How to Stop Back Sweat While Driving

Getting a sweaty back is fairly common when driving or riding a vehicle on a hot or humid day. This is especially the case if your vehicle has leather seats since the material isn’t very breathable. Whether it’s on your daily commute or a long road trip, having a sweaty back can make the car ride uncomfortable. It’s a good thing there are several practical and effective ways to stop back sweat and ensure you’re riding comfortably. 

Purchase A Mesh Seat Cover

Mesh is made from an open-weave fabric that has thousands of tiny holes that allow air to circulate and sweat to evaporate. Simultaneously, the air circulation prevents heat from the person’s body from building up, potentially preventing the person from sweating.

Install Beaded Seat Covers

Beaded seat covers have wooden or plastic beads that are strung together using fabric. These beads have gaps or open spaces between them to allow airflow and ventilation. Overall, the cooling effect is very similar to mesh seat covers. However, beaded seat covers have the added benefit of having a massage effect. Putting your weight onto the beaded seat cover will push the beads onto your skin, which can be relaxing.

Wear Cool and Breathable Fabrics;

Aside from changing your seat’s material, you can also wear clothing with different fabrics. Cotton might be considered one of the most breathable fabrics, but it can become quite uncomfortable once you start swearing. Wearing cotton can be quite uncomfortable considering many vehicles have leather upholstery that can cause your back to sweat easily. This is because cotton tends to absorb and hold on to moisture instead of wicking it away from your skin.

You can find out how to avoid back sweat by selecting materials that wick away moisture and contribute to a more comfortable ride. One of the best materials to wear if you have a hot leather interior is polyester, which is the go-to choice for sports brands and activewear because it’s lightweight and breathable. The fabric itself repels water instead of absorbing it and also allows sweat to evaporate easily. Resting your back on the hot leather seat might still cause you to sweat, but your polyester shirt will help keep you cool.

Turn Up the Air-Conditioning or Ventilate the Car

You can just crank up the air-conditioning to prevent your body from sweating. After all, your body’s nervous system only triggers sweat glands when your body temperature rises. Keeping your vehicle’s cabin cold can prevent your body from heating up to the point where it sweats. However, simply cranking up the air-conditioning system might not be enough to cool the cabin on hot summer days or if your vehicle’s air-conditioning is compromised. If the vehicle’s air-conditioning isn’t providing any cooling, you might want to open your vehicle’s windows to allow the trapped hot air to escape.

Keep a Cloth or Towel

Putting a towel directly on your back can soak up sweat instantly. The towel will instantly absorb the sweat and keep your skin feeling dry and fresh. The towel also acts as a barrier between your skin and the leather, minimizing the contact between your body and the warm, sticky seat. That said, the towel can only keep you dry for so long. Once the towel has soaked up a lot of sweat, it’ll start to feel damp and hot.

Get Ventilated Seats

Ventilated seats are becoming a popular feature in modern cars because they give passengers a comfortable seating experience. These seats incorporate fans and small perforations on the seat itself that allow air to circulate. The airflow allows sweat to evaporate and keep the skin dry. The constant airflow also doesn’t allow moisture to sit, which can reduce odors and bacteria growth.

All in all, dealing with a sweaty back on hot or humid days is uncomfortable and annoying. Luckily, there are many things you can do to make your ride more enjoyable. Even if you aren’t keen to spend on new ventilated seats, upholstery, or seat covers, wearing the right clothes and keeping a towel are still effective ways to avoid back sweat. Even simple methods can easily transform your ride and make your journey enjoyable and sweat-free.