Fashion tip: deodorant doesn’t go out of style after Labor Day

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Fashion tip: deodorant doesn’t go out of style after Labor Day

September 1st, 2014 · 49 comments

Scott in Cincinnati says this is merely the latest notice he’s seen posted at his father-in-law’s cab company.

Notice; It has come to my attention that some of us aren't using deodorant. We all need to use deodorant. Also, no more tank tops or sleeveless shirts. this only brings out the B.O.

FILED UNDER: Cincinnati · hygiene · odor

49 responses so far ↓

#1 Belaani

On the other hand, who expects a cab to smell like the fitting room in a bridal salon?

Sep 1, 2014 at 5:28 pm rating: 90

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#2 Poltergeist

I was under the impression that sweaty tank tops and a lack of deodorant were a part of the strictly enforced cab driver dress code.

Sep 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm rating: 90

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- #2.1 The Elf
  
  Along with air fresheners to “mask” the cab scent.
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 7:31 am rating: 90
- #2.2 TKD
  
  I thought that smell WAS the air freshener! Is it possible for every cab driver I’ve ever encountered to have that same odor?
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 9:50 am rating: 90
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#3 L

You know, I’m not a cab driver, but I’m gonna smell a lot worse if I’m sweating through a long-sleeved shirt than chilling in a nice cool T-shirt.

Sep 1, 2014 at 6:57 pm rating: 90

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- #3.1 nicole
  
  I think this means cut off sleeve type t-shirts, not regular ones.
  
  Sep 1, 2014 at 7:17 pm rating: 90
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#4 Jami

Antiperspirant is your friend, people. And the friend of everyone’s noses. After all, BO does NOT stand for “Beautiful Odor.”

Sep 1, 2014 at 10:44 pm rating: 90

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#5 assiveProgressive

Is the air conditioning broken? Hey, maybe drivers should shave their pits, too.

Sep 1, 2014 at 11:57 pm rating: 90

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- #5.1 Nic
  
  To be honest, I’ve never understood why more men don’t shave their pits. After all, if they’re going to argue “hygiene” for why women ought to, then surely it goes both ways?
  
  (Nothing against anyone who actively chooses not to shave, but I know I never feel wholly clean when my pit hair gets longer than 1cm or so, simply because the sweat doesn’t evaporate so easily…)
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 2:12 am rating: 90
- #5.2 Poltergeist
  
  It’s not really about hygiene. Daily showering takes care of that, and if you’re having a particularly gross, sweaty day, you should probably take another shower anyway regardless of your shaving habits.
  
  It’s just the idea that body hair is a masculine trait while a lack of it is a feminine trait. It does have some basis in reality of course since most men grow more hair than women, but society takes it to the extreme (as is usually the case.)
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 8:34 am rating: 90
- #5.3 Jami
  
  Ah – but shaving is good for both genders. They’ve found evidence that even cavemen shaved off all their body and head hair. Using sharpened stones or shells. Or they’d rub it off using sand. Because removing the hair allowed for fewer bug infestations and fewer skin infections.
  
  My mom had a friend who’s son has to shave his pits for a sports team. He found even when he wasn’t doing that sport he used 50% less deodorant when his pits were shaved. Last I heard he’s in his 50s now and still shaves his pits.
  
  So shaving is good for women AND men.
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 9:12 am rating: 90
- #5.4 Jami
  
  And BTW, if being hairy is “masculine” then how come male body builders are all hairless?
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 9:13 am rating: 90
- #5.5 TKD
  
  Body builders are usually shaved hairless so that it is easier to see the clear definition of their bulging muscles.
  Or so I’ve heard…
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 9:47 am rating: 90
- #5.6 The Elf
  
  Well, there’s manly and then there’s body builders. I wouldn’t put them in the same category. I like big, beefy, muscular, athletic guys, but I also like them looking like men and not some effed up dolls.
  
