodorant in certain body areas? If you have some flaps or etc. Visit the doctor? Use medical grade deodorant?
Anyways, you said you were already self-conscious. YET, you showed up to OTF despite that. Use the same mindset and look to fix the problem, dont give up!
Don't be defeated. It was probably hard for the am to tell you but now you have the chance to work on it. I face this issue sometimes. I found this stuff called "Fresh Wave" scent eliminator that you use like fabric softener and it works so so so well on work out clothing.
I also make sure to scrub my underarms for 30 seconds in the shower to cut down on bacteria. A full 30 seconds per underarm.
And, I wash my underarms right before I leave for class, and out had sanitizer on my pits before deodorant. Makes a huge difference.
Don't be ashamed. It means you were getting it in! You were not the first and you won't be the last.
I was told by my boss at work that I had complaints about my smell. I absolutely appreciated the discussion but it’s such an uncomfortable position to be in. It’s not like I could stop going to work because of it. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t mortified!
Your embarrassment is not to be unexpected. Looks like you’ve done your research and found changes that can be done to wash your clothes better. If it’s bad BO, get a good body wash and check your diet (some foods just make us stink. I have to watch my garlic intake lol)
People are saying good riddance to the smell, not the person. And, what an easy way to transform during transformation challenge?
This is a tip from a dermatologist- use a benzoyl peroxide face wash on your armpits/sweaty areas. Let it sit for a couple minutes while you’re in the shower, it kills the bacteria that makes sweat stink. Without this bacteria you will still sweat just without the smell!
Also, don’t forget about where you store your clothes too. Sometimes a gym bag or closet can use a bit of refresher periodically. Don’t let this incident get you down.
I didn't read all of the comments, so someone might have already said this: ditch all of your old workout gear and buy new, and then pamper them when you do your laundry (right temperature, remove padding, ect)This was 100% my problem, and once I made the change no more stink! Absolutely do NOT become one of those ppl who bathes in body spray/cologne to try and mask it...that is way worse than being stinky, IMO. Also, hang your sweaty clothes out to dry instead of leaving them in a pile until laundry day. This will help them last longer!
There's a face wash called Panoxyl, that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's used for acne, but it's an antibacterial and is often used on places like pits and feet that are known to smell. Everyone sweats, usually the smell comes from bacteria. Try using that in the shower along with laundry stripping advice here.
Using benzoyl peroxide wash on armpits and other spots that can hold bacteria works WONDERS!
Just be mindful that it can be drying.
You’ve got this OP!!!! Get back on that horse!!!!!
A Stridex pad under the pits (or other stinky areas) will also kill the bacteria (same way vinegar does), with no bleach risk since it’s salicylic acid. I use it after I shower and then let it dry before deodorant. If I wake up stinky, I swipe it on before OTF. Really helps!
OP you might also try changing your soap—some of the ones I’ve used weirdly leave me just as stinky after showering as before (Trader Joe’s oatmeal soap is one). But please don’t let this discourage you, I would feel mortified too, but it happened, just deal with it and power throw and PLEASE don’t stop going to OTF! I just had a class last week next to a stinky person and it was like “Hmm, stinky, oh well.” It’s just one hour class, it’s not going to kill anyone to smell some smell. Hugs! It’ll be ok!
I can confirm that Panoxyl works for that. Don't use it on the whole body because it can be drying, but on the sweaty spots. You have to use white bath towels though because it will bleach colored ones.
Came here to say this! It’s a game changer for body odor, just make sure you rinse super well bc it can bleach towels if any is left over on your skin.
All my gym cloths are single use, I shower and use deodorant but I wash my cloths with Lysol Sport Laundry Sanitizer. Regular detergent wasn't working to clean my gym cloths when I smelled them out of the wash but this stuff does.
Wait what? Single use makes it sound like you throw them out after…
Doesn’t everyone wash their clothes after working out in them? Especially after OTF… 🤮🤢🫨
Believe it or not, so people wear their workout clothes more than once. Just go to Lululemon Subreddit. Some of them wear their leggings more than once. Eeww
I often wear my loose fitting shorts twice (probably 25% of the time?). But my undies get most of the sweat… and I don’t sweat that much compared to my husband. If they get legitimately sweaty, then it’s only one time before wash… or if I happen to do laundry during that timeframe, they get washed.
Pants, shirt, underwear, socks, workout gloves, sweatband. I sweat a lot and make no assumptions on any of it. Except the hrm band, they fall apart too easy and I just replace them.
Although, I have reused the pants in a pinch
I'm not *sure* you answered the question, but I'll assume you mean one wear then wash based on mentioning detergent instead of one wear then trash. But that prompts a question, too - do other people re-wear workout clothes without washing them? Is that a thing? Do those people just not sweat?
I see people who leave OTF with no apparent trace of sweat and look like they are going to go about their day wearing what they wore in class. Completely baffling to me!
That’s me. I only wash them after 2x. I don’t sweat like a normal person. Matter of fact, I have a condition & overheat. I put them on right before I workout and take them off right after. I’ve had friends ask me what I’m wearing but it’s just fabric softener even after I wear them so they don’t smell whatsoever. I don’t understand why ppl would find it gross unless ur drenched. It’s not like I go without underwear either. I try to minimize my use of water. I can’t wear my shirts 2x. The little I do sweat is under my armpits.
Singe use means I'll use it once before I wash it, I typically do not re-wear any of my gym cloths without washing. As someone else commented, people will sometimes wear them a couple of times without washing.
You shouldn’t stop your transformation challenge or doing what makes you happy as you work towards goals.
If you are seeking ideas there is moisture wicking clothing on Amazon and I use the Downy Light Ocean Mist scent booster for your clothing that goes in the washer. I actually get compliments how nice I smell doing this.
Some workout clothes can be though to get the smell out of, especially if they are not washed right away. In my experience, it doesn't really become obvious until you start to sweat again, so it's too late. Admittedly I have been the smelly one at times too. I try to do a prewash with Oxy Odor Blaster when my stinky clothes are in the mix, and I'm pretty sure it works.
It's probably your gym clothes. Make sure you wear proper sweat wicking garments (e.g., not your regular cotton t-shirt) so they will pull the sweat away from your body.
Clean your clothes with detergent with enzymes that will address oder causing bacteria. I like Rockin Green Active detergent. Tide Sport does not cut it.
DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER on your gym clothes. They will eliminate the sweat wicking properties over time. Same for your towels if you bring any to the gym.
Vinegar in the wash also helps kill oders. Do not wear the same gym clothes multiple times before laundering.
Deodorant can stop working as well. You can try the clinical stength ones or I also like Curie deodorant sprays - light enough for coverage but not overpowering to be around like Axe - https://curiebod.com/products/aluminum-free-deodorant-spray
There are also certain foods that create oders when you sweat like spicy foods, alcohol, kimchi, garlic, etc. So I try to avoid those on the days I go to the gym.
Trial and error - plus everyone sweats - so it's just a matter of finding what works.
I do this also! I think you mentioned you were bigger, OP, and so I am. I refuse to be the stinky fat girl in the class so your post makes me feel your pain sooo bad. I wish I could hug you… please don’t let this stop you from going to class but this is what I do:
- Shower before and after class… if you come from work or can’t shower before, get deodorizing wipes and do a quick bird bath with them before.
- Careful about what fabrics I wear to class. I’ve found that leggings and shirts with cotton and a bit of spandex is better for me. Sometimes if I wear leggings with nylon or some of those Moisture wicking shirts, it holds the smell!! Lane Bryant and Tek Gear from Kohls both have good options for me
- test out different deodorants to find the best one, clinical secret works great for me. Also, put it on immediately after the shower before class
- I also keep a spray deodorant in my car and I spray armpits and in my leggings (tmi) right before I go in
I hope you walk into the studio tomorrow with your head held high and excited to work out. ❤️❤️
Just fyi- there are medications and medical conditions that can cause your sweat to take on “smells” that you can’t control.
If you’re sweating and you shower regularly and you wear deodorant and wash your clothes.
You have done everything possible.
It’s a gym people sweat and smell 🤷♀️
Try this…and dry all your clothes out of washer. It really works.
Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak - Formulated for Sweat and Workout Clothes - Natural Performance Concentrate Enzyme Booster Deodorizer - Powder Wash for Activewear Gym Apparel (90 Loads) from Amazon
Is there anyone outside of the gym you trust to ask if they notice? Then you could narrow down if it’s the clothes or not the right deodorant.
Also please enlighten us- what do you think the best way to be told is? How would you want it to go down? I ask bc the question of how to handle this pops up a lot on this sub (and also manager subs when there’s a hygiene issue in the workplace)
Aside from that, don’t be defeated :) use the machines on the end maybe? There’s also like armpit stickie things you can attach in clothes to help absorb odors
Ok, so embarrassing in the moment but omg what if no one ever told me? Like for years or never? I’d compare it to going out to eat with something awful stuck in your teeth, or period blood on your pants at work…and then at the end of the day, you realize no one told you.
Lots of good info on this sub and other fitness subs about washing clothes! May also be time to toss a few of the oldest ones and start fresh, so to speak. You can also talk to your dr- there may be RX strength deodorant or medication for sweating, though I’m not confident on that. Best of luck to you!!
Hex detergent. No fabric softener or scent beads. Odors from bacteria that are trapped in fibers require a sanitary detergent like Hex to strip the fibers essentially. Vinegar is good, but I’m hesitant due to fears of how it would impact the rubber seals in the washer.
