Sweaty cleavage

Boob Sweat - The Lowdown

Right, who hasn't experienced a bit of boob sweat? It's that dampness under your chest, and while it's completely normal and natural to sweat there, it can be a real pain for those who get it.

When it's really hot or when you're doing some exercise and the skin folds under your boobs rub together, you can get a build-up of sweat between them. The thing is, it can't evaporate easily there. The bigger your bust and the more skin-on-skin contact you've got underneath, the more trapped heat you get. Your body tries to deal with this heat by producing sweat. Wearing clothes that are too thick or made of synthetic fabrics can make things even worse – those lovely wet patches on your top become a common sight, sadly.

Women often find they have more trouble with boob sweat when they're going through big hormonal changes, like during pregnancy, after giving birth, or when they're going through the menopause.

Potential Problems with Boob Sweat

If you're struggling with excessive sweating under your breasts, it can often lead to feelings of embarrassment. You might feel really limited in what clothes you can wear, and it can really knock your confidence. But it's not just uncomfortable and annoying; increased sweating in the breast area can also cause other issues:

• Sore Bits
  When your clothes rub and you've got skin-on-skin friction along with a lot of sweat, the delicate skin under your boobs can get irritated really quickly. It can get itchy and feel like it's burning. If this happens, it's important to keep the area dry and try to avoid any extra rubbing if you can. Products with tannins in them are good for helping your skin recover – they can reduce inflammation, help it heal, and soothe the itching.
• Spots
  You might also notice little heat rash spots popping up on your chest when you get a build-up of heat. But have a good look – skin irritations like spots could also be a sign of a yeast infection. If you're not sure, it's always best to get it checked out by a dermatologist.
• Skin Troubles
  If the skin between your breasts (or anywhere else on your body, for that matter) is constantly damp, it creates a lovely warm, moist environment – perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The skin's natural barrier gets disrupted when it's too wet. If that top layer of skin gets damaged, it's much more vulnerable to nasties like bacteria and skin fungi, which can then have a field day.

7 Tips for Dealing with Excessive Boob Sweat

We've put together a few tips to help you get a handle on boob sweat and make life a bit easier:

1. Cleanse Properly
   When you're sweating a lot in certain areas, your natural instinct might be to scrub yourself really well. But actually, that's not a great idea, as harsh shower gels and too much scrubbing can just damage your skin's natural barrier even more. Instead, try cleaning the sensitive skin under your breasts with a mild shower cream that's specifically designed for sweaty skin. It'll gently reduce odour-causing bacteria while protecting your skin's natural balance.
   
2. Antiperspirants
   Use an antiperspirant to manage sweating and odour under your breasts. With regular use, these products narrow your sweat ducts, effectively and lastingly reducing sweat production – keeping your skin dry. You can get antiperspirants in different forms, like wipes, sprays, or the classic roll-on, so you can choose what you prefer. Depending on how much you sweat, you'll probably find you don't need to use them as often over time, so they can last quite a while.
   Good to know: Studies have shown that using antiperspirants containing aluminium salts is not only really effective but also completely safe for your health. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has even published a statement on this, based entirely on high-quality scientific studies.
   
3. Deodorant / Antibacterial Solutions
   Sweating can often lead to a bit of a pong. But that smell doesn't actually come from the sweat itself; it's produced when bacteria break it down. You can quickly and easily mask this with a deodorant. However, a deodorant won't actually stop you from sweating!
   Using an antibacterial solution can help you freshen up the skin under your breasts during the day. It's gentle on the skin and gets rid of those troublesome bacteria, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean again. As a bonus, using an antibacterial solution can also help prevent bacteria and fungi from developing.
   
4. Powder
   Whether it's body powder or baby powder, the zinc particles in it can help keep your skin dry. Applied between your breasts, powder can also help prevent extra rubbing. If you don't fancy using powder under your boobs, you could try liquid versions instead. These white, shake-well mixtures containing zinc oxide and talc can also help keep the skin dry.
   
5. The Right Bra
   For the summer months especially, try to wear cotton bras. Unlike in the old days, there are some really lovely styles around now that you wouldn't mind being seen in. Cotton is much better at absorbing sweat. IMPORTANT: getting the right fit is crucial! A well-fitting bra will give you the perfect support and also protect your breast tissue. You'll feel more comfortable – and it'll stop any extra rubbing on your skin. When you're exercising, make sure you wear a sports bra. These offer extra support, which takes the strain off your connective tissue. Plus, a good sports bra will quickly absorb sweat and wick it away to the outside.
   
6. Bra Liners for Sweat Protection
   If you're particularly well-endowed, it can be really hard to avoid sweating under your breasts. Another option for protecting yourself from embarrassing sweat patches and sore skin is to use underbust sweat liners. These are soft bra inserts made from 100% cotton and are really absorbent.
   
7. Anti-Chafing Creams or Sticks
   These special creams are designed to protect your skin from rubbing. When you apply an anti-chafing cream, it creates an invisible protective film on your skin that's resistant to both sweat and water. Applied under your breasts, it helps prevent that skin from getting rubbed raw. These creams or sticks can also help if your bra wires are digging in or poking you.

First published: 12.05.2011

Updated: 27.05.2025