  The real problem, if they’re having BO, is sweating and showering. Shaving might let you use less anti-perspirant, but it doesn’t help if you are unfamiliar with the concept of using anti-perspirant at all, or if showering is something reserved for special occassions.
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 10:48 am rating: 90
- #5.7 pooham
  
  Not everyone takes daily showers. (Not everyone needs to.)
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 3:36 pm rating: 90
- #5.8 The Elf
  
  Uh, never said you had to.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 8:13 am rating: 90
- #5.9 pooham
  
  Clarification:
  
  Poltergeist, not everybody takes daily showers.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 11:02 am rating: 90
- #5.10 Poltergeist
  
  Maybe not everybody, but a lot of people need to. Shaving your pits isn’t a replacement for bathing.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 4:53 pm rating: 90
- #5.11 Harold Finch
  
  Everyone needs to wash their pits, at the VERY least, though.
  
  Sep 4, 2014 at 7:21 am rating: 90
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#6 Kasaba

The cabs in London are pretty decent. The ones I usually take anyway. Black cabs are clean, but filthy expensive, and therefore a last resort. The cars of the local cab company I use are always immaculately clean and the drivers are well-presented immigrants, with whom I’ve had some of the most interesting/philosophical conversations ever.

Anyone who takes an unbooked minicab is a fool.

Sep 2, 2014 at 8:08 am rating: 90

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#7 Tara Highman

On the bus the other day, I encountered a woman with a rather persistent… scent signature.

Fortunately, it was an end-of-the-line stop and she was exiting as we boarded. The driver allowed a few minutes with the doors open to allow the funk to dissipate. That was some rank stuff. I really felt sorry for the kid who was traveling along with her. He had no means of escape.

I am surprised I don’t encounter this more often on public transit. I guess we Austinites are an hygienic bunch.

Sep 2, 2014 at 8:43 am rating: 90

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- #7.1 Hyacinth
  
  I once worked at a car dealership in the service department. We had one couple come in (mom and grown son) periodically for service on their upscale vehicle. We used to fight over who had to move the car around to the service bay. I don’t know if they lived in that car or what! But years later we still refer to something particularly smelly as [their last name]. Interesting side note, he paid the bill in cash from a brief case he carried that appeared to be stuffed with cash.
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 11:55 am rating: 90
- #7.2 LeStank
  
  I once had a member of my (non-immediate) family come to visit me, who smelled like nothing I’ve ever encountered in my life. She had just gotten off a long flight and I asked if she would like to shower. She brushed off the idea and proceeded to spend the rest of the night *literally* clearing out rooms (we were having a party) with her stench. I made the mistake of giving her my room to sleep in and ended up having to throw out the pillows because the stink had soaked in. I don’t even understand how someone can smell like that.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 7:59 am rating: 90
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#8 Nee

Does this guy really think sleeveless ‘brings out the BO’??? It could actually lessen it – the sweat can evaporate rather than fester in cramped quarters, waiting patiently for the bacteria to come munch on it.

Sep 2, 2014 at 6:14 pm rating: 90

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#9 sharon

Some folks are allergic to most deodorants and antiperspirants. Other people have medical reasons they cannot use it. There are also compelling arguments against clogging your armpits pores preventing one of the body’s natural expulsion and temperature control.

All of that hippy s*it said, maybe these guys should start with a bath and then graduate to running the cab’s A/C. Or petition their labor unions to require functioning A/C in the cabs at their next contract negotiation.

Or kill themselves. Everyone should just kill themselves.

Sep 3, 2014 at 6:33 am rating: 90

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- #9.1 TKD
  
  Wow, somebody needs a hug this morning.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 7:55 am rating: 90
- #9.2 The Elf
  
  Yes, people have allergies. Myself among them – there are very few brands I can tolerate and I had to go pretty much 6 months without while I figured it out. (A reaction meant a rash and hives, which meant I had to avoid more product while it healed, then I’d try another…..)
  
