Fabric innovation! Not swearing sportswear, the secret is actually a shrimp shell

When you're working up a sweat at the gym, the last thing you want is for your body to smell like it's been through a marathon. But what's even worse is when your sportswear, made from synthetic fabrics designed for breathability, ends up smelling like a locker room after being washed. It's not just uncomfortable — it's embarrassing. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a Vancouver-based startup named Strongbody has finally cracked this age-old problem by incorporating chitin — a natural compound found in the shells of shrimp and crabs — into their fabric. This innovation ensures that even after intense workouts, your clothes won’t carry that unpleasant odor. The company recently launched two new products on Kickstarter, with T-shirts priced at $22 and men’s shorts at $74 (or $65). Their campaign was a huge success, raising over $21,000 — well beyond their initial goal of $15,000. Strongbody isn’t the only brand tackling the issue of smelly workout gear. Well-known names like Lululemon and Patagonia have also experimented with silver chloride in their fabrics, which helps inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, Strongbody chose a different approach by using chitin, a naturally derived fiber known for its antibacterial properties. Chitin has long been used in medical applications, such as wound dressings and dietary supplements, making it a safe and effective choice for sportswear. One of the co-founders, Meghan Conyers, shared that Strongbody wasn’t initially focused on high-tech solutions. Their goal was simple: to create stylish, functional sportswear for gymnasts, not just yoga or running enthusiasts. Conyers emphasized that the chitin-infused fabric is completely undetectable — you can't see or feel it. Even people with sensitive skin can wear it without worry. A 2005 study published in *Military Medicine* noted that individuals allergic to crustaceans don’t typically react to chitin powder, reinforcing its safety. Currently, Strongbody’s most affordable item is a $68 vest, while their priciest piece is a $148 sleeveless sweater. The fabric is soft, wrinkle-resistant, and chemical-resistant, and the designs are sleek, featuring mesh panels or cutouts for added style. Conyers, who used to be a personal trainer, partnered with gym manager Quincy Samycia in 2011 to develop a fabric blend that would highlight the body while remaining comfortable. They introduced their first line of men’s and women’s sportswear online using a polyester-chitin mix. Conyers revealed that she and Samycia still wear the original Strongbody clothes from two years ago, and they still smell fresh — proving that their solution works.

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