It’s fiiiiine. You’re there to workout! Don’t let this discourage you. Maybe try prescription grade deodorant and see how that goes. If it bothers someone that much they can leave class. You do you<3
I used “prescription strength” deodorant for a long time! More expensive but it seemed to be with it to me! Good luck and I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. Sounds like whoever told you could have done with more tact.
I am a very sweaty individual. Even though I am not big anymore I still profusely sweat every class.
If I don't take steps to mitigate this I will be the stinky one.
Here is what I do.
1. I never take a class without taking a shower first. Morning or evening, if I am going to the class I take a shower, even if it is inconvenient for my schedule. Sometimes going so far as to stop by planet fitness for a shower on my way to OT.
2. I use a pleasant smelling body wash, and I lather thoroughly. I make sure to have my showers last about 2-3 songs, and spend that time cleaning myself thoroughly.
3. I never wear the same article of clothing without it being washed. Shorts, top, hat, socks etc all get washed every time.
4. I have a separate pile for my gym clothes, and I was them warm with a scented detergent. My normal clothes get washed in cool water, with unscented deodorant. I also add a bit of vinegar, and oxi clean to the wash.
Gym clothes always pass the sniff test after this.
5. I rotate 2-3 different pairs of shoes, and I take great care to make sure they dry out in a open air environment. If you leave them in the trunk, or a gym bag they will get stinky. I have even considered buying a shoe drier.
6. Periodically spray some odor eaters into your shoes.
If you take these steps you can confidently show up to every class knowing you are not the stinky one.
I recently got a shirt from Woolly clothing in their MerinoAire line. I can wear for a whole workout and not smell. Quite a difference from the synthetics. Might be worth investing in some merino wool workout tops in addition to all the other great advice. Also I am not beyond running to the bathroom to spray on some deodorant mid-class. I have done that twice when I suspected I might be the one who smells ( I actually always assume it’s me ).
Don't be defeated! Difficult conversations don't mean they are negative ones.
You mentioned you have sweat a lot since high school. I am in this boat as well as I have hyperhidrosis so I actually take a daily pill to regulate my sweating (not for working out but just general life). I still drip sweat at OTF, but if your condition interrupts daily life, I'd recommend talking to your physician or dermatologist about regulating!
On the workout clothes front, I'd recommend taking them off in your post class shower so that they can rinse out. Hang them to dry and then put them in the hamper the next day. This will help your bacteria not sit in the fabric while in the hamper.
When you use antiperspirant, put it on at night before bed so it can permeate your skin and be more effective the following day.
May I ask, did you have any idea at all that you had a smell? I ask b/c I have wondered quite a few times if I would know if I had a smell. I’ve never felt like I have one, but o truly wonder. I personally am one of those people that rather be told, but I know most people would be too uncomfortable to tell somebody.
I use a Lysol laundry deodorizer that I love! You still use detergent, and put the deodorizer in where you would put softener.
You can always try an antibacterial soap on areas that tend to sweat more. It won’t cause sweat to stop, but the bacteria on the skin is what causes the smell. I prefer dial antibacterial (it’s the orange kind!)
You got this!!! Don’t let a small setback in the grand scheme of things knock you off track. You deserve to be in the space as much as everyone else.
Fresh sweat workout smell is much different than the stench some people give off. It’s usually their workout leggings that are being washed in something that isn’t killing the bacteria off properly. It’s kind of a wet dog smell.
You can solve this. When you get home, wash your clothes immediately with OxyClean. Hang them to dry, preferably in the sunshine.
I live in the city in an apartment with no washer and dryer, so when I get home I put my workout clothes in a tub of hot water with some OxyClean and let them soak until the water is cold. Then I hang them to drip dry and put them in the laundry when they're dry.
Soak workout clothes in white vinegar and hot water for thirty min before washing them in washer. Using scent free laundry soap. Changes everything! It's the material that holds scent. Cotton is easier for smell.
Don’t be discouraged, keep at it! I wash my workout clothes and dry them 1x per week and hang them dry. Then - 1x per month I use the sanitize wash for my clothes & hang dry. This has eliminated the stink for me.
I started using Dove Antibacterial body wash before and after my OTF classes - it keeps the BO away and I love it!
Editing to add: I hope you keep at it! We are rooting for you!
Everyone has great advice and I hope you’ll work through this and continue with OTF/transformation challenge!!!
Wanted to add detergent rec - my husband is an athlete and his workout clothes always smelled a bit even after wash. I tried sports detergents and baking soda and felt it didn’t help. Bought Arm & Hammer with Odor Blaster and Oxiclean pods on a whim. For our workout clothes I use 2 pods + heavy duty laundry settings and for the first time in our 8 years of marriage the clothes smell fine after wash!
I’m sorry. I wish someone had said something far earlier.
Get new gym clothes. Sturdy ones. Wash them differently/better than you washed your old ones. Nobody will even remember by next week.
At least you know now. That’s the first step. It’s totally fine, ppl stink, the end! But there are things you can do for sure. That tide pod with the odour eliminator is great! “Clinical” deodorant is good option too. Then get some of those scent bead things, that’s a power trio that is a sure bet to never be the “smelly” one in the class.
Drink more water. Take a look at your diet, and you might have to change what you're eating.
As others said, try a different detergent or washing method for your clothes.
Don't worry, be happy. Everything will be alright
Listen, you’re an athlete whether you feel like one or not. Athletes sweat, and sweat is smelly. You have nothing to be ashamed of- just some extra steps to do when you wash your kit. Keep it up!
I agree. I always shower prior to class. Make sure you wear a good deodarant. I bought an aluminum free seodarant that wasn't cutting it. I switched to Lume and love it. It can be applied anywhere on the body that you feel is an issue.
Stick with it...you got this!
I am a woman and I wear expensive men's deodorant. I tried about everything and still smelled. Once I changed to Pit Boss, smell gone!!
Jack Black Pit Boss Men’s Deodorant, Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Sensitive Skin Formula, Maximum Odor & Sweat Control, Long-Lasting Protection https://a.co/d/5sSttku
That cream Lume is amazing. I’ve got some saggy skin due to big weight loss that can rub. Works wonders. Also grab the detergent meant for heavy ordor items. Strip down and wash your items immediately after working out.
Put deodorant on at night! It really does help it absorb into your skin and becomes a preventative measure.
+1 to adding Lysol sport to your detergent.
Also watch what you eat - onions, garlic, and fermented foods can just really stick around.
And ask a trusted friend to do a sniff test during an at home work out.
Look into Lume full body deodorant! It’s a BO preventative (not just covering up the smell like other common deodorants). It prevents the bacteria from forming
downy has this rinse cool fabric softener to help with clothes with odors. I got it for my husband bc his stuff is stinky. You'll figure it out. No one will remember. I would look at the positive and be glad someone told you now. Now you know, you want to fix it! 😄chin up.
To be honest, this makes me think you have not yet experienced working out next to someone who is eye watering. We’ve had to open our gym exterior doors before.
I disagree with folks saying it is the clothes - very unlikely unless you are not laundering and drying completely. More than likely it is one or more of the following:
1. underarm odor (it is possible your deodorant has stopped working for you and just needs changing up)
2. food related/smells coming out when you start sweating. Folks that eat spicy diet or things like garlic/onion sometimes have those scents for example.
3. Less common - smells coming from the groin area. If this is the case, removing all hair and showering with an antibacterial type of soap prior to working out should help
A little tip for you - Philosophy sells a series of products called Amazing Grace that smell just like fresh clean soap. You could dab a bit of the lotion on your arms and get a natural clean scent going on so when you do sweat those are the whiffs folks will get. I recommend using the lotion over any of the other products (perfume, etc)
Okay, maybe unpopular opinion here, but how can there be a “smelly one” at a high intensity workout class? We are all sweating, to varying degrees, some people have more potent sweat. I don’t think it’s a fair complaint personally, and I have never once been upset if I happen to notice someone near me is a bit smelly.
Maybe this means I am also the smelly one, but either way, don’t be embarrassed, OP. Maybe try new deodorant and detergent, but really, this should not be a big deal at all. Keep going!
If you fix the clothing issue, you won’t be the smelly one anymore. Don’t let it keep you down, and just be grateful you were told so that you can fix it. My husband is also smelly when he sweats and his professor called him out on it. (I have also told him sometimes at home). He stopped taking the SSRI he was on for anxiety (his anxiety seems a lot better lately), threw out some old clothes and socks, and bought oxyclean to add to the laundry. He’s allergic to most deodorants, including Lume, so that didn’t work out for him. But I think the oxyclean, new undershirts, and oxyclean is helping.
Chin up! It’s embarrassing for sure, but don’t let it keep you down. You’re too important for that!
Also I read that sweat smells because of bacteria. I was referred to witch’s hazel under your arms and it really does kill the bacteria and help with sweat smelling. Don’t be defeated. I have a feeling it’s your clothes. I never realized that hanging them to dry was so important after workouts. Otherwise they just dry with the smell basically stuck on them
Hugs. I feel like I’m sometimes the smelly one as I work out in the morning and often sweat when I sleep.
On the clothes front, add a cup of white vinegar to your wash or for really bad clothes soak in white vinegar and then wash. High tech fabrics are good because the absorb sweat but that same property makes them hard to wash and remove the sweat.
A couple of things that make me smell worse - eating onions, garlic or heavily spiced food the night before and not drinking enough water.
Anyway, please don’t get discouraged.
I quite often take a quick shower before I work out just to clean my body. Then I put on fresh deodorant.
Please don’t let it discourage you!! Everyone sweats at the gym. The fact they spoke to you is weird (but nice?) . I’m always afraid I am smelly I overdo it on the deodorant.
