The Unexpected Perks of Sweating: Why I’ve Learned to Embrace It

When I was in one of my classes last year, we had to form teams to develop a pitch for the end of the semester. I pitched a version of Ava’s Armour that applied to both men and women, and since no one else had an idea, we went with it. The guys in my group actually liked the concept—it was relatable to want to wear your favorite T-shirt to the gym without worrying about odor getting trapped or dried sweat rings staining the fabric. But unfortunately, they still made a joke or two about the kind of person who would buy it. It felt insensitive to me, as someone who would buy something like this in a heartbeat. That moment lit a fire under me. I thought, They just don’t understand what I’m talking about yet—but I’m going to prove it.

When we finally pitched, we didn’t win best idea, but we did win People’s Choice. And that’s when I realized—this is something people actually want. Not just people with hyperhidrosis like me, but people in general. I was happy.

Excessive sweating is frustrating. You can go from one moment of wanting to ask your coworker how their day is going to suddenly sweating your ass off just from being so hyper-focused on the conversation—especially when it turns serious, or, god forbid, you start talking about the news. That happens to me a lot, at least.

But I ask you: What if we saw it differently?

Sweat = Connection & Authenticity

Sweating is vulnerable. And vulnerability brings people closer.

I recently shared a meme on my new instagram @therealavasarmour about sweating through my gym outfit before I even started my workout. I expected some laughs, but what surprised me was that two of my friends commented that this happens to them, too. A few others liked the post. Just by putting that out there, I sparked a conversation.

Sweat is a shared experience—whether it’s bonding over sweaty handshakes, gym mishaps, or humid-day struggles. I remember the first time my boyfriend held my hand through the sweat. It made me love him deeper—bonded. My gym friend has the same problem with sweaty palms, so we got wrist straps for our assisted pull-ups. Now, we feel more experienced. But it’s not just us—so many people struggle with grip because of sweat. The first time I tried a pull-up without my straps, my hands slipped right off the bar. You’d think with this cold Ohio weather, sweating would be the least of my worries, but the constant temperature changes from moving inside to outside create stress sweat that most of us probably experience.

And honestly? Sometimes you just have to laugh.

I know that every time I’ve been networking and I go in for a handshake, I always say, “Sorry my hands are so sweaty, I’m just excited to get the chance to talk with you :)" It’s usually the first laugh in the conversation and a great way to break the ice. We’re all human.

Sweat = Mindfulness & Self-Awareness

Sweating forces you to check in with your body and emotions. It’s a physical reaction to stress, excitement, or anxiety. Acknowledging it helps you practice self-awareness.

I was always taught that the first step to managing an anxious or stressed thought is to acknowledge that it’s there and that it’s a part of you. That’s what I’ve been practicing with my sweat stains. I give space for the infinite versions of myself that exist. I start by saying, I am anxious, then follow with, I am calm. Then, I am stressed, and follow with, I am confident. Finally, I choose: I am choosing I am calm and I am confident.

This “infinite I am” technique is something I learned from Shelly Bullard. She has an entire website and YouTube channel dedicated to manifestation techniques, and this lesson stuck with me. It’s common in affirmations to start with I am, but what makes this different is recognizing that as humans, we contain all versions of ourselves. We are infinitely the most confident and the most insecure. There will always be emotional contrast—that’s what gives positive emotions their meaning.

Without contrast, life would be boring.

Nine times out of ten, I’m not happy in the moment to be sweating. But I am happy to be making something good from it. Passion is built from both the good and the bad emotions, and I’m equally grateful to experience and learn from both.

Even though loving fashion and styling is a gift of mine, practicing mindfulness is a talent I’m still working on. With hyperhidrosis, I’ve been turning to mindfulness since my sophomore year of high school—four years now—to treat this condition head-on in my mind.

Reclaiming Sweat as Part of Self-Empowerment

Ava’s Armour exists not to erase sweat, but to work with it—offering sweatproof solutions without shame. Thank you for your time and attention, I’m so grateful you’re here. Please feel free to reach out to me and share your experience!

What’s one time sweating actually worked in your favor? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories.