My weird smelling NAS...(funny update below)

Peri

I ordered this sweater in black and in grey...colors that are apparently now sold out. They came today and they have a strong dye/chemical smell. I have a few of these from past years and they have never smelled like this. It is so strong that I have doubts the handwashing that is recommended will be able to get it out but also wonder if machine washing would ruin them. And if it is the dye, how much will washing fade them.

So odd, but all I can think is that it feels like poor quality and a bad factory. They are probably going back. Too bad, I like them otherwise.

Has anyone had experience with garments smelling awful when new? How tenacious was the smell?

Nordstrom

Treasure&Bond Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

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4 months ago

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

April

Veteran

ABSOLUTELY I have and your subject line pulled me in immediately.

A Marc New York leather jacket from NAS was the example that taught me: if it smells bad out of the bag, return it immediately.

Here's what I concluded. Many times the bad smell is not on the surface, it's in the fabric itself.

4 months ago

kkards

Veteran

I haven’t had that issue with apparel, but we, the company I work for, import a lot of stuff and a lot of it has a lot of plastic, poly, or nylon and often the samples that come in have a really really strong smell. It generally disappears after a few days left out.

Sorry about this sweater, I’d try hanging it in a back room for a few days and try it again.

4 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have had that issue in the past with a bag, and a scarf as odd as it seems. I could not air either one out enough to eliminate it and ended up returning one and donating the other (which was beyond the return window and not expensive). I hate that!

4 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

URGH!!! Very annoying

Return right away.

NEXT!

4 months ago

Peri

Veteran

Thank you all. I've only had this issue with Jockey brand underwear, but at least that holds up to machine washing in hot water. And even then had to be washed 3-4 times for the smell to fade. Sweaters won't stand up to that.

They are going back, and it's disappointing since they are the main things I was looking for in the sale. It really feels like the brand and/or Nordstrom cheaped out on these, along the lines of brands making lower quality items intentionally for outlet instead of for the regular store. (Looking at you, J Crew and Coach).

Another cheaped out clue, they did come in a large plastic ziplock bag, which is pretty bizarre for Nordstrom packaging. kkards, that might be a small part of it so thanks for your thoughts, but it is not the main issue. It's definitely a dye and chemical smell in the sweaters themselves. Maybe concentrated by living in a plastic bag but it isn't the bag itself.

April and Janet, agree, and thanks for the confirmation. This smell won't be easy to eradicate. With my allergic contact dermatitis this is just a no-go with an item that can't be vigorously washed. Thanks Angie...Next! But boo!

4 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

If I bought something from Nordstrom and it stunk, I would return it. And I would make sure the SA got a good whiff, too.

But for future reference, I bought a vintage Coach bag in excellent condition, except it reeked of cigarette smoke. I put the bag in a plastic bin with several small bowls of aquarium charcoal, and closed the lid. I checked every week or so, and after a month or maybe a little longer, the smell was gone. I only did this because it was an uncommon style.

4 months ago

Peri

Veteran

Wow JAileen, I’ve never heard of that. What a creative solution! And worth doing for something unique and high quality. But yep, in this instance they are going back.

4 months ago

Joyce B

Veteran

I prefer to return items with chemical smell and have returned a few.

4 months ago

phoebe

Active Member

Yes and can't comment on tenacity as I return things that smell strong

Clothing from Nordstrom often has a specific "scent' which passes with washing, although not always fast enough, but I don't think that's what you are describing

4 months ago

Ginger

Veteran

I concur with the use of activated charcoal. It's a technique used by museums for getting the stink out of delicate textiles and other items that cannot be washed. It takes time but charcoal absorbs the scent particles. Not saying you should do that this time!

4 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I put a bag of activated charcoal in the room where our cat's box is (this happens to be our laundry room.) It helps! But ugh -- that is most annoying if it is on an article of clothing you want to wear. I would send back, alas, despite potential fixes.

4 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Definitely return. New clothes are heavily treated by chemicals generally, but this is ridiculous.

4 months ago

Peri

Veteran

They are boxed up and ready to return. But here's the funny...while I was packing them my dog came over and wouldn't stop smelling them. I had to pull them away to get them in the box. After that he kept smelling the bed where they had been sitting waiting to be packed. Definitely something different going on here!

4 months ago

Joyce B

Veteran

The nose knows, pups have a lot of information, I wish they could convey it.

4 months ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Oh, my goodness, Peri, what a story. Now you may need to wash the bedspread! haha!

3 months ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Wow!!

Return for sure. Interesting that your dogs were so intent on the smell. I wonder what their thoughts were on it. Cause for alarm? Deliciously weird? You can never really know with dogs.

3 months ago

Tina

Active Member

Return for sure! I had a pair of NYDJ jeans come in smelling like a chemical. Thought it would wash out. It didn't despite multiple trips through the washer. When the next pair came with a similar smell -- back to Nordstrom they went.

I also bought evening purses to try with a dress for a wedding. Had to send one back. It was so bad that it ended up in the garage until I could ship it. (Not Nordstrom).

3 months ago

Staysfit

Veteran

The NAS Zella top I ordered had a strong chemical odor…back it went…

3 months ago

Lisa

Veteran

I ordered this Zella top from NAS in all 3 colors and they all smelled awful. I'm not sure if the smell will disappear after washing, but I would hope so.

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Zella Luxe Lite Half Zip Performance Top

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3 months ago

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