  Anyway, it sucked. But there are ways to stay clean and not stink without anti-perspirant or deoderant. It just takes some effort.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 8:11 am rating: 90
- #9.3 H for Toy
  
  Other than daily showering, do you have some tips? My 6 year-old stepdaughter has started smelling like she needs deodorant, and all parents agree she’s too young for anti-perspirant. We don’t want her to smell, but we also don’t want to start her on deodorant yet.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 10:33 am rating: 90
- #9.4 labdude
  
  H,
  Not to be alarmist, but have you (or other parents) consulted a physician? 6 yo seems a little young for b.o. problems, and this could be a symptom of some medical issue. Any chance she’s diabetic? Ketoacidosis is known to produce or change b.o. due to the release of ketones through the skin.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 10:55 am rating: 90
- #9.5 The Elf
  
  Wet wipes for freshening up, talcum powder can help absorb sweat and oils. And some days, you’re just gonna stink until you can take a shower.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 11:14 am rating: 90
- #9.6 H for Toy
  
  I did tell her mother she needs to call the pediatrician about it, labdude. I will continue to follow up with her, but I can’t make the call myself because we don’t carry her insurance, and I’m not legally a parent. Until we know one way or another, any tips are welcome. Thanks Elf!
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 1:32 pm rating: 90
- #9.7 Jami
  
  If you’re allergic to the stuff I’m sure the doctor can find something you can use that you won’t have a reaction to.
  
  And then there’s the idiots that believe antiperspirant causes breast cancer. *rolls eyes*
  
  There’s no excuse to stink unless you’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 3:23 pm rating: 90
- #9.8 Poltergeist
  
  I work at a school and this occasionally happens, especially with the girls who are early bloomers. That doesn’t usually happen until they’re at least 10 though. She might have some kind of condition if this is starting when she’s so young, so the parents definitely need to ask their pediatrician.
  
  Now let’s just hypothetically say that the pediatrician says she’s healthy and also says there are child-safe antiperspirants out there, then there really isn’t a reason not to give it a try. The parents may think she’s “too young,” but that’s really their issue and not their daughter’s. I’m sure a lot of those 10-12 year old girls at my school could safely use deodorant, but the parents are reluctant to admit their little girl is growing up. Either that or they’re just lazy.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 5:28 pm rating: 90
- #9.9 kermit
  
  Unless the kid is reeking like they just shit their pants, I don’t really see why any of this is the teacher’s/school’s call.
  
  The vast majority of classroom activity don’t require close bodily contact to the extent that you’d be able to smell somebody’s body odor.
  
  Personally, I’m really grateful that more and more places are becoming scent-free because the only thing worse than somebody reeking of body odor is somebody who decided to pickle themselves in perfume/after-shave – I’m looking at you Middle Easter and Italian dudes.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 5:57 pm rating: 90
- #9.10 Poltergeist
  
  I never said it was the teacher/school’s call. In fact, nobody I know has ever brought up the issue with a parent because it’s really not harmful enough to warrant it. It’s still unpleasant though.
  
  If somebody has BO, you don’t have to be right on top of them to smell it. I’ve sat opposite a kid at a table to help them with their homework and had to breathe through my mouth. And it’s not even the adults who will bring up the issue, but the other kids. They have noses too.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 6:31 pm rating: 90
- #9.11 assiveProgressive
  
  I wonder if the other kids already are teasing her (dare I say ”bullying” her about the odor). Something definitely seems not right. On another note, why is it that only one brand of pit juice seems to work for me? I smell hideous unless I use the made for a man stuff which fortunately is very cheap.
  
  Sep 4, 2014 at 1:23 am rating: 90
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#10 kermit

If by “wet wipes” you mean just rubbing alcohol, then I agree. Not all wet wipes are like that, so you have to be really careful to read the ingredients list. The ones with Lysol (or other strong cleaner) should definitely not be used to clean anybody, let alone a six year old kid.

Also, I think it’s worth pointing out that deodorant=/= antiperspirant. Antiperspirant typically contains aluminum chlorohydrate and “prevents” you from sweating by clogging up the pores in your armpit. Deodorant masks the sweat smell and assists in evaporation by the fact that it contains (rubbing) alcohol. Deodorant can be used safely by anybody (kid or adult).

Sep 3, 2014 at 1:15 pm rating: 90

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- #10.1 H for Toy
  
  Dear Lord, I hope I won’t have to explain to her mother not to use Clorox clean-up wipes on her daughter’s armpits! We discussed baby powder or teen deodorant (not antiperspirant) as options. I was just wondering if anyone had any other brilliant ideas.
  
