Sweat that needs airing out after a train ride

Short answer: After a train ride, sweat often picks up the smell of the closed, warm air, and that is perfectly normal. Hang the clothes freely in fresh air as soon as you get home, and only wash them if the smell stays. That keeps the fabric soft and spares it from unnecessary wear.

What the fabric picks up on the train

On a train the air often stands still, and there is warmth, food smells and many people in a small space. Soft, thick fabrics like sweat easily take up a bit of it all, even if you have not sweated through. This is completely common and does not mean the clothes are dirty, only that they need fresh air.

Air it out right away

When you get home, take the sweat off and hang it on a hanger by an open window or outdoors. That is the quickest and gentlest solution. Give it an hour, and turn it inside out if you like, so the inner side can breathe too. Often that is all it takes.

Avoid the laundry basket too early

Do not toss the sweat straight into the laundry basket after the trip if it only needs airing. In the basket the smell gets shut in with other clothes, and then everything needs washing. Hang it on a hook instead until the smell is gone. Only if it still smells after airing does it belong in the basket.

Only wash when needed

Every wash wears the fabric down a little, so do not wash sweat more often than necessary. Follow the care label, usually a low temperature and a mild detergent without fabric softener. Turn it inside out and let it dry fully before putting it away. That way it keeps its shape and softness, and you avoid a stale smell afterwards.

Dress in layers for the journey

On the train the temperature changes from a cold platform to a warm carriage. Choose sweat that is easy to take off, with a thin T-shirt closest to the body. If you get warm, lay the sweat folded beside you so it does not get damp. For your legs, see bamboo sweatpants for women, which are comfortable to sit in.

A set for long journeys

On longer trips it is nice to have a set whose pieces match and that you can air in one go when you arrive. You can see the range of bamboo jogging sets for women. Pack the set loosely in your bag and take it out as soon as you arrive, instead of leaving it squeezed together.

Pack it so it can breathe

Sweat that is squeezed together in a closed bag holds on to moisture and smell. Use a bag with room, and avoid plastic bags if the clothes have been worn. If you cannot hang it up straight away, fold it loosely and take it out at the first chance. An open bag overnight also makes a difference.

Your feet on the train

Many people take their shoes off on the train, and socks get warm and slightly damp in closed shoes all day. Change into a fresh pair if you can, and let the worn ones air before they go in the basket. You can see a range of socks for women, which are pleasant to put on after a long day.

Frequently asked questions

Does sweat need washing after every train ride?

No, airing is often enough. Hang it freely for an hour, and only wash it if the smell stays or if you have sweated heavily in it.

Can I air sweat out on the balcony in winter?

Yes, cold, dry air is fine. Avoid rain and damp, though, and bring the clothes in before they turn clammy, so they do not take on more moisture than they had before.

Why does sweat smell of the train even though I have not sweated?

Thick fabrics absorb smells from the closed air, food and other people. It mostly sits on the surface, and fresh air usually solves it without a wash.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.