Odor Intensity in Apparel Fabrics and the Link with Bacterial Populations

Abstract

Nine apparel fabrics varying in fiber (cotton, wool, polyester) and knit structure (1 × 1 rib, interlock, single jersey) were investigated for their retention of axillary odor following wear. As axillary odor results from bacterial metabolism of apocrine and sebaceous secretions, counts of total aerobic bacteria and corynebacteria on the fabrics were carried out. Odor intensity was strongly associated with the fiber type, with polyester fabrics rating high in odor intensity and cotton and wool mid-low odor intensity. A structure effect was apparent for polyester fabrics, with the lightweight single jersey fabric rated less odorous than the heavier-weight interlock and 1 × 1 rib structures. The relationship between fiber type and odor was not influenced by bacterial numbers present, with counts after one day similar for all fabrics. However, the number of bacteria declined more rapidly on polyester fabrics than on either the cotton or wool fabrics. Counts of odor-associated corynebacteria subgroup (A) remained largely unchanged on wool fabrics for 28 days.

Microbial Odor Profile of Polyester and Cotton Clothes after a Fitness Session

“…It is generally accepted that the choice of clothing has an impact on malodor formation (10). This research showed that polyester clothes create a significantly higher malodor compared to cotton clothing after a fitness session and an incubation period.…”

“…Dravniek et al (9) refers to this as the primary odor, originating from the axilla itself, and the secondary odor, originating from clothing in contact with the axilla. The odor would then differ between the two sites (10). It is found that a stronger body odor is generated by wearing synthetic clothing textiles compared to natural textiles (10).…”

“…The odor would then differ between the two sites (10). It is found that a stronger body odor is generated by wearing synthetic clothing textiles compared to natural textiles (10). This is held as a common belief; nevertheless, very few published data support this finding.…”

Does Use Matter? Comparison of Environmental Impacts of Clothing Based on Fiber Type

“…Axillary odor following wear is lowest on wool, followed by cotton-based fabrics and highest on polyester [53]. It has even been shown in tests that the odor on polyester fabrics can increase up to a week after the garments was used, which did not happen with wool or cotton specimens [54].…”

How clean is “Clean”? A Review of Challenges in Apparel Consumer Laundering Technology and Cleaning Efficiency

“…Bowers & Chantrey [16] note that these oils are more difficult to remove from polyester than from cotton. These oily contaminations also serve as a nourishing medium on which microorganisms thrive, leading to the development of malodor in clothing [17,[19][20][21]. Malodor that originates in textiles is secondary in nature as it is a resultant product of bacterial action on sweat and human skin secretions McQueen et al [20].…”