Are Polyester Blends Making your Activewear Smell? Let’s Talk Fabrics

If you've ever pulled your favourite gym top out of the wash only to find it still smells a bit dodgy, you’re not imagining it. Many of us deal with sweaty activewear that just won’t stay fresh, especially if it’s made from polyester blends. But why does polyester seem to hold onto the stink, while other fabrics like polyamide keep you smelling fresher for longer? Let’s break it down and see why polyamide is the better choice for workout gear that doesn’t betray you with a nasty post-sweat funk. 

Why Polyester Activewear Stinks (Literally)

Polyester is one of the most popular fabrics for activewear, and if you check your leggings or top, it's highly likely they will be made from a polyester blend. This is because it’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and incredibly durable. However, there is a downside: it tends to hold onto odours.

1. It Doesn’t Absorb Moisture – Polyester wicks sweat away from your skin but doesn’t actually absorb it. Sounds great, right? Not quite. That sweat just sits on the surface, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, the real culprits behind the post-workout pong.
2. Bacteria Love It – Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. The odour kicks in when bacteria feast on it and start multiplying. Polyester’s synthetic fibres give bacteria the perfect place to cling to and thrive, which is why your gym top might still stink even after washing.
3. Hard to Wash Out – Because polyester repels water, your standard detergent might not get deep enough to break down all the sweat and bacteria lurking in the fibres. Over time, this leads to that stubborn, lingering odour that won’t budge no matter how many times you wash it.

(Sources: Journal of Applied Microbiology, study on bacteria retention in synthetic fabrics)

Why Polyamide is a Game-Changer for Gym Gear

Polyamide (also known as nylon) is another synthetic fabric commonly found in sportswear, but it behaves very differently from polyester. Here’s why it’s the superior choice for odour-free, long-lasting activewear:

1. It Absorbs Some Moisture – Unlike polyester, polyamide actually soaks up a bit of moisture instead of just pushing it around. This means sweat isn’t sitting on the surface, reducing the chances of bacteria taking over.
2. More Breathable & Softer – Polyamide fabrics tend to be more breathable than polyester, which means better airflow and less overheating. This can help reduce excessive sweating in the first place.
3. Bacteria Don’t Stick as Much – Unlike polyester, polyamide is less hospitable to bacteria, meaning your gym clothes won’t smell as bad, even after multiple wears. Less bacteria = less stink.
4. Easier to Wash – Because polyamide absorbs some water, detergents can penetrate the fabric more easily, washing away sweat and bacteria more effectively. This keeps your kit smelling fresher for longer.

(Sources: Textile Research Journal, study on moisture-wicking and bacterial growth in activewear fabrics)

Why do Companies use Polyester blends?

Polyamide is typically more expensive than polyester blends, costing around 20% to 50% more due to its more complex production process and higher raw material costs. Despite the higher price tag, polyamide offers better strength, elasticity, and durability, making it ideal for high-performance applications. The real reason your favourite brands don’t use polyamide. They want to make a bigger profit, end of story.

The Verdict: Say Goodbye to Smelly Gym Kit

If you’re fed up with gym clothes that still stink after a wash, it might be time to ditch polyester and switch to polyamide. Polyester may be tough and quick drying, but its tendency to trap sweat and odour makes it a nightmare for anyone who actually works up a sweat. Polyamide, on the other hand, stays fresher, absorbs sweat more effectively, and won’t betray you with lingering smells.

Why Naieve Chooses Polyamide Blends for Luxury Activewear

At Naieve, we believe your workout gear should feel as good as it performs. That’s why we’ve opted for polyamide blends in our activewear. Unlike other brands who might leave you battling with that post-sweat stank, polyamide keeps things fresh. The fabric is soft, luxurious, and breathable, so it feels great against your skin while working hard to absorb moisture, not just move it around. This means less stinking up the place after a workout and more staying fresh for longer. While other brands are happy to sell you sweaty, smelly kit that barely survives one wash, with Naieve, you get top-quality, odour-resistant, ultra-comfy gear that works as hard as you do and actually cares about how you smell.

Looking for Pro Tips for Keeping Your Activewear Fresh ? Click the link ---> How to care for your activewear.

Final Thoughts

If you want activewear that stays fresh, dries quickly, and doesn’t cling to odours, polyamide is the way forward. And with Naieve, you can enjoy luxurious, soft, and odour-resistant activewear that helps you stay fresh during and after your workout.