That Smell. . .

I have the same problem with my gauzy, flowy polyester blouses. They are so pretty, but they trap and retain smells. So, I am glad you asked this question. I am going to try some of these suggestions myself.

I've never had this problem with shirts, but I clothed diapered two kids. With cloth diapers, you get detergent build-up. When this happens, as soon as moister hits the diaper, watch out! You get this horrible smell.

It sounds like this could be causing your problem. With cloth diapers, you strip them: rub a little bit of Dawn dish detergent in the problem area, and then rinse, rinse, rinse. Also, you use less detergent than you'd normally think, as the smell is caused by detergent build-up.

Mostly, you need to make sure you get all the detergent and stuff out of the shirt, so more water, and less detergent.

Truth be known, it might just be a reaction between your body's unique chemistry and the material. I have had similar reactions myself with chenile. Nothing I could do about it, I just can't wear it.

I recommend Sport Wash: http://www.rei.com/product/765651/penguin-sport-wash-20-oz

I had a similar problem with my synthetic running clothing and this did the trick.

You know, I think your skin just isn't able to breathe with that material. maybe antiperspirant will help? Like a clinical strength type of deodorant.

I would try soaking it in a vinegar solution. But the baking soda soak sounds good, too.

I started using deoderant through Melaleuca and have very minimal issues with the smelly shirts in the armpit area anymore.

Pretreat the shirts with Shout or Spray N Wash before washing.

Have you try soaking/washing them with some baking soda?

I will be following this question, I have/had some plain 100% cotton t-shirts with the same problem.
No matter how much I wash, no matter what soap I use, no matter what method. After the most minor amount of activity, here comes the smell.
I have just chalked it up and thrown the shirt away :(
Hope someone chimes in with an idea.

Have you tried soaking them in oxyclean before you wash them?

I saw a suggestion on a TV segment years ago, and it usually works for me with all kinds of smells, even "soured" clothes or washcloths that sat wet for too long. Use a good portion of regular Listerine directly on the underarms. Let sit a few minutes, then wash in the warmest water possible. Sometimes even if it says to wash in cold, I fill half the washer with warm water before switching to cold. That way it's not warm enough to make colors run, but not totally cold either. More effective on stains and smells. I buy the large size of generic (gold colored) Listerine at Walmart and keep it in my laundry room.

I think that you like the shirt so much that you have just worn it out! Me too. Nothing lasts forever; time for a new favorite and go shopping!

i would try a spray like oxyclean or spray n wash n let it sit for a while before you wash them.. i used to have the same issue with my fiances shirts.. he switched from and antipersperant/deoderant to just a deoderant.. he sweats through it anyway the antipersperant was kind of pointless anyway.. i have a couple of tshirts myself that i wear like alll the time and after i wash them if i wear one i put on my antipersperant let it dry and then put a tiny bit of his deoderant on.. his deoderant is so strong that my shirts just end up smelling like that.. u could also try a detergent with colorsafe bleach.. put a little on the armpits n let it sit for a minute before u run the wash