Which T-Shirts Don’t Stink? A Practical Guide from Someone Who’s Tested Everything

Which T-Shirts Don’t Stink? A Practical Guide from Someone Who’s Tested Everything

When you play as many sports as I do — skiing, tennis, padel, squash, horseback riding, hiking — and when you also sell T-shirts, you quickly learn one uncomfortable truth:

Some shirts stink. Some never do. And it has almost nothing to do with brand — it’s all about the material.

This guide breaks down everything I’ve learned testing cotton, polyester, merino wool, silk, jersey and blends in temperatures from –20°C to +40°C, during both daily life and intense sports.
I’ll also share surprising science, laundering tricks, and what I recommend for each sport or scenario.

Let’s jump in.

Why Do Some T-Shirts Stink? (And Others Don’t)

Most people assume sweat causes odor.
It doesn’t.

Bacteria does. Different fabrics interact with bacteria differently.

Polyester’s problem: Micrococcus

Polyester is technically the best performance fabric — but it attracts one particular bacteria extremely well:

Micrococcus, a bacteria species that loves polyester and produces strong odors.

Cotton and merino don’t attract Micrococcus the same way; that’s why they don’t smell as quickly.

Material-by-Material: Which Shirts Resist Odor Best?

Here’s the simplified ranking based on years of personal testing:

Merino Wool: The only fabric you can wear for days

  • Naturally antibacterial
  • Stays warm when damp
  • Breathable in heat and cold
  • Doesn’t cling
  • Works in –20°C and +40°C
  • You can wear it for multiple days without washing

Best for: skiing (as underwear), camping, hiking, group travel.

Caution: It’s delicate. Wash gently, no hot water.

Cotton: Comfortable and low-odor, but not for sports

Cotton doesn’t hold odor the way polyester does.
But during stop-and-go sports (tennis, padel, football), cotton becomes:

  • Heavy
  • Wet
  • Cold in wind
  • Sticky on the skin

Best for: After-sport wear, casual wear, warm weather street walking.

Wash tip: Don’t wash it too hot.

Polyester: Incredible for performance, terrible for smell

Polyester wins when it comes to:

  • Moisture management
  • Breathability
  • Price
  • Athletic performance

But it will stink without proper care.

Best for:
Active and stop-and-go sports: tennis, padel, football, squash.

Wash tip:
Use liquid detergent, not powder — powder can clog polyester’s membrane.
(If it clogs, it smells even faster.)

Honorable Mentions

Silk — luxurious, great for layering, but too delicate for most sports.
Jersey — depends on the blend (cotton/viscose/etc.); can be comfortable but not as odor-resistant as merino.

Real-World Testing: What Actually Works

I’ve worn every material during:

  • Tennis matches (multiple shirts per session)
  • Skiing days in sub-zero temperatures
  • Multi-day camping trips without access to laundry
  • Horseback riding (which has its own odor challenges)
  • Hiking in every kind of weather

Here’s what those experiences taught me:

For skiing

Merino underwear is unbeatable.
It’s warm, breathable, and can be worn 2–3 days before washing.

For tennis / padel / football

  • Wear polyester
  • After the match, shower and switch to cotton
  • If you insist on cotton, bring 2–3 shirts and change every few games

For running

Wear whatever feels comfortable — no stop-and-go, so cotton is okay.

For camping (especially group trips)

Merino is the only serious choice.
Your tent-mates will thank you.

Laundry Secrets That Make a Huge Difference

1. For polyester:

  • Always use liquid detergent
  • Never use powder
  • Wash promptly after sweaty sessions

2. For white apparel (any fabric):

A little dishwasher detergent in the wash acts like bleach and kills bacteria.
(Use sparingly.)

3. For merino:

  • Gentle wash
  • Never high heat
  • Air dry
    It’s delicate, but worth the care.

So… Which T-Shirts Don’t Stink? (The Clear Winners)

It comes down to two choices depending on your situation:

✔ If you want to avoid stink altogether:

Choose merino wool.
It can go multiple days.
No exaggeration.

✔ If you need performance for sweaty sports:

Choose polyester + proper washing.

✔ If you want comfort and low-maintenance:

Choose cotton for casual use.

Who This Advice Is For

  • Customers in my shop deciding which shirt fits their sport
  • Anyone trying to find the right material for their activity
  • Young athletes who might feel awkward asking parents or friends

Anyone confused by the marketing claims surrounding “anti-odor” fabrics

Next question is: What makes a good T-Shirt?


Back to blog