The Inspiration Behind Ava’s Armour: My Journey to Sweat-Proof, Sustainable Fashion
It all begins with an idea.
The image at the top of this post? I took it in the bathroom of OSU’s Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship during a student resource fair. I had carefully chosen my outfit—a stylish black dress layered over a pumpkin-colored polyester button-up—hoping to look professional while showing off my personal style. But as I spoke with representatives from the Business Law Clinic and explored the campus 3D printing lab, I noticed something unsettling: people weren’t looking me in the eye. Their gazes kept dropping—right to my chest.
Nope, not what you think. They were staring at the massive sweat stains soaking through my shirt, spreading from the front to my sides and even my back. I kept my arms locked at my sides, but it didn’t matter—the stains were visible from multiple angles. I rushed to the bathroom, filmed a quick video as proof of my frustration, and continued the event with my black dress zipped up like armor, hiding the evidence.
I left my house that morning feeling on point. I came home defeated, once again betrayed by sweat stains that made me feel anything but confident.
That moment solidified my vision for Ava’s Armour—a brand I’ve dreamed of for years. We’re here to create moisture-wicking garments that prevent sweat marks, boost confidence, and allow for self-expression, all without relying on athletic wear.
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The Moment That Sparked Ava’s Armour
You know how most students write about overcoming challenges in their college essays? Well, I wrote about hyperhidrosis—a condition that causes excessive sweating, often linked to anxiety. I don’t mean light perspiration; I mean staining clothes even after they dry, leaving behind permanent white rings.
Kind of like
this <—
I first noticed it in Catholic elementary school when I had to raise my arms during prayer—fully aware that my classmates could see sweat stains seeping through my white blouse and endure my sweaty palms. I ruined multiple uniforms, not from wear and tear, but from sweat damage. Years later, I still face the same struggle, now relying on dark-colored blazers or layering up to hide the problem. But why should I have to?
Research & Development: Finding the Right Solution
I’ve explored countless ways to engineer a truly sweat-proof, sustainable fabric. My first idea? 3D-printing garments from recycled PET plastic. The logic seemed solid—if the material was thick enough, sweat wouldn’t seep through, right? But a mentor quickly shut that down: “If I can’t throw it in the wash and go about my day, I wouldn’t buy it.”
Now, my biggest challenge? Getting fabric suppliers to take me seriously as a young entrepreneur. But I refuse to let that stop me.
Why Sustainability & Adaptive Fashion Matter
Fast fashion fails people like me. If you deal with hyperhidrosis, postpartum night sweats, menopause hot flashes, or simply sweat while commuting, you know that most clothing isn’t designed with real bodies and real experiences in mind.
More than that, the fashion industry’s waste problem is massive. Of the 100 billion garments produced annually, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. Instead of adding to the waste, Ava’s Armour will focus on recycled or whole materials and ethical production—because fashion should be built to last, function, and empower.
The Future of Ava’s Armour
My vision for Ava’s Armour’s first collection is simple:
✔ Fabric that works. Sweat-proof, breathable, and comfortable.
✔ Design that empowers. Structured, stylish, and mindfully crafted.
✔ A brand that connects. Built for a community that understands the struggle—because no one should have to face it alone.
If sweat, anxiety, or hormones try to steal your confidence, they don’t stand a chance against the haven of therapeutic design we’re building together. This brand is more than clothing—it’s a movement for women who refuse to let sweat stains dictate their power.
🤝✨ Join me on this journey—subscribe for exclusive updates and be part of the launch! Sign up here.
p.s. Here’s a picture of my sweat stain while writing this post :)