The Straight Dope: Where does belly button lint come from?

Where does belly button lint come from?

02-Mar-1973

Dear Cecil:

This is a 100 percent serious question, and I want the straight dope. Every night when I'm undressing for bed I stand in front of the mirror and wonder where belly button lint comes from. This is no joke. --John W., Washington, D.C.

Dear John:

What makes you think you have to urge me to be serious, Jojo? Your navel is one of the few places on your body where perspiration has a chance to accumulate before evaporating. Lint from your clothing, cottons especially, adheres to the wet area and remains after the moisture departs.

--CECIL ADAMS

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