How to manage excessive sweating: from cooling bedding to leak-proof underwear

Sweating is completely normal, but for some of us, it can feel anything but. If you’re constantly checking your underarms, avoiding light colours, or finding yourself overheating even when it’s not warm, you could be dealing with more than just a little post-gym glow.

Known as hyperhidrosis, according to NHS, excessive sweating affects around 1 in 100 people and can be triggered by everything from stress to hormones to simply bad luck. But here’s the good news: we spoke to a team of experts, and there are ways to manage it. And no, it doesn’t always mean heading straight for clinical treatment.

However, if you’re constantly battling sweaty palms, feet or a shiny face, you’re not alone; and the treatment options are growing. Treatwell has seen a surge in clinics offering hyperhidrosis treatments, including the increasingly popular Sweatox, which is Botox for sweating. This fix involves tiny injections of botulinum toxin (yep, the same one used for wrinkles) to temporarily switch off overactive sweat glands. It’s quick, usually between 30 minutes to an hour, and results have been popular for anyone tired of blotting, powdering or avoiding handshakes.

What’s normal sweating, and what is excessive?

According to Dr Leah Totton, medical doctor and founder of Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics, says: “It can be hard to differentiate between whether you naturally sweat more than others, or whether you have hyperhidrosis. I suggest seeing a GP to discuss your symptoms.” Key signs? “Visible sweating even when you’re not hot or exercising, or if your skin stays wet for a long time; especially if it affects your daily activities.”

The most commonly affected areas? “Underarms, hands, soles and face,” she says.

What can you do at home?

Start by switching up your essentials. Not all antiperspirants are for the same purpose. For those struggling with dampness or odour, a clinical-strength formula with aluminium chloride can make a huge difference. They work best when applied at night, giving the active ingredients time to plug overactive sweat ducts.

Loose, breathable fabrics are also your friend. Look for bamboo, modal or moisture-wicking cotton, and layer up with darker tones or patterned shirts if you’re worried about visibility. Keep a few secret weapons in your day bag too; think underarm sweat shields, deodorant wipes, or blotting paper for your face and scalp.

If you’re sweating during meetings, on commutes, or ahead of events, cooling sprays or mini fans can offer quick relief; as can swapping your morning latte for water, since caffeine and heat are major triggers.

For anyone with big events coming up, treatments can also offer a confidence boost, especially if the sweating is affecting your quality of life. “Botox for excessive sweating or underarm sweating is a popular treatment with our clients, especially those preparing for public speaking or big occasions,” says nurse Nicky Smith, head of injectables at Thérapie Clinic, which offers sweat-reducing options nationwide. “The treatment works by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands, and results are usually seen around the two-week mark.”

Just be mindful: “Our bodies still need to sweat,” she adds. “In rare cases, if one area stops, sweat may be redirected elsewhere; though most clients report a more even reduction overall.”

What are your triggers?

If you’re considering a clinic-based route, Dr Nyla Raja, dermatology GP and founder of Dr Nyla Medispa, recommends treating both the physical and emotional triggers. “People with hyperhidrosis often notice patches on clothes or need to reapply antiperspirant multiple times a day,” she says. “There’s also a link with emotional triggers; stress or anxiety can ramp up sweating, especially around the hairline, nose or hands.”

She adds, “I often advise patients to look at their routines. Think about what’s triggering your sweat, is it caffeine, stress, alcohol or heat? Practising calming techniques and switching up your habits can reduce symptoms naturally before opting for injectables or more intense treatments.”

While it might feel frustrating, it’s worth remembering: sweating is a biological function, not a personal failure. With the right essentials and a little expert insight, it’s entirely possible to keep it under control.

Read on for more.

Saalt Leakproof Mesh Hipster

Suitable for period use and incontinence issues, they’ve also been marketed for excessive sweating, as the barely-there pants offer everyday protection against unwanted spills. Enjoy a worry-free day out and about with these in your underwear drawer. They come in all shades of nude with a leak-proof design.

Buy now £39.00, Saalt

Wild Natural Deodorant

Wild natural deodorant is a powerful yet gentle option for those who sweat more than most.

Made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, it’s designed to be kind to sensitive underarms while helping you stay confidently dry throughout the day. The aluminium case is built to last, and once you've picked your scent, you simply pop in a refill.

Each refill is crafted from bamboo pulp – 100 per cent plastic-free, compostable and recyclable from home. Sweat hard, stay fresh, and ditch the plastic.

Buy now £12.00, Wild

Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra

Waking up feeling refreshed has never been easier thanks to this advanced sleep technology. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 offers a temperature control system, which adjusts throughout the night to maintain the perfect sleep environment. This personalised temperature regulation keeps you comfortable, preventing overheating or chills, and improving the overall quality of your sleep.

What sets it apart is its smart alarm feature, which gradually increases the bed’s temperature to gently wake you up. This smooth, natural wake-up helps avoid the shock of traditional alarms, leaving you more energised and ready to start the day.

Additionally, the Pod tracks your sleep patterns and offers personalised insights, allowing you to fine-tune your sleep habits for even better results.

Buy now £3999.00, Eight Sleep

Dyson AM09 Hot+Cool Jet Focus

A year-round essential, the Dyson Hot+Cool uses Jet Focus technology to deliver fast, focused warmth in winter and smooth, cooling airflow in summer. Switch to diffused mode to heat the whole room evenly, or go for a direct blast when you need instant comfort.

The bladeless design isn’t just modern; it’s safer, quieter, and easier to clean. A curved, magnetic remote control fits neatly on top when not in use, keeping things tidy.

Buy now £299.99, Dyson

LETSCOL Portable Handheld Fan

Offering extra cooling thanks to a humidifier function, you can mist and cool yourself with this cute handbag hero, which also comes in green and white.

Fully charged in three hours, it can offer up to 10 hours of operating use when used at the lowest speed, making it ideal for all sorts of journeys when the air con is in short supply.

The blades are powerful yet soft, so they won't nick if you accidentally fumble your fingers across them. The fan can also be charged via a USB port, making it a far greener option than a fan that uses regular batteries.

Buy now £9.59, Amazon

The White Company Temperature Balance Quilter Mattress Protector

If you’re forever throwing one leg out of the duvet to find the perfect sleep temperature, this could be the topper for you.

Great for those who are naturally hotter in bed than others, it’s made with Outlast, a high-tech fabric that uses microencapsulated natural wax to capture and store body heat, a trick that the company says avoids overheating in the first place.

Crucially, if the temperature suddenly drops, the wax capsules can release the heat back, keeping your sleeping space a consistent temperature. This model feels very padded with a quilted cover and fits neatly over the mattress with a skirt, rather than straps.

We didn’t notice any noise from it at night, which can sometimes be a problem with waterproof fabrics. The outer is made from soft Outlast and 100 per cent cotton, which feels cool and comfortable and gives a good night’s sleep.

Buy now £125.00, The White Company

Wuwahold Microfiber Gym Towels

This trio of sumptuously soft microfibre towels may not look sizeable, but each towel measures a whopping 78 x 38cm - making them not only incredibly value-for-money, but perfect for placing on gym equipment or wrapping yourself in after a shower.

Built to last, each towel is equipped with a hanging loop and has an edge banding design, which helps to reduce wear and tear after washing. Plus, they each feature a lovely little motivational reminder to ‘be fearless’ embroidered in the corner.

Buy now £9.43, Amazon