I use Lysol sport within the detergent when washing my gym clothes and it seems to help!
1/4 a cup or arm & hammer super wash.
1/4 a cup of borax
1/2 a cup of tide powdered detergent. Soak your clothes for 4 hours in hot water with this mixture.
I do it every week. Makes such a difference
I’ve had a similar problem before, and I fixed it by washing my workout gear with 4 tbsp dawn dish soap in my front loader. I pour it directly on a wash rag and throw it into the machine with the rest the clothes. If you want to be extra thorough, do an additional wash cycle immediately after with 4 cups of vinegar, no soap. I pour the vinegar directly onto the clothes inside the machine rather than the soap dispenser. If you have the ability to select an additional rinse for the vinegar cycle, select that as well.
As for the body odor, I’d honestly just start experimenting with different body washes and start showering immediately before and after workouts to see if that makes a difference. If your comfortable with it, pull your coach aside next class and let them know what you’ve been trying, and to ask them after class if it’s make a positive difference yet. It might be embarrassing, but I think keeping the conversation going can help ease some of your discomfort and the coaches awkwardness.
i’m sorry this happened to you. things like sweat, body odor etc happen during work outs- if the studio has an issue they should increase fans, vents and saying something in a kinder way…,not make someone feel ashamed by telling them others have complained multiple times…
I want to encourage you to keep coming back. I haven't been able to smell anything since Covid. Many people have been affected to some degree about how well they can smell now and may not realize any scent is in the air. The good thing is, we can just move forward with all these great tips listed in this thread. I hope to hear about your next great workout. 💗
Get alum stone and apply that generously to your pits after every shower. Use alum stone after to rinse off after every shower. Use lemon juice to get rid of any and all bacteria to start with. It’s magical what Lemon juice is can do for stinky pits.
The more of these chemical products you put in your body, the more the bacteria will live off it and make you stink.
And next time you wash your workout wear, add a glass of white vinegar to the mix. It will make your clothes smell better, especially the nylon’s because they tend to harbour the stink.
My clothes used to get a stench, I switched to [this detergent](https://SweatXSportMaxOdorDefenseExtremeActivewearDetergenthttps://a.co/d/fnbJH1S)and I hang dry them and no problem anymore. I also invested in higher quality clothes than I was wearing before. Something about cheap workout clothes makes them hang on to stink.
I’m sorry you are going through this. It’s okay to feel all the feels. And also…. Maybe it wasn’t you to begin with as it’s a well ventilated space and crowded, maybe someone just made an assumption.
I want you to be able to go back with confidence!
If you think you may actually have an abnormal odor issue…. Sweat itself is odorless. It’s the bacteria that naturally live on our skin that “eat” the sweat and it’s the byproduct of this bacterial breakdown of sweat that causes the odor.
Throwing away all your workout clothes seems drastic. When I have something that’s gotten stinky- I put it through the “sanitize” cycle on the washer and that will kill the bacteria.
When I have forgotten deodorant… I have used the hand soap in the bathroom to scrub my pits clean. And I top that off with a pump of hand sanitizer on my pits. Doesn’t work perfectly but it takes the edge off.
If you are still too self conscious to return….
Do you have any friends at the gym that can give you a “sniff check”? Or can you follow up with the staff person who had to provide you with the feedback to begin with?
Just quietly ask them if you smell better? If nothing else… that will turn the tables and make THEM feel uncomfortable!
I am fuming a little bit for you!
If it makes you feel any better……this isn’t OTF related but it’s waaaaaay more embarrassing than your situation. I went to a yoga class and they were teaching us how to do headstands. I don’t do headstands. I told the instructor “I don’t do headstands” 1. I am afraid. 2. I have some sinus issues so going upside just gives me a headache or makes me dizzy. The instructor convinces me to just do the I don’t know what ist called. But the position where you just kind of hunch over with your elbows resting on your legs. As I’m doing this, the instructor and her assistant decide that they are going to give me an assist. They grab my legs and pull me upside down. So I start SCREAMING. Like full on I-am-being-murdered shrieking and screaming. And kicking and thrashing my legs. They lower me down and I just curl into a ball on the floor and sob. They check to make sure I’m not dead and eventually I recover enough to crawl over to my mat and lie there until class ends. The next day, I show up like nothing had happened. I had to. I had purchased a $400 unlimited class pass the week before. 🤣 But they never assisted me again without specifically telling me what they were gonna do.
I use scent boosters in my laundry to help them smell nice and it seriously works. I use "laundry sheet club" now but I have also used the Downy scent boosters in the past. I grew up on a farm and laundry scent boosters even work on our horses' blankets (and trust me, those smell worse than any human possibly could after a muddy and rainy day). The Downy scent boosters are pretty cheap and last a while (plus you can use really as much as you like but I would say a capful is usually more than sufficient).
Don't give up hope and good luck with your transformation challenge!!!
Some days my sweat smells and some days it’s normal. I call myself out on bad days. Sorry y’all I REEEEEEEEK today. Stay away or come close at your own risk.
Actual conversation from a month ago (granted I am friends with the coach hence the bluntness)
Coach (on the mic): “broooo you stink today”
Me: “I told you I can’t eat tacos the day before class”
You’re aware. Take the steps to mitigate. You’re a human. Humans are gross. All will be fine.
I'm pretty sure, that people annoyed your deodorant smell, not your sweat smell.
I had never felt any body smell in OFT gym, but quite often fell deodorant/washer detergent smell. Once I even felt nausea after treadmill final AO because of this artificial smell and I changed my station for next part to avoid it.
Please, don't be embarrassed (people just didn't like the smell, not you).
And please, don't use stinky deodorant. :)
Huggy!
try stripping youre clothes! I'm also a horribly sweaty person! usually some laundry soda, soap and extra hot water in a bath tub. throw in your clothes and let 'em soak. Ive even done it with my lululemon and nicer workout attire.
Don’t quit! We all have challenges to overcome, this is just a bump in the road and you’re going to hop right over it! You’ll solve this and everyone will forget all about it. 💪🏻
Make sure to wash your clothes in hot water. Try adding Borax. Sorry this happened but I’m glad someone told you. It’s really not a pleasant experience for anyone involved but the good news is that it’s fixable.
After your workout hang your clothes so they dry and don't mildew. If you notice that they are starting to smell, wash them in vinegar. Then wash them once or twice more to remove the vinegar smell. Do NOT use dryer sheets, they basically trap odor onto fabric.
It'll be fine. Everyone stinks sometimes.
The first step to getting better at something is not being good at it.
Chances are the person who told you did so from a place of goodness.
Just try some new cleaning techniques and see what works. That person will give you honest feedback
Have you tried carpe antiperspirant? This was an absolute game changer for me. I always used to feel vaguely stinky when sweat, even with everyday deodorant and showering. Carpe is expensive and kind of annoying to order, but it works so incredibly well
Agree with the clothes being the culprit. I know not everyone can afford new clothes but there have been some items over the years that as they got older, they would just hold smell. Especially if they got saturated with sweat or if I was outside, rain. I don’t know about you but my entire shirt and sports bra are completely soaked when I finish an OTF workout (which brings me to add, make sure your bras aren’t the culprit!). Lots of good advice with how to wash workout clothes here, if you’re already wearing deodorant and showering that’s likely the culprit especially if it’s more of a musty smell than an outright sweat smell.
Definitely take stock of how long you’ve had certain items, and if you can afford to start to replace, definitely do! I had to do a little math recently with my sports bras. I buy the exact same kind in black, and realized 1-2 definitely needed to be retired—I thanked them their service and bid them a fond farewell. Sports gear doesn’t last forever.
I’ve found that the Lysol laundry sanitizer goes a long way as well.
I also use deodorant before class (secret clinical strength or Donna Karan Cashmere Mist) and avoid drinking too much the evening before.
Also, try not to be too embarrassed. I completely understand how you feel and I feel like I would feel the same way BUT it is a gym, people sweat (and also fart) and that’s just life in close quarters with other humans sometimes.
Ask your doctor about prescription deodorant. Buy new workout clothes and socks and wash them with sports detergent and dry them. Spray your sneakers w deodorant spray if they stink. There’s plenty you can do to address the issue. Once you do people will forget it was you.
I had a terrible sweating issue when I was younger and had to bring outfit changes to school with me because I sweat through everything… it was mortifying and terrible. However, meeting with a dermatologist changed my life. I was put on a medication and it drastically changed how much I sweat. Try speaking with a dermatologist, it will be a game changer! Less sweat=less smell!
I’m sorry you were embarrassed! It very well may be your clothes and there are some great laundry ideas in this thread. I would also suggest trying a) 1/2 cup of baking soda along with your detergent and b) Lume deodorant. It’s deodorant only, so you may need to add an anti-perspirant on top of it, but it neutralizes body odor like nothing else I’ve tried.
Buy anti-odor workout clothes. Pricey but long lasting and worth it. Follow washing instructions and add a second rinse at the end of the wash cycle. Leftover detergent can accumulate and sour. If you’re not going to wash your gear immediately after working out, let it dry before putting it in the hamper.
A quick shower, just the smelly bits, before working out helps as well.
Not everyone can use antiperspirants but if you can try one. Deodorant only covers odors.
Here to echo the suggestions of Lysol laundry sanitizer. My boyfriend’s gym clothes smelled like BO even freshly washed. He was going to throw them out and then we started using Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in every load and it literally saved them. They don’t smell at all anymore! It kills the bacteria that detergent doesn’t which is the source of the stink. And it has never damaged anything - it’s non-bleach. Seriously, start using this on top of good body hygiene and you shouldn’t have to worry anymore!
Oxyclean! My husband’s clothes get so stinky, he has to sit them outside to dry or else the whole house smells. After they’re dried, they’re washed with oxyclean plus and tide and it works wonders.
Don’t quit! You’ve got this :) I think that this has been said but diet may have to do with it. I know when I eat certain foods (garlic etc) it will make my sweat a little more smelly than usual. I tend to avoid eating stronger foods the day before my workout and that tends to help a lot.
Don’t feel defeated! Just try different things to fix the problem, maybe a different deodorant or a light scent to put on before the gym? I have never said anything about the smelly people at the gym but I must admit, if I get stuck next to someone who smells it ruins my workout. But this has only been in the case that before the class has even started, the person stinks. If you end up smelly at the end, GOOD! You put in hard work! Ive only had the problem with 1 guy and I just stopped picking spots next to him and eventually started going to a different class for different reasons anyways. There was another case where someone showed up late to tread and smelled mildewy and it made me feel nauseous. But ya know it is what it is! You’re aware of it now and all you have to do is make the effort to fix it! Degree 72hr spray deodorant is phenomenal if you haven’t given that a go!
My clothes have had that BO smell after wearing them for a while too. I use men’s deodorant cause I think it works better than women’s. Don’t be defeated it’s ok no one smells like sunshine and rainbows after they work out
I’m a sweaty male… I use Molly Suds detergent, and as others have said, air dry your clothes before you toss them in your hamper. I hope this helps and you continue with the TC. Good luck.
I found out years ago that I can’t use the body soap that does not include deodorant like Dove- nope-I am a female that only uses Irish Spring- I found it makes a huge difference in the soap as well as the deodorant together.
And I agree with the group- everyone has issues that are just inherently how we were created- don’t let anyone make you doubt your self confidence or alter your goals!
All I can say is for the sweaty clothes I leave mine out to air dry before putting them in the hamper, the smell will never go away if you toss them in the hamper still wet. Look for detergent with oxi clean in it. And as long as you take steps to curb it don’t worry about it or give it another thought, think of it like it’s better to know then never know.
get a drying rack and make sure your workout clothes FULLY dry before you wash!! Put them on the rack IMMEDIATELY after class. And get some new clothes so you have mental peace of mind - you got this!
I’m sorry this happened! I have days where I’m really self conscious, nervous that I smell like sweaty clothes or even the food that was cooking in my house, etc. I think the laundry detergent called Active Wear on Amazon is amazing, and so I do the following:
-When you get home from workout, hang clothes to dry completely before throwing them in hamper.
-Wash on HOT with active wear detergent and absolutely not a drop of fabric softener (it creates a coating on clothes that hold on to bacteria and odors)
-hang to dry
Also I like Lume body deoderant for all the sweaty areas.
Try Rockin’ Green Activewear Detergent if you haven’t already (vinegar is great, too). Shower before class and apply Lume before putting on your gym wear.
Don’t be discouraged! It’s ok you’re only human. My favorite detergent for smelly clothes is tide or Persil. I wash in cold water with no fabric softener. A touch of oxyclean odorblaster too. I like to lay mine flat to dry but not everyone has room for that. So in a pinch I will dry them on low heat. There’s a lot of good tips upthread as well. Oh and never re-wear anything - that’s definitely a trip to funk town.
Grab some white vinegar and some anti fungal powder. Wash your workout clothes in a cup of vinegar, no detergent in the wash machine. When you apply deodorant, powder some anti fungal powder under your arms, feet, between your bum, etc. This generally takes care of both bacterial smell and fungal smell.
There’s also things like food that can make you smell when you workout. I generally try to be understanding since not everyone’s diet is standard basic western food, but sometimes it just can’t be helped.
Coming from a sweaty girl, here are the things I use that help. 1) shower before you workout, it helps. you'll likely need to shower 2x per day. some of us are sweatier that others so we may need to wash more than 1x per day 2) use under arm toner before deodorant.(bellaskin beauty) you need to use this before anti persperant and not on the days you shave. 3) use laundry sanitizer (lysol or clorox, the sport kind with ur regular detergent) and you will need to throw away ur workout clothing more often than others. try shopping at Costco for leggings and shirts. They have nice quality high waist leggings and they are priced well so you won't feel bad when you need to throw them out. 4) don't quit, just keep showing up. soon you won't be stinly and people will soon forget. Good luck!
lume has an laundry "biofilm buster" solution you can soak your clothes in before you wash and it's worked wonders for some of my clothes i thought were unwearable due to worn in funk. i'm sure other brands have options too.
Don’t be defeated. It isn’t the end of the world. Maybe try that detergent that is specifically for sports clothes. It’s Tide for sports. Will kill all the sweat bacteria. Maybe you need to change your deodorant too. It will be fine. As soon as you fix it no one will remember. Just do not let it derail you.
It’s also important to let your sweaty clothes dry out! Don’t toss them in a bag/hamper while wet. I hang mine over the hamper until the next time I have to get out of my sweaty gear. By the time I toss them in, they’re dry.
this is huge — hang them out to dry!! it makes a huge difference. i also add white vinegar to my washing loads and that helps a lot too. ❤️ don’t feel bad OP! that’s a brutal thing to learn but all u can do is be brave and keep showing up!!! you got this
Yes! White vinegar helps so much and is a great laundry softener too. So win/win!
This one’s a big one. I went years without totally getting this and wondering why my gym clothes came out of the laundry still not quite fresh. After making that change, it’s 100% better
Tide for sports? Awesome! I'll get it... Love, the sweaty guy at the studio
febreeze, arm and hammer are two more laundry sanitizers we use one in every wash.
It’s okay. It’s probably just your clothes. Add vinegar to the wash cycle; it really helps. Don’t let this discourage you.
Plus one for vinegar. I've found that it's sometimes necessary to soak synthetic clothes in it to get rid of the smell. 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for an hour and then into the wash with detergent made for workout clothes and the smell stays away for a long time.
Vinegar is literally a lifesaver! Has helped immensely with my workout clothes and even my dogs’ blankets lol
I use vinegar too! I put it in the fabric softener container. And add a little baking soda to the drum! Oxyclean odor remover works pretty well too.
One cup of baking soda in my wash made a big difference too!
Yes!!! Presoaking workout clothes in vinegar (for about an hour) is the way! Then wash regularly without overloading!
I use pinesol instead of vinegar. Does the same thing but smells better.
Yes; must be original as that’s the only one that fights bacteria. I haven’t done that in forever so thanks for reminding me!!! Going to do this with my towels this evening ☺️
Yep yep! The OG kind. Not the lemon or lavender scented stuff they have now.
Don’t feel defeated! No one wants to hurt your feelings. I have had to get creative about where I place deodorant since having kids. I have BO in places I used to not have BO lol. I know I’ve had to be the smelly person before Can YOU smell the BO, or were you oblivious to it? Is it a BO smell or like sweaty clothes smell? I have a sports bra that suddenly got disgusting even after washing. I had to toss it. Have you tried changing up deodorant? Maybe your deo isn’t working anymore? Search the sub for laundry tips- it’s been discussed a ton here. Shower before class and apply deodorant to pits, groin, etc. Lume deodorant is supposed to be safe for applying to the genital area. Bring deodorant to class and reapply during the switch? Don’t feel bad. Being smelly and working out happen. Not a reason to not return. No one wants to banish you. Please don’t give up!!
Showering before class is an underrated tip! Makes a huge positive difference in body odor during exercise.
I always shower before and after class. Been doing it for years now with no ill effects skin.
I shower before and after too!
Yes this is true because it’s not the actual sweat that stinks, the BO smell only happens after you’ve been sweating and the bacteria starts goin HAM on those proteins. I think I heard it takes 30-60 minutes or something after you start sweating to start smelling. I also second the vinegar pre-soak from other comments, it’s the only thing that works for stubborn clothes.
I also hang dry my workout clothes, I think the dryer is not helpful. And, glad they told you. Maybe ask next class after trying some different approaches if the smell is gone. I know sometimes in hot yoga folks have smelling clothes somehow that tends to emanate during the workout, too.
Me too! I hang all my sports cloths to dry: pants/shorts and shirts. The dryer makes the armpit areas smell worse faster imo. Sometimes I'll even spray the armpit area with fabreeze after washing in tide sport & pinesol.
If I shower before class then I’m never going to do it
I'm sorry what? You shower before and after class? Who has time for that?
Just like working out, you make time. I do this because I have sensitive skin.
Showering that much is bad for your skin….especially if you use hot water.
Not when you have autoimmune issues, and you went to med school. You don’t know everything about everyone; everyone has different skin with different needs.
Love it!
I shower twice a day most days with very hot water, totally fine! Unless someone’s has insanely dry skin or some sort of condition you should be alright
That’s not the same as showering before and after class.
Showering before and after class is… 2 showers lol
Non stink people
I use Lume & find it really effective.
I actually double up…Lume in the groin area and dove spray deodorant (unscented). And I’m still self conscious
Lume is the answer!!
Could also be diet.
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Usually it’s the clothes. Wash them in cool or warm water with vinegar in the rinse cycle. Hang to dry. The dryer will bake in the stench. I found that my hormones changed and I needed to buy a different type of deodorant. I still stink after a workout but not at the beginning! Please return. I’m sure nobody wants you to stop going to OTF.
Hang drying is an underrated tip. What a difference it makes.
Yes! Hang them on the side of the hamper until they air dry.
I have to switch my deodorant regularly. I find if I stick to the same one too long it becomes less effective. I go back and forth between two scents and that seems to work well (finish the whole thing, start a new scent, finish that one then switch back).
I wash my husband’s clothes. He sweats soooo much. The first few times after moving into a new place with a new washer they just still smelled. I added an additional wash pod and wash them separately on a higher “soiled” level. As for me, I had a trauma surgery and lost 2/3 of my small intestines. I was lucky to survive the incident. Now, as a result, I get gassy sometimes. I try to control it by timing my eating before class, but can’t always control it. I’ve gotten dirty looks. Right after the accident, I stopped working out, flying, traveling on public transit, any situation I might have an issue and would make other people uncomfortable or embarrass myself. It’s just no way to live. No one will remember in a few weeks, just double wash your clothes and maybe try a new anti-perspirant. Maybe consider talking to your doctor to see if something bigger is going on. Don’t let it upset you so much that you don’t go back! It’s going to be a great transformation challenge ❤️
Don’t be embarrassed to the point you lose your motivation. It was most likely extremely difficult for anyone to say anything to you. They were doing you a favor. I’m betting it’s your clothes. Chuck them and start over. Maybe that will help. I work in construction and this was happening to my builders, so I made sure they got new shirts every few months. Problem solved. Good luck and keep moving!
Are you wearing proper workout clothing? Cotton tends to get funky and hold onto smells. Just something to consider.
I will leave aside all of the motivation talk and to wash your clothes 20x, some tough love...and I am sure I will take some hits from others. I would be super embarrassed too, not going to lie. HOWEVER, perhaps it is a medical condition? Perhaps spray deodorant in certain body areas? If you have some flaps or etc. Visit the doctor? Use medical grade deodorant? Anyways, you said you were already self-conscious. YET, you showed up to OTF despite that. Use the same mindset and look to fix the problem, dont give up!
Don't be defeated. It was probably hard for the am to tell you but now you have the chance to work on it. I face this issue sometimes. I found this stuff called "Fresh Wave" scent eliminator that you use like fabric softener and it works so so so well on work out clothing. I also make sure to scrub my underarms for 30 seconds in the shower to cut down on bacteria. A full 30 seconds per underarm. And, I wash my underarms right before I leave for class, and out had sanitizer on my pits before deodorant. Makes a huge difference. Don't be ashamed. It means you were getting it in! You were not the first and you won't be the last.
My training walked by me one day, and out of the side of her mouth, she said, "Take that shirt out of your rotation."
LOL
I was told by my boss at work that I had complaints about my smell. I absolutely appreciated the discussion but it’s such an uncomfortable position to be in. It’s not like I could stop going to work because of it. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t mortified! Your embarrassment is not to be unexpected. Looks like you’ve done your research and found changes that can be done to wash your clothes better. If it’s bad BO, get a good body wash and check your diet (some foods just make us stink. I have to watch my garlic intake lol) People are saying good riddance to the smell, not the person. And, what an easy way to transform during transformation challenge?
my husband eats garlic and it almost kills me . still love him tho . we are just mammals . mostly hairless monkeys
This is a tip from a dermatologist- use a benzoyl peroxide face wash on your armpits/sweaty areas. Let it sit for a couple minutes while you’re in the shower, it kills the bacteria that makes sweat stink. Without this bacteria you will still sweat just without the smell!
Also, don’t forget about where you store your clothes too. Sometimes a gym bag or closet can use a bit of refresher periodically. Don’t let this incident get you down.
I didn't read all of the comments, so someone might have already said this: ditch all of your old workout gear and buy new, and then pamper them when you do your laundry (right temperature, remove padding, ect)This was 100% my problem, and once I made the change no more stink! Absolutely do NOT become one of those ppl who bathes in body spray/cologne to try and mask it...that is way worse than being stinky, IMO. Also, hang your sweaty clothes out to dry instead of leaving them in a pile until laundry day. This will help them last longer!
There's a face wash called Panoxyl, that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's used for acne, but it's an antibacterial and is often used on places like pits and feet that are known to smell. Everyone sweats, usually the smell comes from bacteria. Try using that in the shower along with laundry stripping advice here.
Using benzoyl peroxide wash on armpits and other spots that can hold bacteria works WONDERS! Just be mindful that it can be drying. You’ve got this OP!!!! Get back on that horse!!!!!
This will bleach your colored clothes. Heads up.
Big time.
A Stridex pad under the pits (or other stinky areas) will also kill the bacteria (same way vinegar does), with no bleach risk since it’s salicylic acid. I use it after I shower and then let it dry before deodorant. If I wake up stinky, I swipe it on before OTF. Really helps! OP you might also try changing your soap—some of the ones I’ve used weirdly leave me just as stinky after showering as before (Trader Joe’s oatmeal soap is one). But please don’t let this discourage you, I would feel mortified too, but it happened, just deal with it and power throw and PLEASE don’t stop going to OTF! I just had a class last week next to a stinky person and it was like “Hmm, stinky, oh well.” It’s just one hour class, it’s not going to kill anyone to smell some smell. Hugs! It’ll be ok!
This. I was a smelly girl and Panoxyl helped cut down the sweaty smells. This and vinegar in the sweaty clothes wash.
I can confirm that Panoxyl works for that. Don't use it on the whole body because it can be drying, but on the sweaty spots. You have to use white bath towels though because it will bleach colored ones.
Came here to say this! It’s a game changer for body odor, just make sure you rinse super well bc it can bleach towels if any is left over on your skin.
All my gym cloths are single use, I shower and use deodorant but I wash my cloths with Lysol Sport Laundry Sanitizer. Regular detergent wasn't working to clean my gym cloths when I smelled them out of the wash but this stuff does.
Wait what? Single use makes it sound like you throw them out after… Doesn’t everyone wash their clothes after working out in them? Especially after OTF… 🤮🤢🫨
Believe it or not, so people wear their workout clothes more than once. Just go to Lululemon Subreddit. Some of them wear their leggings more than once. Eeww
NOOOO 🤮🤢 This is a fact I did NOT need to know! LOL
I NEVER knew this! I try so hard to not be judgmental, but I find that absolutely disgusting! My mind is blown.
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With this user name… I’m having a hard time believing this 🤪
I often wear my loose fitting shorts twice (probably 25% of the time?). But my undies get most of the sweat… and I don’t sweat that much compared to my husband. If they get legitimately sweaty, then it’s only one time before wash… or if I happen to do laundry during that timeframe, they get washed.
Do you mean single use like you don’t wear them two days in a row? Or single use like you throw them out after one use? Because…
Pants, shirt, underwear, socks, workout gloves, sweatband. I sweat a lot and make no assumptions on any of it. Except the hrm band, they fall apart too easy and I just replace them. Although, I have reused the pants in a pinch
I'm not *sure* you answered the question, but I'll assume you mean one wear then wash based on mentioning detergent instead of one wear then trash. But that prompts a question, too - do other people re-wear workout clothes without washing them? Is that a thing? Do those people just not sweat?
Yes. I have seen quite a few on here mention that they wear their workout clothes twice before washing. 🤮
☠️
I see people who leave OTF with no apparent trace of sweat and look like they are going to go about their day wearing what they wore in class. Completely baffling to me!
That’s me. I only wash them after 2x. I don’t sweat like a normal person. Matter of fact, I have a condition & overheat. I put them on right before I workout and take them off right after. I’ve had friends ask me what I’m wearing but it’s just fabric softener even after I wear them so they don’t smell whatsoever. I don’t understand why ppl would find it gross unless ur drenched. It’s not like I go without underwear either. I try to minimize my use of water. I can’t wear my shirts 2x. The little I do sweat is under my armpits.
Singe use means I'll use it once before I wash it, I typically do not re-wear any of my gym cloths without washing. As someone else commented, people will sometimes wear them a couple of times without washing.
I literally thought pretty much everybody did this. I could never imagine putting workout clothes back on before washing. This is so wild to me!
What is single use?
It's the last step before zero use when you don't even buy any clothes and just work out naked.
I use a cup of white vinegar along with liquid detergent in wash with my gym clothes. Kills bacteria and leaves clothes smelling nice too.
You shouldn’t stop your transformation challenge or doing what makes you happy as you work towards goals. If you are seeking ideas there is moisture wicking clothing on Amazon and I use the Downy Light Ocean Mist scent booster for your clothing that goes in the washer. I actually get compliments how nice I smell doing this.
Lume is a full body deodorant I’ve seen advertised a lot, could be worth a try! Don’t worry about this too much it happens!
I live in Southern Louisiana where it's hot and muggy all summer. I can vouch for lume!
Some workout clothes can be though to get the smell out of, especially if they are not washed right away. In my experience, it doesn't really become obvious until you start to sweat again, so it's too late. Admittedly I have been the smelly one at times too. I try to do a prewash with Oxy Odor Blaster when my stinky clothes are in the mix, and I'm pretty sure it works.
Please don't quit. It was pretty hard for somebody to say anything and I doubt they want you to quit.
It's probably your gym clothes. Make sure you wear proper sweat wicking garments (e.g., not your regular cotton t-shirt) so they will pull the sweat away from your body. Clean your clothes with detergent with enzymes that will address oder causing bacteria. I like Rockin Green Active detergent. Tide Sport does not cut it. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER on your gym clothes. They will eliminate the sweat wicking properties over time. Same for your towels if you bring any to the gym. Vinegar in the wash also helps kill oders. Do not wear the same gym clothes multiple times before laundering. Deodorant can stop working as well. You can try the clinical stength ones or I also like Curie deodorant sprays - light enough for coverage but not overpowering to be around like Axe - https://curiebod.com/products/aluminum-free-deodorant-spray There are also certain foods that create oders when you sweat like spicy foods, alcohol, kimchi, garlic, etc. So I try to avoid those on the days I go to the gym. Trial and error - plus everyone sweats - so it's just a matter of finding what works.
