Fabric Innovation! Gym Clothes That Don't Stink, And The Secret Is Shrimp Shells

Fabric innovation! Gym clothes that don't stink, and the secret is shrimp shells

When it comes to sweating in the gym, the absolute biggest worry is the smell of sweat. To make matters worse, some sportswear use synthetic fabrics to make them breathable, leaving them smelling like sweat even after they've been washed -- which is a tragedy.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a Vancouva-based startup called Strongbody has solved the age-old problem by adding chitin, extracted from shrimp shells, to fabric to make clothes that don't smell like they're sweating too much. Strongbody is currently running a Kickstarter campaign with two of its own: a C $52 ($46, below) T-shirt and C $74 ($65) men's shorts. The crowdfunding campaign is nearing its end and has already raised C $21,000, exceeding its goal of C $15,000.

In addition to Strongbody, other brands have tackled the problem before: Lululemon and Patagonia include silver chloride in their fabrics -- a chemical that blocks the growth of smelly bacteria. Strongbody chose chitin, a chemical fiber derived from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. It is a natural antimicrobial and has been used as a dietary supplement or as a blood coagulant in bandages.

Meghan Conyers, one of the founders, says Strongbody doesn't want to make high-tech sportswear. Originally, it was intended to provide good looking workout clothes for gym goers, not yoga, running or cycling enthusiasts.

Conyers is confident that the chitin material can't be seen or felt to make any difference. People with a sensitive constitution can also wear it - according to the 2005 book Military Medicine, people with crustacean allergies have no abnormal reaction to chitin powder. Currently Strongbody's cheapest product is a $68 tank top and its most expensive is a $148 sleeveless hoodie. Soft fabric, wrinkle-proof, chemical resistance; They are also fashionable, often with mesh or cutout designs (see above).

Meghan Conyers, one of the founders, says Strongbody doesn't want to make high-tech sportswear. Originally, it was intended to provide good looking workout clothes for gym goers, not yoga, running or cycling enthusiasts.