A Vancouver company may have the solution to fight the stink in your workout gear, and its secret weapon is a little fishy.
Activewear by Strongbody Apparel uses chitin, which originates from crab and shrimp shells, to treat its fabrics and make them odour-fighting. The chitin is stitched into every garment Strongbody makes.
“It basically inhibits the growth of bacteria on your clothing,” said Quincy Samycia, the company’s co-founder, “Even after 50 washes, it’s 99.9 per cent effective.”
CTV’s Ross McLaughlin decided to put the clothes to the test and enlisted the help of two certified trainers, Nick Middleton and Phil Wittmer of West Coast Strength and Movement.
After several days of wearing the gear, Ross went back to check in with the two.
“I was working out, you know, I got a little bit smelly but I washed the clothing: Came out, no smell," said Wittmer.
"The gear dried really fast which is nice. I didn't have any odour issues and I wouldn't expect any," said Middleton.
But this activewear isn't cheap. The shorts cost $78 and the shirt is $72.
It’s also not the only odour fighting gear on the market.
Vancouver’s Lululemon has its own funk fighting activewear in the same price range that uses silverscent technology to fight stink.
GQ favoured Lululemon in a stink off test against Strongbody. However, Strongbody received good marks for coming clean after washing. Part of the issue was its Euro-fit and how tightly it hugs the body and pits.
While the CTV testers thought the Strongbody Apparel fit a little on the tighter side, they were happy with its overall results. Wittmer gave the Strongbody Apparel a 9 out of 10 and Middleton gave it an 8.5 out of 10.
