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Article: How to Stop Your Clothes Smelling

Cyclist wearing a dark merino T-shirt and helmet, paused in a misty pine forest

How to Stop Your Clothes Smelling

Ever pulled on a shirt that looked clean but hit you with a not-so-fresh surprise? You're probably not alone. Synthetic fabrics and even some cottons tend to hold onto odours — especially when you're active. But what if your clothes could stay fresh, day after day, without constant washing?

The Secret’s in the wool

Merino wool is nature’s answer to body odour. At Isobaa, all our garments are made from superfine merino — an all-natural fibre that’s naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and (most importantly) odour resistant.

That’s right: merino doesn’t just mask smells — it prevents them.

Why Merino doesn’t smell

Unlike synthetic fabrics that trap sweat and bacteria, merino wool has a few clever tricks up its sleeve:

  • Moisture management – Merino pulls sweat away from your skin and evaporates it quickly, meaning less dampness and fewer bacteria.
  • Natural antibacterial properties – The structure of merino fibres inhibits the growth of odour-causing microbes.
  • Breathability – Air can circulate freely through merino, keeping you feeling (and smelling) fresh.

Less washing, more wearing

Because merino stays fresh for longer, you can wear it multiple times between washes — sometimes for weeks. That means:

  • Less water used
  • Less energy spent washing and drying
  • Longer-lasting clothes
  • Lower carbon footprint

It’s a simple switch that’s better for the planet and your laundry basket.

We put it to the test: The 30 day challenge

We’re so confident in how well our merino performs, we launched the Isobaa 30 Day Challenge:

Wear one of our merino base layers for 30 days straight. No washing (unless it really needs it). Just wear it, live in it, and document the journey.

And the reward?
Tell us how it went, and we’ll send you a fresh one — for free.

Yes, seriously.

Our customers have worn their Isobaa base layers while hiking, commuting, travelling, even sleeping — and they’re amazed by how fresh it still smells at the end of it all.

Did this challenge! If you haven’t you really should. Not changing your shirt will change your life. Really you should do this. — Jeff A.
Catherine's 30 day challenge Debbies's 30 day challenge Tara's 30 day challenge

Tips to keep all your clothes smelling fresher, longer

While merino is the gold standard for odour resistance, here are a few tips for any wardrobe:

  1. Air it out – Hang worn clothes in a breezy spot rather than stuffing them in the laundry basket.
  2. Avoid over-washing – Washing too often wears down fabrics and can make them smell worse over time.
  3. Skip the fabric softener – It coats fibres and traps odours. Merino doesn't need it anyway.
  4. Go natural – Natural fibres like merino, hemp, and cotton tend to breathe better than synthetics.

Ready to go 30 days without washing?

If you haven’t tried merino yet, we dare you to see (and smell) the difference for yourself.
Join the Isobaa 30 Day Challenge. Wear it. Love it. Tell us how it went. And claim a free top at the end.

Learn more

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