Heather Arranie 
Everyone deals with body odor at some point. It’s not necessarily a sign of poor hygiene — it’s just a natural result of how the body cools itself and how bacteria interact with sweat. Even people who shower regularly and live active lifestyles can struggle to stay fresh throughout the day. The key is understanding what causes odor and making small, consistent changes that help prevent it.
That includes maintaining good hygiene, choosing breathable fabrics, and wearing performance-focused clothing designed to stay fresher for longer. Brands like Copper Fit, known for their compression gear, create clothing that supports odor control through copper-infused materials. That said, even with the right gear, understanding how body odor works is the first step to managing it effectively.
The Science Behind the Smell
Sweating is a natural and healthy process. It helps regulate temperature and release toxins, but the odor that sometimes follows is not actually caused by sweat. Sweat is mostly water and salt. The real culprit is the bacteria that live on the skin. When these bacteria break down certain compounds in sweat (particularly from the apocrine glands in the underarms and groin), they produce acids that create an unpleasant smell.
There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of the body and produce watery sweat that evaporates easily, helping with temperature control. Apocrine glands become active during puberty and are located in areas with more hair follicles. These glands release a thicker type of sweat that contains proteins and fats, which bacteria love to feed on. The result is the distinct smell most people associate with body odor.
Other factors can strengthen body odor. Diets rich in spicy foods, red meat, or garlic can intensify smell. Hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications can also alter body chemistry. Knowing what contributes to odor gives people better control over how to manage it daily.
Daily Habits That Make a Difference
Reducing body odor starts with consistent hygiene. Showering once or twice daily, especially after exercising or being outdoors, helps remove sweat and bacteria before they mix. Using antibacterial or deodorant soaps can help minimize bacteria on the skin’s surface. Paying special attention to high-sweat areas such as the underarms, groin, and feet ensures these areas stay cleaner and drier longer.
Thoroughly drying the skin before dressing is another overlooked step. Damp skin allows bacteria to multiply more easily, especially under tight clothing. Applying deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry skin works best because it seals the pores and prevents moisture buildup before it starts.
Clothing hygiene also plays a major role. Re-wearing unwashed shirts, socks, or workout gear can trap bacteria and moisture, causing odors to return quickly. Washing clothes promptly after sweating helps prevent that musty smell from setting in. Choosing breathable fabrics and changing into fresh clothes after physical activity can make a noticeable difference.
Lifestyle choices can also impact body odor. Staying hydrated helps flush waste through urine rather than sweat. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and lower in processed foods and red meat, can reduce odor-producing compounds.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also improve overall scent and skin health. Reducing odor is less about masking smells and more about supporting the body’s natural balance through small, consistent changes.
Choosing the Right Clothing and Gear
The type of clothing worn throughout the day can either trap odor or help prevent it. Synthetic fabrics can cling to sweat and bacteria, while natural fibers are more breathable but can stay damp longer. Modern performance wear offers the best of both worlds because its moisture-wicking technology pulls sweat away from the body and dries quickly.
Compression and athletic gear have evolved to do more than just support movement. Many are now designed with odor-resistant technology built into the fabric. Copper-infused materials, for example, naturally resist unpleasant smells. This makes them a smart choice for people who train regularly or work long hours in active environments.
While clothing alone won’t eliminate odor, choosing the right gear supports the body’s natural ability to stay fresh. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics help prevent the buildup of bacteria, which translates into long-lasting comfort and confidence.
Fresh Confidence: Small Changes, Big Results
Reducing body odor is about working with the body, not against it. Understanding where odor comes from, maintaining consistent hygiene, choosing the right fabrics, and keeping clothes clean are small steps that make a big impact. Staying hydrated, eating well, and using performance-focused clothing designed to fight odor can transform how the body feels throughout the day.
