Olfactophilia, a little-known fetish involving sexual attraction to body odour, is gaining attention as some singles deliberately avoid deodorant to enhance their natural scent. Defined by Urban Dictionary as 'sexual arousal caused by body odour,' the most commonly appreciated areas include the pubic area, under the breasts, armpits, and feet.
The Rise of 'Pheromone Maxxing'
The trend of 'pheromone maxxing' is increasingly being adopted by the manosphere, touted as a technique to secure more dates by being stinkier. However, this approach overlooks the fact that most people do not actively enjoy the scent of someone who has avoided showering to build up a particular odour. Additionally, the gender politics and misogyny associated with dating a man aligned with such ideology is a separate concern.
Despite this, there is scientific backing for the idea that light sweat can be attractive. Ness Cooper, a clinical sexologist and therapist, attributes this to pheromones, often referred to as love chemicals. These are substances produced by the body that trigger behavioural responses and influence how we attract and choose partners.
The Science Behind Scent Attraction
Cooper told Metro: 'Our scents are greatly linked to biome, which is how our sweat and the bacteria on our bodies smell to those around us, to help indicate immunity and fertility.' She added that scent also helps share pheromones, which can act as signals to turn others on, noting that some perfumes contain these substances.
Certain scents can trigger histamine responses, increasing heart rate and other physical reactions. Memorable sexual experiences, whether positive or negative, can also be encoded in scent. Cooper explained that memory is one of the most amazing things scents can enhance, which is why sex therapy often uses scent-neutral environments to avoid triggering erotic moments.
New vs. Established Partners
There is a distinction between finding sweat attractive in an established partner versus a new date. Cooper noted that a new scent may seem exciting and lower inhibition because the body is curious. In longer-term relationships, individuals may experience less of this and instead seek comfort.
On the r/NoStupidQuestions Subreddit, @No_Fudge1228 admitted to being 'this kind of weirdo,' expressing a preference for natural, clean armpits without deodorant or perfume. @carrott36 revealed they 'love' their man's stinky armpits, saying it satisfies them on an unexplainable level. @purplemonkey_123 described their husband's smell as 'grounding and calming,' recounting how deep breaths during a hug helped them feel more relaxed.
Morning Breath and Attachment
Similar to olfactophilia, some people are turned on by the smell of their partner's morning breath. Susie Masterson, a BACP-registered psychotherapist and relationship coach, previously told Metro that sensory experiences play a huge part in associations of arousal, intimacy, bonding, and connection, citing scented candles, massage oils, champagne, and strawberries as examples.
Masterson explained: 'While breath is not considered a pheromone, our associations with it have a similar effect. Pheromones trigger a behavioural response; one of them is signalling that we are ready for sex.' Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney's sex and relationship expert, added that when we feel truly comfortable with someone, we begin to associate their smell with them in the morning, nurturing a positive response to it. This suggests it is less about finding morning breath attractive in general and more about the attachment formed to a partner's specific scent.