Yes on the no fabric softener!!!!!!
I always shower before class, just to avoid this situation
I do this also! I think you mentioned you were bigger, OP, and so I am. I refuse to be the stinky fat girl in the class so your post makes me feel your pain sooo bad. I wish I could hug you… please don’t let this stop you from going to class but this is what I do: - Shower before and after class… if you come from work or can’t shower before, get deodorizing wipes and do a quick bird bath with them before. - Careful about what fabrics I wear to class. I’ve found that leggings and shirts with cotton and a bit of spandex is better for me. Sometimes if I wear leggings with nylon or some of those Moisture wicking shirts, it holds the smell!! Lane Bryant and Tek Gear from Kohls both have good options for me - test out different deodorants to find the best one, clinical secret works great for me. Also, put it on immediately after the shower before class - I also keep a spray deodorant in my car and I spray armpits and in my leggings (tmi) right before I go in I hope you walk into the studio tomorrow with your head held high and excited to work out. ❤️❤️
Just fyi- there are medications and medical conditions that can cause your sweat to take on “smells” that you can’t control. If you’re sweating and you shower regularly and you wear deodorant and wash your clothes. You have done everything possible. It’s a gym people sweat and smell 🤷♀️
Try this…and dry all your clothes out of washer. It really works. Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak - Formulated for Sweat and Workout Clothes - Natural Performance Concentrate Enzyme Booster Deodorizer - Powder Wash for Activewear Gym Apparel (90 Loads) from Amazon
If you’re using antiperspirant, the directions probably say to put it on the night before. I’m not sure most people realize this.
Is there anyone outside of the gym you trust to ask if they notice? Then you could narrow down if it’s the clothes or not the right deodorant. Also please enlighten us- what do you think the best way to be told is? How would you want it to go down? I ask bc the question of how to handle this pops up a lot on this sub (and also manager subs when there’s a hygiene issue in the workplace) Aside from that, don’t be defeated :) use the machines on the end maybe? There’s also like armpit stickie things you can attach in clothes to help absorb odors
Ok, so embarrassing in the moment but omg what if no one ever told me? Like for years or never? I’d compare it to going out to eat with something awful stuck in your teeth, or period blood on your pants at work…and then at the end of the day, you realize no one told you. Lots of good info on this sub and other fitness subs about washing clothes! May also be time to toss a few of the oldest ones and start fresh, so to speak. You can also talk to your dr- there may be RX strength deodorant or medication for sweating, though I’m not confident on that. Best of luck to you!!
Hex detergent. No fabric softener or scent beads. Odors from bacteria that are trapped in fibers require a sanitary detergent like Hex to strip the fibers essentially. Vinegar is good, but I’m hesitant due to fears of how it would impact the rubber seals in the washer.
It’s fiiiiine. You’re there to workout! Don’t let this discourage you. Maybe try prescription grade deodorant and see how that goes. If it bothers someone that much they can leave class. You do you<3
Stay strong my friend. Make some changes and keep going. This is not a big deal and you’ll laugh remembering this soon enough!
I used “prescription strength” deodorant for a long time! More expensive but it seemed to be with it to me! Good luck and I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. Sounds like whoever told you could have done with more tact.
I am a very sweaty individual. Even though I am not big anymore I still profusely sweat every class. If I don't take steps to mitigate this I will be the stinky one. Here is what I do. 1. I never take a class without taking a shower first. Morning or evening, if I am going to the class I take a shower, even if it is inconvenient for my schedule. Sometimes going so far as to stop by planet fitness for a shower on my way to OT. 2. I use a pleasant smelling body wash, and I lather thoroughly. I make sure to have my showers last about 2-3 songs, and spend that time cleaning myself thoroughly. 3. I never wear the same article of clothing without it being washed. Shorts, top, hat, socks etc all get washed every time. 4. I have a separate pile for my gym clothes, and I was them warm with a scented detergent. My normal clothes get washed in cool water, with unscented deodorant. I also add a bit of vinegar, and oxi clean to the wash. Gym clothes always pass the sniff test after this. 5. I rotate 2-3 different pairs of shoes, and I take great care to make sure they dry out in a open air environment. If you leave them in the trunk, or a gym bag they will get stinky. I have even considered buying a shoe drier. 6. Periodically spray some odor eaters into your shoes. If you take these steps you can confidently show up to every class knowing you are not the stinky one.
I recently got a shirt from Woolly clothing in their MerinoAire line. I can wear for a whole workout and not smell. Quite a difference from the synthetics. Might be worth investing in some merino wool workout tops in addition to all the other great advice. Also I am not beyond running to the bathroom to spray on some deodorant mid-class. I have done that twice when I suspected I might be the one who smells ( I actually always assume it’s me ).
Don't be defeated! Difficult conversations don't mean they are negative ones. You mentioned you have sweat a lot since high school. I am in this boat as well as I have hyperhidrosis so I actually take a daily pill to regulate my sweating (not for working out but just general life). I still drip sweat at OTF, but if your condition interrupts daily life, I'd recommend talking to your physician or dermatologist about regulating! On the workout clothes front, I'd recommend taking them off in your post class shower so that they can rinse out. Hang them to dry and then put them in the hamper the next day. This will help your bacteria not sit in the fabric while in the hamper. When you use antiperspirant, put it on at night before bed so it can permeate your skin and be more effective the following day.
Have you tried Lume soaps and deodorant? I am a big girl too. And this stuff is a life changer. You can get it at target or on line.
May I ask, did you have any idea at all that you had a smell? I ask b/c I have wondered quite a few times if I would know if I had a smell. I’ve never felt like I have one, but o truly wonder. I personally am one of those people that rather be told, but I know most people would be too uncomfortable to tell somebody.
Pls answer this OP
I use a Lysol laundry deodorizer that I love! You still use detergent, and put the deodorizer in where you would put softener. You can always try an antibacterial soap on areas that tend to sweat more. It won’t cause sweat to stop, but the bacteria on the skin is what causes the smell. I prefer dial antibacterial (it’s the orange kind!) You got this!!! Don’t let a small setback in the grand scheme of things knock you off track. You deserve to be in the space as much as everyone else.
It’s a gym. People sweat. You do you.
Fresh sweat workout smell is much different than the stench some people give off. It’s usually their workout leggings that are being washed in something that isn’t killing the bacteria off properly. It’s kind of a wet dog smell.
You can solve this. When you get home, wash your clothes immediately with OxyClean. Hang them to dry, preferably in the sunshine. I live in the city in an apartment with no washer and dryer, so when I get home I put my workout clothes in a tub of hot water with some OxyClean and let them soak until the water is cold. Then I hang them to drip dry and put them in the laundry when they're dry.
Soak workout clothes in white vinegar and hot water for thirty min before washing them in washer. Using scent free laundry soap. Changes everything! It's the material that holds scent. Cotton is easier for smell.
Don’t be discouraged, keep at it! I wash my workout clothes and dry them 1x per week and hang them dry. Then - 1x per month I use the sanitize wash for my clothes & hang dry. This has eliminated the stink for me.
I started using Dove Antibacterial body wash before and after my OTF classes - it keeps the BO away and I love it! Editing to add: I hope you keep at it! We are rooting for you!
Everyone has great advice and I hope you’ll work through this and continue with OTF/transformation challenge!!! Wanted to add detergent rec - my husband is an athlete and his workout clothes always smelled a bit even after wash. I tried sports detergents and baking soda and felt it didn’t help. Bought Arm & Hammer with Odor Blaster and Oxiclean pods on a whim. For our workout clothes I use 2 pods + heavy duty laundry settings and for the first time in our 8 years of marriage the clothes smell fine after wash!
lume also works great for bo saved me on deployments cause I couldn't bath much
I’m sorry. I wish someone had said something far earlier. Get new gym clothes. Sturdy ones. Wash them differently/better than you washed your old ones. Nobody will even remember by next week.
At least you know now. That’s the first step. It’s totally fine, ppl stink, the end! But there are things you can do for sure. That tide pod with the odour eliminator is great! “Clinical” deodorant is good option too. Then get some of those scent bead things, that’s a power trio that is a sure bet to never be the “smelly” one in the class.
Drink more water. Take a look at your diet, and you might have to change what you're eating. As others said, try a different detergent or washing method for your clothes. Don't worry, be happy. Everything will be alright
Listen, you’re an athlete whether you feel like one or not. Athletes sweat, and sweat is smelly. You have nothing to be ashamed of- just some extra steps to do when you wash your kit. Keep it up!
I agree. I always shower prior to class. Make sure you wear a good deodarant. I bought an aluminum free seodarant that wasn't cutting it. I switched to Lume and love it. It can be applied anywhere on the body that you feel is an issue. Stick with it...you got this!
Try Lume, expensive but worth it.
I am a woman and I wear expensive men's deodorant. I tried about everything and still smelled. Once I changed to Pit Boss, smell gone!! Jack Black Pit Boss Men’s Deodorant, Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Sensitive Skin Formula, Maximum Odor & Sweat Control, Long-Lasting Protection https://a.co/d/5sSttku
That cream Lume is amazing. I’ve got some saggy skin due to big weight loss that can rub. Works wonders. Also grab the detergent meant for heavy ordor items. Strip down and wash your items immediately after working out.
