Hackernews told me that this is just another microbiome that needs to be brought into balance, after which the smell goes away; and that soaps and shampoos disrupt that balance.
As one who's hung out with bohemian vagabonds who didn't make a routine habit of bathing, my nose has told me otherwise.
This might be more a reflection of your social bubble. I'd reckon the percentage would be more likely to be flipped. Especially if we're talking about a global population.
Fun fact- most Koreans don't have the same sweat gland that many others have that produce the type of sweet that the stinky bacteria feed on, and thus don't stink like Americans from sweating (they do have their own smell, from what I understand, but it isn't as pungent) and thus they don't usually use deodorant/antiperspirant. It is my understanding some other Asian groups don't stink or don't stink as much, as well, due to differences in the sweat produced.
As someone who lived in China for years I always laugh at this myth, you clearly haven't traveled by crowded Chinese subway every day if you think Chinese don't stink (and they make up pretty much all East Asians).
And not to sound racist, but black people have (often) very different stench from the rest, that one is not Chinese (racist) myth.
But to be honest every race/nation I met stink, your nose is just blind to the people you meet most often. It's same with my apartment when I return back after longer vacation I can notice its specific (new) smell still even after years living there (especially if I won't leave windows a bit open for air exchange), but if I'm away just for a day or two I don't smell anything.
It's not a myth. The distinction here isn't general body odor, which everyone has, but a specific gene (ABCC11, the same that controls for wet or dry earwax). Those with the gene have a chemical in their underarms and groins that bacteria feeds on, producing a stinkier odor.
Also, I've ridden plenty of crowded buses and subways in China and haven't noticed as much body odor as Westerners. So our anecdotes cancel out there.
