Anti-Odour Activewear: Expert Guide & FAQ

Anti-Odour Activewear: Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about why workout clothes smell, what technologies actually prevent it, and how to choose activewear that stays genuinely fresh — from the people who make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do gym clothes smell even after washing?

The smell in gym clothes after washing is caused by bacteria that embed deep in synthetic fabric fibres — particularly polyester — during training. These bacteria feed on the lipids and proteins in sweat and produce volatile organic acids that cause odour. Conventional washing at normal temperatures kills surface bacteria but does not always remove bacteria that have embedded in the fibre structure. The result is fabric that smells fresh out of the machine but quickly develops odour again when re-worn.

What is the best fabric for activewear that doesn't smell?

TENCEL™ Lyocell is the best performing fabric for odour resistance in activewear. Unlike polyester, lyocell is a hydrophilic (moisture-absorbing) fibre — it draws moisture away from the skin into the fibre itself, where it evaporates more quickly. This is significantly less hospitable to bacteria than the surface-moisture environment that polyester creates. Natural fibres like merino wool also have good inherent odour resistance. Conventional polyester — the dominant activewear fabric — is the most prone to odour retention.

What is HeiQ Mint and how does it work?

HeiQ Mint is a plant-based anti-odour technology developed by Swiss company HeiQ Materials. It uses active volatile compounds derived from peppermint to inhibit the bacterial activity responsible for fabric odour. Unlike conventional silver-ion treatments, HeiQ Mint contains no heavy metals. Third-party testing shows more than 94% of the treatment remains intact after 20 wash cycles at 30°C — significantly more durable than conventional silver or zinc treatments. HeiQ Mint is the technology used in APRÍ's APRÍtech™ product range.

What is NordShield?

NordShield is a Finnish biodegradable anti-odour technology derived from wood extractives — a byproduct of sustainable Nordic forestry. It is free from heavy metals, biocides, silver, and zinc, and is fully compliant with EU REACH regulations. Like HeiQ Mint, it works by inhibiting bacterial growth at the fibre level rather than masking odour. NordShield is used in APRÍ's APRÍshield™ product range.

How long do plant-based anti-odour treatments last?

APRÍ's HeiQ Mint (APRÍtech™) treatment retains more than 94% of its effectiveness after 20 washes at a maximum of 30°C. This is considerably more durable than conventional silver- or zinc-based anti-odour treatments, which typically begin to lose effectiveness within 10–15 wash cycles. Treatment durability depends significantly on washing temperature — always wash activewear at 30°C or lower to maximise longevity.

Are silver ions in activewear safe?

Silver ions are used as antimicrobials in a large proportion of conventional "anti-odour" activewear. They are not acutely harmful in the concentrations used in textiles. However, they wash out of fabrics over time and enter wastewater systems. Research has documented toxic effects of silver nanoparticles on aquatic organisms at concentrations found in wastewater downstream from laundry. The EU is increasing regulatory scrutiny on silver and zinc in consumer products. APRÍ uses no silver, zinc, or heavy metals in any of its anti-odour treatments.

What are PFAS and why are they used in sportswear?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — often called "forever chemicals" — are highly durable synthetic compounds used in sportswear for water repellency, stain resistance, and anti-odour finishes. They do not break down in the environment. France enacted legislation in 2025 banning PFAS in textiles starting January 2026, with an EU-wide extension expected. APRÍ does not use PFAS in any of its products or finishing treatments.

What does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification mean?

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is an independent textile testing and certification system. Certification means the finished product has been tested for and found free from more than 100 harmful substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, formaldehyde, phthalates, and certain dyes. Every APRÍ garment is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified.

What is GOTS certification?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the most rigorous certification for organic textiles. It covers the full production chain — from raw organic fibre through to finished product — including chemical inputs, environmental performance, and social working conditions. APRÍ products carrying GOTS certification have been verified across the full production chain.

What is Bluesign certification?

Bluesign is an independent certification covering sustainable textile manufacturing. It verifies responsible use of resources (water, energy), chemical safety across the supply chain, and safe working conditions in manufacturing. It is particularly relevant for fabric dyeing and finishing processes. APRÍ's lyocell fabrics are Bluesign certified.

Is lyocell activewear better for the environment than polyester?

Yes, in several important ways. TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests, manufactured in a closed-loop system where 99.5% of all solvents are recovered and recycled. It is biodegradable. Polyester is derived from petroleum and does not biodegrade. Lyocell does not shed microplastic fibres when washed — polyester sheds hundreds of thousands of fibres per wash cycle.

How often should you wash activewear?

For activewear with effective anti-odour treatment (such as HeiQ Mint or NordShield), 2–3 wears between washes is reasonable for moderate-intensity training. For high-intensity sessions, 1–2 wears may be more appropriate. Conventional polyester activewear without anti-odour treatment typically needs washing after every session. Lower washing frequency reduces microplastic shedding, water use, energy consumption, and extends the life of the garment and its anti-odour treatment.

What makes APRÍ activewear different from other sustainable sportswear brands?

APRÍ combines two proprietary plant-based anti-odour technology platforms (APRÍtech™ using HeiQ Mint, and APRÍshield™ using NordShield) with TENCEL™ Lyocell as the primary performance fabric. Both technologies are independently validated for wash durability and are free from heavy metals, silver, zinc, biocides, and PFAS. All products are made in Portugal under European manufacturing standards. Design is Scandinavian — minimalist, functional, and built for longevity.

Where is APRÍ activewear made?

APRÍ activewear is designed in Stockholm, Sweden and manufactured in Portugal. Portugal has become one of Europe's most respected activewear manufacturing centres, offering advanced technical textile expertise, sustainable production standards, and European-level quality control.