Why do we sweat more with cotton?

Understanding perspiration and the role of clothing

When exercising, the body sweats to regulate its temperature. Sweat serves to cool the skin when it evaporates. But clothing directly influences this process.

If a fabric lets air and moisture pass through , sweat evaporates more easily → you stay drier.
If, on the contrary, the fabric retains water , the sweat remains trapped → we have the impression of sweating more.

👉 This is exactly the difference between cotton and some technical fabrics.

Cotton: pleasant... but retains moisture

A textile that absorbs a lot

Cotton is a very soft and comfortable natural fiber. It quickly "drinks" sweat and distributes it throughout the fabric. This is why cotton feels like it "absorbs" and keeps your skin dry at the beginning of exercise.

But a fabric that dries slowly

Cotton is a very soft and comfortable natural fiber. It quickly "drinks" sweat and distributes it throughout the fabric. This is why cotton feels like it "absorbs" and keeps your skin dry at the beginning of exercise.

The impact of cotton on sport

Heavier and less practical

When wet, cotton becomes heavier and sticks to the skin. This can hinder movement and cause unpleasant chafing (irritation under the arms or on the torso).

What do the studies say?

Researchers confirm that technical fabrics (polyester, nylon, etc.) generally help regulate temperature better and maintain a feeling of comfort during intense exercise. Cotton, on the other hand, remains comfortable, but it performs less well when the session becomes long or very dynamic.

👉 Concretely:

  • For HIIT, a football match or a running outing → choose technical textiles.

  • For yoga, stretching or walking → cotton may be sufficient and even more comfortable.

Short glossary to help you understand better:

  • Hydrophilic : this means that the fiber attracts and retains water (this is the case with cotton).

  • Quick-drying (wicking) : a fiber that does not absorb but “slides” sweat to the outside of the fabric so that it evaporates.

  • Breathability : A fabric's ability to allow air and moisture to pass through.

  • Grammage : weight of the fabric (light = dries quickly, heavy = retains heat and water).

When to use cotton in sports?

During the warm-up

Before exercising, the goal is to warm up your body. A cotton sweatshirt or hoodie helps retain heat and is perfect for the first few minutes of activity.

After the effort

During the recovery phase, wearing a cotton hoodie prevents you from getting cold. It keeps your body warm, even if some moisture remains in the fabric.

For gentle sports

Yoga, Pilates, stretching, walking: cotton is ideal because it is comfortable, soft, natural and often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Practical advice

1- Choose your textile according to the sport : high intensity = technical fabric, soft intensity = cotton.

2- Look at the weight : the heavier the fabric, the slower it dries.

3- Cotton + synthetic blend : this is often the right compromise between comfort and performance.

4 - Test it for yourself : try a session with cotton and one with polyester, you will quickly feel the difference.

Conclusion

Cotton isn't a bad choice, but it's not suitable for all situations.

  • For intensity and performance → choose a technical textile.

  • For comfort, recovery or gentle sports → cotton remains an excellent option.

Knowing your sportswear well allows you to optimize your comfort and performance… and avoid the discomfort of a wet t-shirt!

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