does your JCrew sweater smell? eta smell gone!!!

Adelfa

I got the JCrew linen hi-low hem sweater. I justified my lemmingness by the 30% off code. I could have sized up, but I really like it as is!

Except for the smell. It has a strong chemical smell, so strong that one good sniff gives me a headache. I've had it hanging for a couple of days and the smell is less but still strong.

I'm quite hesitant to wash it because that would make it less returnable!

Have you had this issue with this or another article of clothing? Were you able to resolve it and if so how?

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J.Crew

Linen high-low hem sweater

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10 years ago

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11 replies

Latest reply was from Nebraskim

tricia w.

(website)

Active Member

I've had this problem with other articles of clothing that have a dark dye. I've washed them, soaked them is vinegar, put them in the sun for a day, and the smell remains. If it were me, I'd return the sweater.

10 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

That's annoying, Adelfa-((
I have it in white, and no smell. The neon amethyst version is making its way to me as we speak, and I will report back about that one as soon as it gets here.
I'm not sure how to fix this issue, sorry.

10 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Inge, maybe it's a dark dye problem as Tricia says. If so probably not many fabbers are having this problem as most of them seem to be getting light colors.

10 years ago

deb

Veteran

I have several dark dyed tops from them. I do not like the smell of sizing so I wash all purchases from everywhere before I wear them. I did not notice that the smell was any stronger than any other purchase.

10 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I had a new faux leather skirt that smelled horrible and literally made me sick. I bought some zeolite (it's something you can put in kitty litter to absorb odors) and put some on a yogurt lid. Then I carefully set the yogurt lid inside a plastic bag with the skirt and tied it shut. I think I had to let it sit for two weeks, at which point the skirt still smelled a bit but was tolerable. At the one-week mark, I tested it, and when I tested it I shook the zeolite around to try to get other of its nooks and crannies exposed.

(Zeolite is some kind of rock that has all kinds of little tunnels in it, I think, and the tunnels can capture odor molecules. Once the rocks get "full," they will emit odor rather than absorb it. At that point, you're supposed to put it in a warm oven so that the smells come out of the rocks. Then you can use them again. I've never reused the zeolite, so I don't have a clue what temperature you'd use on your oven. I suppose the lowest setting. This is probably way more info than you wanted, and I probably sound like a nut. I got my zeolite at Walmart; it was called No Offense, by SmartyKat.)

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

So, I would return it because of the smell. Perhaps they have another in stock without the smell.

I am very sensitive to smells, and like you, they can give me a headache. No article of clothes is worth that to me. And the chance of getting it out, especially if you already aired it, is small.

10 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

OK, the jumper is here and FYI, Adelfa: the neon amethyst does have a faintly articifial smell to it, nothing overpowering though, and not at a level that bothers me.

I think tricia may be on to something, and that it might have something to do with the dyeing process.

I hope you'll be able to solve this (or maybe contact J.Crew Customer Service and discuss the matter with them?)

10 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I would err on the side of caution and return it. You may not be able to fully rid the sweater of the smell and you won't be able to enjoy wearing it if it gives you a headache. Perhaps they can send another one?

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Gigi, I really found that interesting -- thank you!

Jody, my sweaters are the light colours and they don't smell, but I have had this experience with other items from other stores -- seems to be the dye, usually. I have let them air out and they have been fine. But in the case of one pair of shoes, it took a LONG TIME. And I would have thrown them away except I needed them for a special occasion.

10 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

So... I hung it in my closet for a week. And the smell is gone. So glad I had patience because I love everything about the sweater--the cut, the weight, the delicious color that's a cross between cobalt and navy. Hooray!

10 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

A textiles scientist I know told me that dark dyes, esp. black (I know this garment is blue) are essentially unstable, so chemicals are added that make them less prone to losing color, but can be super smelly. I had a black denim skirt that never lost the offensive smell, and I didn't even donate it...I garbaged it. Glad your garment off-gassed and is wearable. And I know this came via catalogue, but whenever possible, I give clothing a sniff test in the store.

10 years ago

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