When it comes to buying an effective sweat-proof shirt, one of the most important things to look out for is good fabric. While companies might make claims using terms like “sweat-free,” “sweat-wicking,” or “sweat-resistant,” you won’t necessarily understand how it is that the shirt accomplishes that goal (or if it even really does) without knowing what fabric it’s made out of.
To help you make the smartest buying decisions so you can enjoy wearing a shirt that leaves you feeling stress-free, dry, and confident, here is a quick guide to the best fabrics for blocking sweat.
What to Consider
When it comes to buying clothing made to resist sweat, think about the purpose you want your purchase to fulfill. Are you looking for something that you can work out in, which will combine moisture-wicking abilities with compression and support? Or are you looking for something that’s made more for everyday use?
If you live in a warm climate, get sweaty when you’re anxious, or have hyperhidrosis, you’ll probably want to look for a sweat-proof t-shirt that is made out of a fabric that looks like other, regular clothes so you can get your sweat-proof benefits without your outfit screaming, “I’m an excess sweater!”, something you’re probably wearing sweat-proof clothes to avoid in the first place.
The Different Types of Fabric
In general, there are two types of fabrics that clothing is usually made out of - natural and synthetic. Both have their own pros and cons, and each can be used in a sweat-proof shirt.
Natural fabrics include things like cotton, hemp, silk, linen, and wool. These fabrics are beloved for being breathable, durable, comfortable, and good for the environment. On the other hand, natural fabrics can also wrinkle, shed, and shrink, which means they sometimes require more careful caretaking than synthetics do.
Synthetic fabrics include acrylic, nylon, polyester, lycra, and rayon. They’re great at being created specifically to be waterproof, stretch, dry quickly, and have high absorbency - plus they don’t wrinkle very easily. On the other hand, they’re not biodegradable and some people might find them uncomfortable on the skin.
Note that many clothes are made of a blend of natural and synthetic fibers meant to get some of the benefits of each.
The Best Fabrics for Sweating
Most sweat-proof clothes are made out of one or more of the following fabric types.
Cotton
Cotton is a common favorite for sweat-proof clothing. It’s breathable, allowing airflow to keep your clothes dry. It also absorbs moisture naturally. That being said, it can sometimes stain and show wet spots.
Linen
Linen is a very popular fabric for hot climates because it is light, breathable, doesn’t cling to the skin, and absorbs moisture. One disadvantage is the fact that it wrinkles exceptionally easily, making it require a lot of upkeep.
Bamboo
Bamboo isn’t a super common fabric for regular clothes, but it’s fantastic for sweat-proof clothing as it is breathable, soft, absorbent, and resists odor, mildew, and bacteria, making it ultra-hygienic.
Nylon
A lot of activewear is made out of nylon, which is stretchy, light, and dries very quickly. It also doesn’t show sweat stains very much.
Lycra
Lycra, also known as spandex, is highly elastic and non-absorbent to water or oils, making it a common fabric for athleticwear and swimwear. It’s strong, durable, and washable.
Know Your Body
Something that will be a big help in the process of choosing the best shirts for sweating for you is thinking about your own body, preferences, and needs.
What are the problems you most want to address? Is it visible pit stains? Uncomfortable sensations of dampness? Odor?
And what kind of clothes do you usually like to wear? Do you prefer them to fit tight and close to the body? Do you like them looser and more breathable? Do you tend to reach for basic t-shirts or more specific cuts and fits?
All of this information can help you make the best purchasing decision.
How Social Citizen Sweat Proof T-Shirts Can Help You
Social Citizen’s sweat-proof t-shirts are made with three of the fabrics listed above, covering all of your bases to be the best shirts to hide sweat. The shirt itself is made of a blend of mostly cotton and some spandex. This means that it has all of the breathable, absorbent properties of cotton combined with spandex’s durability and sweat-wicking properties. Plus, the shirts also come with a discreet, comfortable sweat-proof underarm pad made of bamboo, whose antimicrobial properties fight odors, prevent sweat stains, and help your t-shirt last longer. That way, you don’t have to worry about your cotton t-shirt showing wet underarm stains.
The Social Tee is designed to look just like any other one of the favorite t-shirts in your closet so it can easily blend into your everyday wardrobe. They’re unisex, meaning they look good on all genders, in all situations, and come in three neutral, highly wearable colors.
Check out the Social Tee and enjoy the benefits of all of the best sweat-wicking fabrics in one stylish t-shirt.