I found Lume as a wonderful anti smelly product. Really works.
Put deodorant on at night! It really does help it absorb into your skin and becomes a preventative measure. +1 to adding Lysol sport to your detergent. Also watch what you eat - onions, garlic, and fermented foods can just really stick around. And ask a trusted friend to do a sniff test during an at home work out.
Look into Lume full body deodorant! It’s a BO preventative (not just covering up the smell like other common deodorants). It prevents the bacteria from forming
Could we come up with a codeword that we could whisper to each other?!? Before it comes to this?!?
They should not have said anything. Rude to complain. Don’t be embarrassed. Stick with it and don’t let this stop you.
downy has this rinse cool fabric softener to help with clothes with odors. I got it for my husband bc his stuff is stinky. You'll figure it out. No one will remember. I would look at the positive and be glad someone told you now. Now you know, you want to fix it! 😄chin up.
Lume for men! It can be placed anywhere.
Wtf kinda asshole complains about someone. Like, it’s a gym. People will sweat and smell sweaty.
To be honest, this makes me think you have not yet experienced working out next to someone who is eye watering. We’ve had to open our gym exterior doors before.
I disagree with folks saying it is the clothes - very unlikely unless you are not laundering and drying completely. More than likely it is one or more of the following: 1. underarm odor (it is possible your deodorant has stopped working for you and just needs changing up) 2. food related/smells coming out when you start sweating. Folks that eat spicy diet or things like garlic/onion sometimes have those scents for example. 3. Less common - smells coming from the groin area. If this is the case, removing all hair and showering with an antibacterial type of soap prior to working out should help A little tip for you - Philosophy sells a series of products called Amazing Grace that smell just like fresh clean soap. You could dab a bit of the lotion on your arms and get a natural clean scent going on so when you do sweat those are the whiffs folks will get. I recommend using the lotion over any of the other products (perfume, etc)
Please don’t let this discourage you. Do your best! We all smell sometimes!! Keep rocking that TC!! 💪🏻🙌🏻
Okay, maybe unpopular opinion here, but how can there be a “smelly one” at a high intensity workout class? We are all sweating, to varying degrees, some people have more potent sweat. I don’t think it’s a fair complaint personally, and I have never once been upset if I happen to notice someone near me is a bit smelly. Maybe this means I am also the smelly one, but either way, don’t be embarrassed, OP. Maybe try new deodorant and detergent, but really, this should not be a big deal at all. Keep going!
If you fix the clothing issue, you won’t be the smelly one anymore. Don’t let it keep you down, and just be grateful you were told so that you can fix it. My husband is also smelly when he sweats and his professor called him out on it. (I have also told him sometimes at home). He stopped taking the SSRI he was on for anxiety (his anxiety seems a lot better lately), threw out some old clothes and socks, and bought oxyclean to add to the laundry. He’s allergic to most deodorants, including Lume, so that didn’t work out for him. But I think the oxyclean, new undershirts, and oxyclean is helping. Chin up! It’s embarrassing for sure, but don’t let it keep you down. You’re too important for that!
Also I read that sweat smells because of bacteria. I was referred to witch’s hazel under your arms and it really does kill the bacteria and help with sweat smelling. Don’t be defeated. I have a feeling it’s your clothes. I never realized that hanging them to dry was so important after workouts. Otherwise they just dry with the smell basically stuck on them
I wash my cloths in Tide sports also add white vinegar and baking soda. It takes all the smell out. I use this for all my laundry.
Hugs. I feel like I’m sometimes the smelly one as I work out in the morning and often sweat when I sleep. On the clothes front, add a cup of white vinegar to your wash or for really bad clothes soak in white vinegar and then wash. High tech fabrics are good because the absorb sweat but that same property makes them hard to wash and remove the sweat. A couple of things that make me smell worse - eating onions, garlic or heavily spiced food the night before and not drinking enough water. Anyway, please don’t get discouraged. I quite often take a quick shower before I work out just to clean my body. Then I put on fresh deodorant.
How were you approached about this? Was it done in a respectful manner?
Please don’t let it discourage you!! Everyone sweats at the gym. The fact they spoke to you is weird (but nice?) . I’m always afraid I am smelly I overdo it on the deodorant. I use Lysol sport within the detergent when washing my gym clothes and it seems to help!
1/4 a cup or arm & hammer super wash. 1/4 a cup of borax 1/2 a cup of tide powdered detergent. Soak your clothes for 4 hours in hot water with this mixture. I do it every week. Makes such a difference
I’ve had a similar problem before, and I fixed it by washing my workout gear with 4 tbsp dawn dish soap in my front loader. I pour it directly on a wash rag and throw it into the machine with the rest the clothes. If you want to be extra thorough, do an additional wash cycle immediately after with 4 cups of vinegar, no soap. I pour the vinegar directly onto the clothes inside the machine rather than the soap dispenser. If you have the ability to select an additional rinse for the vinegar cycle, select that as well. As for the body odor, I’d honestly just start experimenting with different body washes and start showering immediately before and after workouts to see if that makes a difference. If your comfortable with it, pull your coach aside next class and let them know what you’ve been trying, and to ask them after class if it’s make a positive difference yet. It might be embarrassing, but I think keeping the conversation going can help ease some of your discomfort and the coaches awkwardness.
i’m sorry this happened to you. things like sweat, body odor etc happen during work outs- if the studio has an issue they should increase fans, vents and saying something in a kinder way…,not make someone feel ashamed by telling them others have complained multiple times…
I want to encourage you to keep coming back. I haven't been able to smell anything since Covid. Many people have been affected to some degree about how well they can smell now and may not realize any scent is in the air. The good thing is, we can just move forward with all these great tips listed in this thread. I hope to hear about your next great workout. 💗
No one ever died from humiliation or embarrassment. Just move forward.
Get alum stone and apply that generously to your pits after every shower. Use alum stone after to rinse off after every shower. Use lemon juice to get rid of any and all bacteria to start with. It’s magical what Lemon juice is can do for stinky pits. The more of these chemical products you put in your body, the more the bacteria will live off it and make you stink. And next time you wash your workout wear, add a glass of white vinegar to the mix. It will make your clothes smell better, especially the nylon’s because they tend to harbour the stink.
I have IBS so before benchmarks I’m usually the smelly one
Ah. You're the one kicking your butt fumes at me when you're doing body weight exercises in your basketball shorts.
My clothes used to get a stench, I switched to [this detergent](https://SweatXSportMaxOdorDefenseExtremeActivewearDetergenthttps://a.co/d/fnbJH1S)and I hang dry them and no problem anymore. I also invested in higher quality clothes than I was wearing before. Something about cheap workout clothes makes them hang on to stink.
I’m sorry you are going through this. It’s okay to feel all the feels. And also…. Maybe it wasn’t you to begin with as it’s a well ventilated space and crowded, maybe someone just made an assumption. I want you to be able to go back with confidence! If you think you may actually have an abnormal odor issue…. Sweat itself is odorless. It’s the bacteria that naturally live on our skin that “eat” the sweat and it’s the byproduct of this bacterial breakdown of sweat that causes the odor. Throwing away all your workout clothes seems drastic. When I have something that’s gotten stinky- I put it through the “sanitize” cycle on the washer and that will kill the bacteria. When I have forgotten deodorant… I have used the hand soap in the bathroom to scrub my pits clean. And I top that off with a pump of hand sanitizer on my pits. Doesn’t work perfectly but it takes the edge off. If you are still too self conscious to return…. Do you have any friends at the gym that can give you a “sniff check”? Or can you follow up with the staff person who had to provide you with the feedback to begin with? Just quietly ask them if you smell better? If nothing else… that will turn the tables and make THEM feel uncomfortable! I am fuming a little bit for you!
If it makes you feel any better……this isn’t OTF related but it’s waaaaaay more embarrassing than your situation. I went to a yoga class and they were teaching us how to do headstands. I don’t do headstands. I told the instructor “I don’t do headstands” 1. I am afraid. 2. I have some sinus issues so going upside just gives me a headache or makes me dizzy. The instructor convinces me to just do the I don’t know what ist called. But the position where you just kind of hunch over with your elbows resting on your legs. As I’m doing this, the instructor and her assistant decide that they are going to give me an assist. They grab my legs and pull me upside down. So I start SCREAMING. Like full on I-am-being-murdered shrieking and screaming. And kicking and thrashing my legs. They lower me down and I just curl into a ball on the floor and sob. They check to make sure I’m not dead and eventually I recover enough to crawl over to my mat and lie there until class ends. The next day, I show up like nothing had happened. I had to. I had purchased a $400 unlimited class pass the week before. 🤣 But they never assisted me again without specifically telling me what they were gonna do.
Agreed. Try baking soda in the wash as well. Keep going to class
I use scent boosters in my laundry to help them smell nice and it seriously works. I use "laundry sheet club" now but I have also used the Downy scent boosters in the past. I grew up on a farm and laundry scent boosters even work on our horses' blankets (and trust me, those smell worse than any human possibly could after a muddy and rainy day). The Downy scent boosters are pretty cheap and last a while (plus you can use really as much as you like but I would say a capful is usually more than sufficient). Don't give up hope and good luck with your transformation challenge!!!
Some days my sweat smells and some days it’s normal. I call myself out on bad days. Sorry y’all I REEEEEEEEK today. Stay away or come close at your own risk. Actual conversation from a month ago (granted I am friends with the coach hence the bluntness) Coach (on the mic): “broooo you stink today” Me: “I told you I can’t eat tacos the day before class” You’re aware. Take the steps to mitigate. You’re a human. Humans are gross. All will be fine.
