Sweltering summer weather. Intense workouts. First dates. Test jitters.
Sweaty boobs.
It’s true – lots of situations can send your sweat glands into overdrive. When our sweat glands are really working, we can sweat just about anywhere on our bodies – and the very worst kind of sweat may be boob sweat.
Boob sweat is absolutely normal, and most women experience it at some point. If you’re curious about how to prevent boob sweat, here’s a few helpful tips.
10 Ways to Prevent Boob Sweat
- 1. Find the Right Bra
- 2. Wear a Lot of Black
- 3. Go for Cotton
- 4. Wear Looser Clothing
- 5. Use Moroccan Argan Oil
- 6. Try Sweat Pads or Liners
- 7. Apply an Antiperspirant
- 8. Carry Body Wipes
- 9. Use an Anti-Chafing Powder
- 10. Don’t Forget Anti-Chafing Gels and Creams
Boob sweat can be annoying and embarrassing – but the good news is that it’s also controllable. Keep reading to find out more about how to battle underboob sweat and keep those beads of sweat from pooling in your bra.
Why Do Boobs Sweat?
While boobs are generally great, one downside is that anytime skin touches skin, it creates the potential to block sweat evaporation. This makes the area under or between the breasts prone to sweat accumulation – especially for large breasts or those that droop (darn gravity!). The combination of hot, humid weather, friction, and poor air circulation under boobs can conspire to make stinky boob sweat a serious problem.
Sometimes, though, boob sweat is caused by hormonal issues instead of environmental ones. If you’re unexpectedly sweating more than usual or if you notice a new boob sweat smell, you may want to talk to your dermatologist.
In addition to feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, boob sweat can also lead to more serious concerns like chafing or underboob rash. Symptoms of an underboob sweat rash include red skin that’s itchy and irritable, along with a burning sensation or broken skin.
Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from any of these conditions. Let’s explore more in detail how to stop boob sweat and prevent these uncomfortable side effects.
1. Find the Right Bra
The fit and material of your bra are extremely important – and the best bra for boob sweat is ultimately a personal choice. Especially during the hottest summer months, a lightweight bra can keep your girls from overheating. A bra should be comfortable and offer good support – a tight, uncomfortable underwire bra can make you more susceptible to chafing. Your bra should lift your breasts away from your chest and also keep your breasts from rubbing against each other. This can make sure your skin is as aerated as possible. The good news is that bra manufacturers are getting wise to dealing with boob sweat, so they’re starting to make more sweat-wicking options available.
Try to find materials that are as breathable as possible. During the summer season, a good, supportive bra made of cotton is often best. Some women prefer mesh bras, which are thin and usually unpadded. The mesh material wicks away moisture, ensuring that sweat evaporates rather than pooling between your boobs or oozing down to your belly button. Spacer bras, or those made from specially formulated breathable materials, can also be effective options. And while they may feel sexy, silky underwear bras that are tight, lacy or padded can increase your chances for boob sweat by constricting your girls – so say goodbye to them if sweating becomes a problem.
Some women find sports bras an effective option, but be careful. Traditional sports bra materials are often too thick or bulky for excessive sweating. Something in a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric will work better.
Make sure to wear a clean, new bra every day (don’t act like you haven’t worn yours multiple days in a row– we’ve all done it). Especially during hot summer months, make sure to avoid wearing a bra without washing it first. Smelly boob sweat doesn’t get better with age.
2. Wear a Lot of Black
Black hides sweat and unseemly wet spots better than any other color you can wear, so it’s a great option when facing a sweaty day. It won’t stop the boob sweat, but it can cut down on the embarrassment if you sweat through your shirt. In fact, sweat is practically invisible on black clothing.
3. Go for Cotton
As a light and naturally breathable fabric, cotton can help keep heat and sweat from being trapped under cleavage. The only con is that once it’s wet, cotton takes a long time to completely dry out, so be warned.
4. Wear Looser Clothing
When it comes to boob sweat prevention, air is your best friend. The looser your blouse, the more air you allow to move through and help sweat evaporate. Conversely, tight tops only serve to trap both moisture and heat. The tighter your top, the more likely it is for sweaty spots to appear like twin smiley faces. Fabrics like linen and cotton in loosely-fit styles will both increase airflow and help hide boob sweat.
