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Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q:
Whenever
I wear a light-colored shirt in the spring or summer, wet sweat spots
in my armpits ruin my outfit and it's embarrassing. Besides wearing
black t-shirts all summer long, what can I do?
A: Fear
not, my friend, we'll have you sporting your pink polos in no time!
While sweating is a natural and vital function of your body, nothing
can ruin an outfit like an overzealous sweat gland. Keeping your sweat
in check is also more than just a vanity issue -- it can also cut down
on malodor. B.O. is caused by stinky bacteria that love to inhabit
dark, warm and moist areas of your body, which makes your pits prime
real estate. Keeping those areas dry is like a "No Vacancy" sign for
odor-causing nasties.
Antiperspirant is key. Make sure you pick up the
stick that says "Antiperspirant" and not just "Deodorant." While a
deodorant will mask or neutralize underarm odor for a short period of
time, an antiperspirant will actually reduce or stop your glands from
pumping out the sweat. Most people put on their antiperspirant in the
morning after their shower but for best results, apply it before you go
to bed to ensure that your body absorbs the maximum amount of
sweat-stopping aluminum chloride. It works for 24 hours! Applying an
antiperspirant right after a shower won't allow your body enough time
to absorb the good stuff before you become active. Also, stick to
natural and breathable fabrics like cotton--like you needed another
reason to avoid rayon and polyester.
If you're still sweating a ton, upgrade your antiperspirant. Try
Degree, which is activated by body heat, or Gillette Clinical Strength.
If those don't work, reach for CertainDri, a roll-on that contains the
maximum amount of aluminum without a prescription. Apply as little as
possible or you'll feel the burn--especially if you have sensitive skin.
If your sweat glands are still wet and wild, see your doctor because
you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (a medical term
that means "I sweat too much")--which can be treated with prescription
antiperspirants and even underarm shots of Botox (yes, that Botox!).
Now go forth and work those pastel Ralph Lauren or Lacoste polos with
confidence!
