How to avoid sweat stains under the arms

We all sweat. Whether it's due to high temperatures, physical activity, nervousness, or something else. Sweating is the body's way of cooling down, so it's natural to become wet under the arms. However, that doesn't mean that yellow stains under the arms or the smell of sweat are attractive or desirable. Especially in social situations where you might be afraid to lift your arms and reveal sweat stains or odor.

If you're one of those who wants to avoid sweat stains under the arms, we'll give you our tips for doing just that. And if the unfortunate event does occur, we'll also provide advice on how to remove those yellow stains.

4 reasons why you get sweat stains under the arms

Avoiding sweating altogether can be quite difficult (if not impossible) at times. There are several factors at play, and not all of them are under your control. However, when you understand some of the causes of underarm sweating, it becomes easier to avoid it.

Below are the four most common reasons why you get sweat stains under the arms.

1. Natural sweat production: Nervousness, stress, and generally high sweat production are all natural causes of underarm sweating and therefore sweat stains. Our mental and physical state affects sweat production, so the amount we sweat varies from person to person.

2. Physical activity: You've probably experienced an increased heart rate while feeling sweat emerging. That's because physical activity raises the body's temperature, and the body attempts to cool itself down by producing more sweat.

3. Incorrect choice of materials: The materials your clothes are made of matter a great deal. Some materials are more breathable than others, and it's best to choose natural materials such as cotton and wool. Synthetic materials like polyester prevent sweat absorption and therefore cause sweat stains.

4. High temperatures: When the weather is hot and temperatures rise, the body's temperature also increases. This means that sweat production increases as an attempt to cool down the body. And this can easily result in sweat stains under the arms.

How to avoid sweat stains under the arms?

There can be various reasons why you get sweat stains under the arms, so there are also different ways to avoid them. Regardless of the cause, it's a good idea to consider the following:

Use of deodorant and antiperspirant
Avoid skipping laundry
Choice of materials and fit

Use of deodorant and antiperspirant

One would think that a deodorant or antiperspirant would be a good solution when it comes to combating sweat stains. However, that's only true if you use the right deodorant or antiperspirant. Otherwise, it can have the opposite effect, causing yellow stains under the arms.

You can certainly use a deodorant or antiperspirant, but it's important to choose one that does not contain aluminum. It is the chemical reaction between aluminum salts and sweat that results in yellow stains under the arms.

Also, note that there's a difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. A deodorant acts as a bacteria killer and typically uses fragrance to eliminate odor. An antiperspirant, on the other hand, forms a barrier on the skin and prevents sweat from penetrating.

Avoid skipping laundry

It may be tempting to skip a laundry cycle if you know you'll be using the clothes again soon. However, it's not recommended. The more you skip laundry, the more difficult it becomes to remove both sweat odor and yellow stains from the fabric. Instead, make sure to wash every time you've worn the clothes.

Choice of materials and fit

Your choice of clothing also plays a significant role in avoiding sweat stains under the arms. We recommend opting for tops made of natural materials such as cotton, linen, viscose, or similar. These materials allow the skin to breathe and absorb sweat.

On the other hand, avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and the like. They do not allow the skin to breathe, and sweat is not absorbed. In short, they have the opposite effect of what is desired.

In addition to materials, it can also be a good idea to consider the fit if you have issues with underarm sweat. If the clothing is too tight, there is a greater risk of experiencing sweat stains. Instead, choose a loose fit for better air circulation and less sweat buildup. You can also opt for short-sleeved tops or tops without sleeves.

What to do about sweat stains and discoloration

Yellow stains under the arms can be unwelcome and challenging to remove. Therefore, we provide advice on how to prevent them and how to remove stubborn stains if they have already found their way onto your clothes.

Prevent yellow stains on white clothing

When you want to avoid sweat stains on your clothes, there are a few things you can do. You can opt for clothing with a sweat-blocking membrane, which prevents sweat from penetrating the outer layer of fabric.

Your antiperspirant can also be a useful tool in avoiding sweat stains, but only if you choose the right one, as mentioned earlier. Select one that doesn't contain too many chemicals, as they are the ones that cause yellow stains when they get in contact with bacteria from your skin or clothing. Also, make sure to let your skin dry completely after applying deodorant to avoid any residue that may cause stains.

Remove sweat odor and yellow sweat stains

The first tip is to treat the garment as soon as possible. The longer you leave it after sweat stains or sweat odor occur, the more difficult it becomes to remove them.

There are different methods you can try to remove sweat stains and odor. Regardless of the methods used, there is a risk of slightly damaging the fabric, so be cautious.

Sometimes, washing the garment with a good and effective detergent is sufficient. Other times, you may need to apply stain remover to the affected areas and soak the garment for 10 minutes before washing it normally. For more stubborn stains, you can also add stain remover to the washing machine along with the regular detergent.

If you prefer traditional remedies, you can use baking soda or vinegar. Try mixing 3 parts vinegar with 10 parts water and soak the garment in the mixture for a couple of hours or overnight. Then wring and rinse the garment before washing it as usual. Repeat the process if necessary.

You can also make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with a little water until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Dampen the garment and apply the paste to the sweat-prone areas. You can lightly scrub the fabric if desired. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then rinse off the paste and wash the garment as usual.

What to use instead of deodorant?

If you prefer to avoid using deodorant, there are other things you can do to prevent sweat stains under the arms. You can opt for patterned clothing, wear an undershirt beneath your top, or make sure to have spare clothes with you. These are simple tricks that can make a big difference.

Overcoming sweat stains

It's never pleasant to have sweat marks or yellow stains on your clothes, but as we've described, there are several things you can do if you, like many others, face these problems. You can go a long way by using the right deodorant or antiperspirant, choosing the right material, and washing your clothes often enough. And if you do get yellow stains on your clothes, laundry detergent, stain remover, vinegar, and baking soda can help remove them.

If the various methods don't alleviate your sweat issues or if it's such a significant problem that it's affecting your social relationships, you can choose to consult a doctor. They can provide alternative treatments and assistance.