  Sep 3, 2014 at 2:12 pm rating: 90
- #10.2 buni
  
  There are plenty of organic deodorants on the market now. The one I use is just arrowroot powder, baking soda, and some essential oils. I had to try several to find the one that works for me, but I’m very satisfied with it now.
  
  Sep 8, 2014 at 7:56 am rating: 90
- #10.3 Amy in Toronto
  
  You can just as easily make your own deodorant that smells as you want it to (depending on the essential oils you choose to use), doesn’t have any chemicals and performs as well, if not better, than the commercial stuff. I make my own and prefer the subtle scent of lemongrass or tangerine or vanilla:
  6-8 Tbsp. coconut oil (solid state)
  1/4 cup baking soda
  1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferable)
  
  • Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder/cornstarch.
  • Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken.
  • You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.
  
  Oct 1, 2014 at 12:44 pm rating: 90
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#11 Quite Contrary

My co-worker scratches her head and then sniffs it in meetings. I want to smell that less than the rank cab drivers. At least I can open a cab window.

Sep 3, 2014 at 1:34 pm rating: 90

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- #11.1 assiveProgressive
  
  I watched a bit of Homeland today (a Showtime series), and before the main character sashays into a work meeting, she is shown at home, popping a pill and wiping her filthy vajayjay with a rag. That just grossed me out, imagining what she must have been doing the night before. No time for a shower, though. I’m sure she smelled lovely.
  
  Sep 4, 2014 at 1:34 am rating: 90
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#12 cerita pendek

it is a trivial but important note. my mother also often give such records.

Sep 6, 2014 at 1:01 pm rating: 90

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#13 Karie

I suggest that anybody with hyperhydrosis(excessive sweating) shave their pits. It really does help. For me it’s mostly genetic, but the meds I take worsen it. Gender selective shaving is BS, if you have excessive sweating or bad BO–shave em–if it helps!

I am obsessive about shaving my pits because the hair allows the sweat to linger and become trapped. I’ve tried all kinds of anti-pers and deodorant, I’ve just decided to carry deodorant with me and wear breathable undershirts.\

I’ve tried the organic and natural deoderants, but they don’t work for me, or at least they don’t work for the whole day–more like 2 hours of sitting without activity. This is an embarrassing problem!

Sleeveless shirts can cut down on sweating–which lingers and then traps bacteria=stink. I wear sleeveless shirts but bring a cardigan or blazer with me and make it office appropriate.

Sep 8, 2014 at 11:57 am rating: 90

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#14 rebecca

I find that generally people’s Body Odour is less about whether they shave or wear deodorant, and more about how often they wash certain articles of clothing. Or in this case, how often they detail their taxi – which is likely never. I would wager a guess that after sitting on a cloth covered chair for 12 hours a day, six days a week said chair will be rank no matter how much deodorant you wear.

Sep 8, 2014 at 2:42 pm rating: 90

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#15 havingfitz

Definitely team note-writer. A few years ago I had a young female coworker who refused to wear deodorant because it ‘didn’t work on her’. She also seldom bathed and wore the same clothing every day. She sat right behind me and every time she raised her arms, a baby angel died. She would also become highly offended if anyone dared speak to her about it, saying everyone was out to get her. If one person has an issue with how you smell, yeah, that might be just someone being overly sensitive. If your entire office is saying ‘Listen, you have a a problem’, then take a hint already.

Sep 9, 2014 at 1:00 am rating: 90

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#16 pinoy

This is good customer service strategy. Cab drivers must smell nice you know

Sep 11, 2014 at 8:35 pm rating: 90

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#17 Ruthless

If you can’t wear pit stick, use a baking soda and water paste on your underarms, it will kill the bacteria that make the stink. Sweat doesn’t stink, the bacteria on your skin does

Sep 13, 2014 at 9:54 pm rating: 90

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#18 Dr.Chalkwitheringlicktacklefeff

I’m on board with the idea of sending a passive-aggressive-seeming note to everyone rather than embarrassing the specific individuals in this case.

Oct 11, 2014 at 9:58 am rating: 90

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