Thread: Help - smelly silk essence pants!

I have several pairs of pantaloons made of silk essence, a flowy, silk-like, economical polyester fabric. I love the colors, the way they move and feel, the price, and the washability and durability of this fabric - silk essence is fantastic for my needs. However, here is the problem: after wearing these pants for a little while (> an hour), and especially after sweating in them, they start to develop an obnoxious smell. Granted, I tend to sweat a lot, but I machine wash them ASAP after every wear and make sure to dry them completely, in the summer turned inside out in the sun. They are perfectly fine after being washed and completely dried - which makes this problem different from most costume stench problems, I think. Any tried and true advice on how to make those pants less stinky?

Originally Posted by steffib

I have several pairs of pantaloons made of silk essence, a flowy, silk-like, economical polyester fabric. I love the colors, the way they move and feel, the price, and the washability and durability of this fabric - silk essence is fantastic for my needs. However, here is the problem: after wearing these pants for a little while (> an hour), and especially after sweating in them, they start to develop an obnoxious smell. Granted, I tend to sweat a lot, but I machine wash them ASAP after every wear and make sure to dry them completely, in the summer turned inside out in the sun. They are perfectly fine after being washed and completely dried - which makes this problem different from most costume stench problems, I think. Any tried and true advice on how to make those pants less stinky?

If the smell factor increases over the months (even though you was the pants) there may be trace amounts of sweat-thriving bacteria left in the fabric - like in shoes. Spraying vodka on the inside of the pants may kill the bacteria that washing can't remove.

If the smell factor is always the same, it may be that the fabric doesn't breathe well enough and your own scent is magnified in the hot, humid conditions. Try wearing more absorbant clothing underneath, like cotton bike shorts. Also, gold bond powder may help.

so that's why the vodka works!!! i never knew --even though as a former bacteriologist i should know this. I always thought the evaporation of the alcohol did something.

Vodka is a really good anti-bacterial. So is lavender oil and tea tree oil. I think the key, at least for me, would be to change out of them as quickly as possible. I realize that if you are doing an all day ren faire, this may not be a possibility, but in the end it may be your best bet.

{{{HUGS}}}

Assuming you are wearing these under big ATS-style skirts, hip wraps, belt, etc. perhaps opening the seam in the crotch area would increase air circulation?

I've had good luck with baking soda (or washing soda) in the soak/wash followed by a double rinse, the second one with fabric softener and/or a few drops of essential oil mixed with warm water (or vinegar alone, softens without leaving residue, smell goes away when fabric dries).

This has worked on the bane of my summer laundry existence, soured towels! Blech!