Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Tami Claytor. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Knowing that you smell can be a difficult thing; we live with ourselves and our nose is very quickly accustomed to our own odor. Yet, if other people are suggesting that you're odorous, or you're simply worried that you might be, working it out for yourself requires some thought about your usual habits and hygienic practices.[1]
Steps
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Smell your clothes after removing them. Take a break first. Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing. Our own odor can be augmented by the materials we wear, with un-breathable synthetics being at the top of the list for enhancing bad odors. Stinky clothing always means that the clothes need a wash immediately![2]
Consider your diet. You might enjoy heaps of garlic, curry, onions, beer, spices, etc., but the residual odor can be very unpleasant to some people. If you think this might be a problem, make sure everyone you're hanging around with at the time shares your meal choices, and you'll all find it harder to smell one another's unpleasant odors![3] Temporary relief can be found in chewing parsley, mint candies, or swishing mouthwash.[4]Advertisement
Hold your hand against your mouth and puff out some breath. If the result is stinky when you smell your hand and the air rising back up as a result of being stopped by the hand, it's time to clean your teeth and tongue a lot more thoroughly. Brush your teeth, floss your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, and brush your tongue.[5]- Another method is to lick your wrist. Wait ten seconds before sniffing your wrist. The odor that rises into your nose is the smell of your breath.
Check the parts of your body that moisture loves. Anywhere there is a potential for skin folds (between toes, under the arms, under breasts, etc.) can be a source of odor if bacteria gets the opportunity to thrive. Don't try smelling any of these regions; that will just confirm you're not thinking straight. The answer to avoiding this source of musty odor is to always dry skin fold areas thoroughly.
If you're sweating profusely, there is a fair chance that you don't smell wonderful. If it's post-sport, don't worry – everyone expects that sporty sweat smell. Less so if it's caused by the stress of your job, a presentation, an exam, etc. Use antiperspirant and/or deodorant and avoid foods that encourage sweating, such as chilies.[6]- Dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Do not wear too much perfume.
- It can be overpowering. Some people are allergic to it.
Ask someone whom you trust. Find a friend or a family member to give you an honest appraisal of your odor. Tell them that you're worried that you might be a little malodorous and see what they have to say. Don't forget to reassure them that you want the truth and won't hold their comments/assessment against them – and mean it too!
Cameron Diaz, ActressWe easily become nose-blind to our own natural scent. Make hygiene a priority, notice others' reactions, and change clothes regularly. Deodorant only temporarily masks odor caused by bacteria on skin. While some natural smell is healthy, poor hygiene breeds body odor.
Expert Q&A
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Tips
- Morning breath can be reduced by good oral hygiene habits and keeping your mouth closed during sleep.[7] This is a big ask; if you're an habitual snorer, seek advice on easing the snoring. For everyone who just finds themselves mouth breathing when they sleep, get out and brush your teeth before your partner even realizes what's happened! A glass of warm water with lemon juice added will quickly rehydrate you and remove morning breath and the tannins in full strength tea can also help.Thanks
- Prescription drugs can leave you with unusual odor production; ask your doctor about possible side effects, but in particular, any drug that leaves a dry mouth will encourage odor build-upThanks
- Change sanitary ware frequently; odors can build up quickly during a period due to contact with the sanitary ware and build-up.Thanks
Warnings
- Some people don't like deodorants or antiperspirants. It's their choice but you might want to limit time spent too close them if it bothers you; or, just get used to the odor. The nose gives up after a while of smelling the same thing continuously and just "accepts" it. Each re-entry after a break will bring it back though!Thanks
References
- ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-tell-if-you-smell-1794394513
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2018/jul/05/when-its-hotter-than-hell-how-can-you-tell-if-you-smell
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173478.php
- ↑ https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/sig258649spec
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-gum-care#1
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sweating-and-body-odor/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353898
- ↑ https://www.medicaldaily.com/your-morning-breath-explained-what-causes-it-and-how-you-can-treat-it-312046
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