5. Use Moroccan Argan Oil
Moroccan argan oil has been a beauty secret for centuries. It’s especially effective for treating skin infections caused by bacteria and contains more antioxidant properties than coconut oil. Many women swear that argan works wonders for boob sweat, minimizing both the initial sweating and the resulting irritation.
Try applying a few drops of oil underneath your breasts. If you suffer from irritation or itchiness related to boob sweat, Moroccan argan can help calm down your skin. Some women report that sweating, odor, and discomfort completely disappear after a few days of applying Moroccan argan oil. It also has the added bonus of being a natural product.
6. Try Sweat Pads or Liners
Bra liners are just what they sound like – small pieces of fabric that you can wear under boobs to create a sweat-absorbing barrier. These liners are good options for those with sensitive skin or who otherwise don’t want to apply products like powders or creams to the breast area. Some women even report using panty liners to help soak up the sweat that pools in the bottom of their bras. The pads also absorb moisture and protect your clothing from sweat stains – just pop them at the base of your bra cups and enjoy their sweat-absorbing mojo. Just make sure you choose an option that’s 100 percent cotton.
If you’d like something a bit more sophisticated, you can also invest in a specially-designed bra liner, which can prevent irritation by pulling dampness away from your skin. Many popular versions are made with cotton or even bamboo. You can also use nursing pads as boob sweat pads– they’re designed to fit inside a bra cup, so they’re already the right size and absorbency.
7. Swipe on an Antiperspirant
It sounds weird, but you can use some antiperspirants under your boobs to prevent sweat. Many dermatologists recommend a cream or soft solid. Be careful to choose something that won’t leave white marks on your cleavage. Some women report success by swiping a little below their boobs when they apply it to their underarm areas – after all, antiperspirants are meant to stop sweat wherever it may be on your body. Check with a medical professional before applying stronger clinical or prescription strength antiperspirants the the chest/breast area.
8. Carry Body Wipes
Body wipes are fantastic for quick freshen-ups. Carry them in your bag, and then you have them available anytime your girls start sweating. You’ll head off odors, clean your skin and feel generally fresher. Body wipes are gentle on your skin and not overly perfumed – you can get mildly fragranced versions for a touch of boob deodorant or opt for completely fragrance-free.
9. Use an Anti-Chafing Powder
Friction is your enemy when it comes to boob sweat. When your breasts rub against your chest, it can result in chafing and even nipple pain. This boob-rub friction also creates heat, which kicks the sweat into overdrive. Baby powder is a popular choice for absorbing sweat, reducing odor and guarding against both rashes and chafing. One downside to baby powder is that it’s usually absorbed pretty quickly. While it may be effective for night time or when you’re hanging out at home, sometimes baby powder struggles to keep up with your boob sweat demands during the whole day. Powders with corn starch can be a highly effective option, so look for products that use corn starch as their main ingredient (as opposed to baby powder, which is talc-based).
10. Anti-Chafing Lotion, Gels and Creams
If you don’t love the messy application of anti-chafing body powder, there are lotions and creams that can also prevent chafing and help reduce moisture and odor. An anti-chafing lotion is less messy than talcum or body powder and can be carried in your purse throughout the day for quick touch-ups as needed. Don’t apply too much– if you do, it can leave a residue.
Keep in mind that your cleavage isn’t the only area of the body that can suffer from chafing. For more helpful tips, be sure to read out our article on preventing thigh chafing.
Boob Sweat: The Struggle is Real
The struggle is real with boob sweat. When it happens, it can be uncomfortable, annoying and potentially super embarrassing. Not only does it soak your shirt with ugly sweat stains, but it can also cause a whole host of other problems, ranging from chafing to underboob rash and other skin irritations.
It goes without saying, but it’s important to practice good hygiene by showering every day and drying yourself completely with a clean towel. You can even use the cool setting on your blow dryer to completely dry any dampness under boobs after your shower.
But when you need additional help battling boob sweat, don’t lose heart! If you follow these recommendations for preventing boob sweat and chafing, you’ll be on your way to a dryer and worry-free experience– even in the summertime.