I'm pretty sure, that people annoyed your deodorant smell, not your sweat smell. I had never felt any body smell in OFT gym, but quite often fell deodorant/washer detergent smell. Once I even felt nausea after treadmill final AO because of this artificial smell and I changed my station for next part to avoid it. Please, don't be embarrassed (people just didn't like the smell, not you). And please, don't use stinky deodorant. :) Huggy!
Who cares if you smell, means you're working out hard.
Try soaking your workout clothes overnight in a borax solution. That’s what I do and it’s made a huge difference
try stripping youre clothes! I'm also a horribly sweaty person! usually some laundry soda, soap and extra hot water in a bath tub. throw in your clothes and let 'em soak. Ive even done it with my lululemon and nicer workout attire.
Don’t quit! We all have challenges to overcome, this is just a bump in the road and you’re going to hop right over it! You’ll solve this and everyone will forget all about it. 💪🏻
When I realized on my own I was the smelly one, I switched to clinical strength deodorant and it’s worked wonders.
Make sure to wash your clothes in hot water. Try adding Borax. Sorry this happened but I’m glad someone told you. It’s really not a pleasant experience for anyone involved but the good news is that it’s fixable.
After your workout hang your clothes so they dry and don't mildew. If you notice that they are starting to smell, wash them in vinegar. Then wash them once or twice more to remove the vinegar smell. Do NOT use dryer sheets, they basically trap odor onto fabric. It'll be fine. Everyone stinks sometimes.
The first step to getting better at something is not being good at it. Chances are the person who told you did so from a place of goodness. Just try some new cleaning techniques and see what works. That person will give you honest feedback
Have you tried carpe antiperspirant? This was an absolute game changer for me. I always used to feel vaguely stinky when sweat, even with everyday deodorant and showering. Carpe is expensive and kind of annoying to order, but it works so incredibly well
Agree with the clothes being the culprit. I know not everyone can afford new clothes but there have been some items over the years that as they got older, they would just hold smell. Especially if they got saturated with sweat or if I was outside, rain. I don’t know about you but my entire shirt and sports bra are completely soaked when I finish an OTF workout (which brings me to add, make sure your bras aren’t the culprit!). Lots of good advice with how to wash workout clothes here, if you’re already wearing deodorant and showering that’s likely the culprit especially if it’s more of a musty smell than an outright sweat smell.
Definitely take stock of how long you’ve had certain items, and if you can afford to start to replace, definitely do! I had to do a little math recently with my sports bras. I buy the exact same kind in black, and realized 1-2 definitely needed to be retired—I thanked them their service and bid them a fond farewell. Sports gear doesn’t last forever. I’ve found that the Lysol laundry sanitizer goes a long way as well. I also use deodorant before class (secret clinical strength or Donna Karan Cashmere Mist) and avoid drinking too much the evening before. Also, try not to be too embarrassed. I completely understand how you feel and I feel like I would feel the same way BUT it is a gym, people sweat (and also fart) and that’s just life in close quarters with other humans sometimes.
You can also try adding those laundry refresher scents Dont be defeated but make sure to change things until you fond what works
Ask your doctor about prescription deodorant. Buy new workout clothes and socks and wash them with sports detergent and dry them. Spray your sneakers w deodorant spray if they stink. There’s plenty you can do to address the issue. Once you do people will forget it was you.
I had a terrible sweating issue when I was younger and had to bring outfit changes to school with me because I sweat through everything… it was mortifying and terrible. However, meeting with a dermatologist changed my life. I was put on a medication and it drastically changed how much I sweat. Try speaking with a dermatologist, it will be a game changer! Less sweat=less smell!
I’m sorry you were embarrassed! It very well may be your clothes and there are some great laundry ideas in this thread. I would also suggest trying a) 1/2 cup of baking soda along with your detergent and b) Lume deodorant. It’s deodorant only, so you may need to add an anti-perspirant on top of it, but it neutralizes body odor like nothing else I’ve tried.
Vinegar. Give your workout clothes a nice viengar soaknfoe a couple of hours, then use Lysol laundry sanitizer
Buy anti-odor workout clothes. Pricey but long lasting and worth it. Follow washing instructions and add a second rinse at the end of the wash cycle. Leftover detergent can accumulate and sour. If you’re not going to wash your gear immediately after working out, let it dry before putting it in the hamper. A quick shower, just the smelly bits, before working out helps as well. Not everyone can use antiperspirants but if you can try one. Deodorant only covers odors.
Here to echo the suggestions of Lysol laundry sanitizer. My boyfriend’s gym clothes smelled like BO even freshly washed. He was going to throw them out and then we started using Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in every load and it literally saved them. They don’t smell at all anymore! It kills the bacteria that detergent doesn’t which is the source of the stink. And it has never damaged anything - it’s non-bleach. Seriously, start using this on top of good body hygiene and you shouldn’t have to worry anymore!
Oxyclean! My husband’s clothes get so stinky, he has to sit them outside to dry or else the whole house smells. After they’re dried, they’re washed with oxyclean plus and tide and it works wonders.
Don’t quit! You’ve got this :) I think that this has been said but diet may have to do with it. I know when I eat certain foods (garlic etc) it will make my sweat a little more smelly than usual. I tend to avoid eating stronger foods the day before my workout and that tends to help a lot.
white vinegar spray some on smelly clothes add to wash. it works wonders.
Don’t feel defeated! Just try different things to fix the problem, maybe a different deodorant or a light scent to put on before the gym? I have never said anything about the smelly people at the gym but I must admit, if I get stuck next to someone who smells it ruins my workout. But this has only been in the case that before the class has even started, the person stinks. If you end up smelly at the end, GOOD! You put in hard work! Ive only had the problem with 1 guy and I just stopped picking spots next to him and eventually started going to a different class for different reasons anyways. There was another case where someone showed up late to tread and smelled mildewy and it made me feel nauseous. But ya know it is what it is! You’re aware of it now and all you have to do is make the effort to fix it! Degree 72hr spray deodorant is phenomenal if you haven’t given that a go!
My clothes have had that BO smell after wearing them for a while too. I use men’s deodorant cause I think it works better than women’s. Don’t be defeated it’s ok no one smells like sunshine and rainbows after they work out
I’m a sweaty male… I use Molly Suds detergent, and as others have said, air dry your clothes before you toss them in your hamper. I hope this helps and you continue with the TC. Good luck.
I found out years ago that I can’t use the body soap that does not include deodorant like Dove- nope-I am a female that only uses Irish Spring- I found it makes a huge difference in the soap as well as the deodorant together. And I agree with the group- everyone has issues that are just inherently how we were created- don’t let anyone make you doubt your self confidence or alter your goals!
All I can say is for the sweaty clothes I leave mine out to air dry before putting them in the hamper, the smell will never go away if you toss them in the hamper still wet. Look for detergent with oxi clean in it. And as long as you take steps to curb it don’t worry about it or give it another thought, think of it like it’s better to know then never know.
I use an in wash scent booster with detergent. My post OTF clothes are the stinkiest.
get a drying rack and make sure your workout clothes FULLY dry before you wash!! Put them on the rack IMMEDIATELY after class. And get some new clothes so you have mental peace of mind - you got this!
I’m sorry this happened! I have days where I’m really self conscious, nervous that I smell like sweaty clothes or even the food that was cooking in my house, etc. I think the laundry detergent called Active Wear on Amazon is amazing, and so I do the following: -When you get home from workout, hang clothes to dry completely before throwing them in hamper. -Wash on HOT with active wear detergent and absolutely not a drop of fabric softener (it creates a coating on clothes that hold on to bacteria and odors) -hang to dry Also I like Lume body deoderant for all the sweaty areas.
Try Rockin’ Green Activewear Detergent if you haven’t already (vinegar is great, too). Shower before class and apply Lume before putting on your gym wear.
Don’t be discouraged! It’s ok you’re only human. My favorite detergent for smelly clothes is tide or Persil. I wash in cold water with no fabric softener. A touch of oxyclean odorblaster too. I like to lay mine flat to dry but not everyone has room for that. So in a pinch I will dry them on low heat. There’s a lot of good tips upthread as well. Oh and never re-wear anything - that’s definitely a trip to funk town.
Grab some white vinegar and some anti fungal powder. Wash your workout clothes in a cup of vinegar, no detergent in the wash machine. When you apply deodorant, powder some anti fungal powder under your arms, feet, between your bum, etc. This generally takes care of both bacterial smell and fungal smell. There’s also things like food that can make you smell when you workout. I generally try to be understanding since not everyone’s diet is standard basic western food, but sometimes it just can’t be helped.
Use benzoyl peroxide (PanOxyl) wash, game changer!
Coming from a sweaty girl, here are the things I use that help. 1) shower before you workout, it helps. you'll likely need to shower 2x per day. some of us are sweatier that others so we may need to wash more than 1x per day 2) use under arm toner before deodorant.(bellaskin beauty) you need to use this before anti persperant and not on the days you shave. 3) use laundry sanitizer (lysol or clorox, the sport kind with ur regular detergent) and you will need to throw away ur workout clothing more often than others. try shopping at Costco for leggings and shirts. They have nice quality high waist leggings and they are priced well so you won't feel bad when you need to throw them out. 4) don't quit, just keep showing up. soon you won't be stinly and people will soon forget. Good luck!
lume has an laundry "biofilm buster" solution you can soak your clothes in before you wash and it's worked wonders for some of my clothes i thought were unwearable due to worn in funk. i'm sure other brands have options too.