Why Some T-Shirts Smell After One Wear
(And How to Choose One That Won’t!)
If your clean shirt smells funky after just a few hours, it’s not just your deodorant—it’s your fabric.
What Causes Odor?
Sweat doesn’t stink on its own. Odor comes from bacteria on your skin breaking down sweat and releasing smelly waste. Some fabrics trap this more than others.
Which Fabrics Hold Odor?
1. Polyester
Common in athletic and fast fashion wear, polyester traps oils and odor-causing bacteria. It’s hard to wash out, and microbes like Micrococcus thrive in its tight fibers.
2. Cotton
Breathable but slow-drying. It absorbs less oil than polyester but can still harbor bacteria when damp.
3. Modal and Tri-Blends
Modal, made from beech tree pulp, dries quickly, resists bacteria, and holds less odor.
Why It Matters
Odor-resistant shirts require fewer washes, saving water, energy, detergent—and extending the life of the shirt.
Care Tips
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Wash shirts inside out
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Avoid fabric softener
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Air dry in sunlight
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Rotate between wears
The Allmade Difference
Allmade Tri-Blend shirts use a 50% RPET / 25% organic cotton / 25% modal blend for softness, breathability, odor resistance, and sustainable sourcing.
If your shirt smells before you wear it, check the tag.
If it’s polyester, that’s your problem.
If it’s Allmade, it’s probably just a good memory.
