Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: David Bayer on 24/04/2010 13:30:02

Title: Does wearing clothing increase body odour?
Post by: David Bayer on 24/04/2010 13:30:02

David Bayer  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Does clothing increase body odour, or are humans just smelly animals?

I would think sweat would dry faster when nude, thus decreasing bacterial activity.  

Some indigenous people live naked, or close to it, all the time. Do they stink?
 
David Bayer

What do you think?

Title: Does wearing clothing increase body odour?
Post by: Geezer on 24/04/2010 21:37:52

I know some forms of clothing definitely seem to increase the pong coefficient. My feet are fine if I wear cotton socks, but socks that have a significant man made fibre content have a diabolical effect!

I'm not sure why that is. It may just be that cotton tends to wick moisture (sweat) away better, but I suspect it may be more complicated than that.