A Straight Dope Classic from Cecil's Storehouse of Human Knowledge
Where does belly button lint come from?
March 2, 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.
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.
