Calling All Sweaty Bettys…

Sweat is a trending topic amongst my clients lately. “How can I avoid sweat stains?”, “Are there certain fabrics that make sweat worse?”, “How can I stay focused during a presentation if I’m worrying about perspiration?” So let me tell you friends, you’re totally normal and your concerns are so common! I thought I would take this opportunity to answer your resounding calls for help with a few, quick tips on taming the pit stains and feeling confident!

This Is Going To Sound Weird But…Avoid Dry Cleaning.

Dry cleaning is harder on your clothes in the long run, plus who likes waiting a whole week to wear your garment again, anyway? Skip the trip and you can wear it sooner if you clean it yourself at home. Various brands produce at-home dry cleaning kits, making it as easy as tossing your garments in to your dryer. Be advised though, for certain items like suit jackets, or pieces with heftier stains or smells, these homey kits are only capable of so much…

Hand Wash Silk & Cashmere.

Products like Soak make it easy to hand wash or spot clean delicate fabrics at home. Gently soak the piece in cool water for 30 minutes or so. No need to ring or rinse, just pull the piece out and lay it flat between two towels. To get moisture out quickly, you can even step ever so slightly on your wrapped garment. Once the water has been absorbed, transfer the garment onto a clean towel to air dry.

Say No To Polyester.

Polyester is not the only fabric that increases sweat. Acrylic and other synthetic fabrics prevent sweat from evaporating, which in turn increases the body’s efforts to cool itself, equating to all that sweat. Stick with natural fibers like cotton and silk. The only exception is when synthetics are made with moisture-wicking materials, like these new Uniqlo designs, or base layers made by athletic companies.

Speaking Of Natural…

I know plenty of us, myself included, prefer to avoid antiperspirant based on a personal choice to steer clear of chemicals. That said, those of you who have yet to make the change out of fear that natural alternatives are less effective, fear not! Here’s what Lara Adler, Certified Holistic Health Coach & Environmental Toxins Expert, had to say about her all-natural routine: “While I’m a big fan of DIY deodorant recipes, sometimes I get lazy, and want to just pick something up at the store. My two favorite brands are Pure Pitz, which comes in a small but powerful, and more traditional stick format, and Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream, a soft and silky paste.” Additionally Lara reminds us, “Incidentally conventional, chemical laden deodorants and antiperspirants are more prone to ruin your clothes with unsightly yellow stains (these stains aren’t sweat – they’re a result of chemical reactions between your sweat and the ingredients in conventional products!).” Which means that the chemicals leftover from dry cleaning could cause this reaction too.

Oil Absorbing Sheets.

These little babies are handy. If you’re face is glistening a little too much, just blot an oil absorbing sheet over the shiny areas and voila! It instantly absorbs all the moisture, bringing your complexion back to its morning matte without smudging your makeup. The package is small and compact enough for your purse too!

Antiperspirant Pads.

Think maxi-pad for your armpit, (but made for gentlemen, too!) they simply fold over the armpit seam on the inside of your shirt or jacket. Keep in mind however antiperspirant pads aren’t terribly discreet. If you decide to remove your jacket in front of a crowd, you might get a few curious looks.

Go Easy On The Coffee.

On days when you’ll be presenting, or engaged in a nerve-wracking meeting or activity, go easy on the caffeine and avoid spicy foods. Both will boost your body temperature and fire up the engines in your sweat glands – probably not the best accoutrement to your body’s natural response.

Stress Relief!

When we get worked up, we sweat. And when you’ve got pressing deadlines and a stack of to-do’s, you might feel your stress levels begin to rise along with your body temperature. Remember to engage in a few calming rituals on the daily to reduce stress and beat the heat. I like Dragontree’s Muscle Melt. A quick dab on the neck or temples helps calm me down and center my thoughts.