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Polyester. Ugh!!!

Gretchen

Veteran

I was so excited to find this top. The pattern (DOTS!), the color, the fit, the drape...all so great! So I cut tags and threw it in the suitcase for a 10 day business trip.

1 day of wear later, this shirt STINKS. I don’t have a strong sense of smell, so if I’m offended, I’m sure others are reaching for their smelling salts. I got back to my hotel, threw off the top, and sure enough, it’s 97% polyester.

Fortunately I had backups so didn’t have to offend anyone else while traveling. But now I have a stinky shirt, worn once, and need to decide if it’s worth trying to clean, or if I should try to return to Nordstrom. Any suggestions?

Nic + Zoe Pop Dot Top

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19 replies

Latest reply was from

slim cat

Veteran

I can't wear polyester shirts - they make me feel cold in winter, warm in spring, suffocate my skin. I'd consider washing in cold, air drying and giving it another try ( if you can tolerate the fabric ), or just returning right away. The print is pretty as often the case with poly tops.

rachylou

Veteran

Petrochems?

Cardiff girl

Veteran

This is why I do not wear polyester but it should wash ok in a normal cycle in your machine.

Lesley

Veteran

I would say wash and return to Nordstrom! Absolutely!

Sal

Veteran

I can wear polyester - but I know others who have that problem. I think it will wash okay but I suspect you will have the problem again.

Just intrigued - do Nordstrom allow returns if worn?

Gretchen

Veteran

@Sal, occasionally Nordstrom will take a worn return if you can prove that it’s a quality issue like a pilled sweater. I haven’t tried with this kind of issue, but I may try.

Echo

Veteran

Like Sal, I can wear polyester, and I find that it washes far better than many other fabrics. But wasn't the construction of the item listed in its description? Nordstrom generally lists the fabric content so people can avoid sensitivities like this.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Polyester (sometimes) makes me perspire, so it does absorb odour...so I never wear it when it is hot or especially when it is humid, but it also washes really well. So if weather permits, I can wear it. Of course not all polys are equal.

Or is this another odour -- chemical of some kind? If so, for sure take it back.

Gretchen

Veteran

@Echo - I rarely have this problem, so I don’t typically check the content before buying. My husband has it happen occasionally w. his workout gear.

@Suz, I agree it doesn’t happen all the time, so would love to know if there’s a treatment that encourages the problem (of course, that’s not noted on the label...). It’s definitely perspiration- there’s a tinge of deodorant fragrance.

I was looking up washing ideas and found this interesting article on the source of the problem- https://www.npr.org/sections/h.....pecial-way

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have become less tolerate of polyester as I have become older and my skin has become more sensitive. But it has its place for cool weather, non-wrinkling purposes. Sorry about the bad experience!

Joy

Veteran

What slim cat said. You could try a vinegar wash or rinse. It should not smell like vinegar after it dries.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

In NZ you would be stuck with it. Good lesson to check fabric content in future. It does happen to me with polyester tops so I am trying to buy fewer.

Katerina

Veteran

I am with you. I don´t wear polyester tops - I feel like they don´t "breathe". Not the same problem with toppers, only the layer close to my body. I hope the return will work.

nemosmom

Veteran

I've had that experience with poly base layers. I hope you can return it (though sad you have to; it's a pretty top!)

Bijou

Veteran

This should wash up well. I would soak it overnight in white vinegar and then put it into the washing machine. Such a shame that this shirt does not work for you because it is a great design.

Lesley

Veteran

Are you guys kidding? Nordstrom prides itself on taking anything back. You can take back boots that you've worn for years. I don't abuse it, but if something is not the quality you expect, that is certainly an okay reason to return, in my book.

MsMaven

Veteran

I have found a big difference between more expensive polyesters and the cheaper ones. A good quality one can be almost like silk. Unfortunately, I've been tricked a few times myself by not being too careful. Of course, there is also cheap thin silks that fall apart almost immediately. Can't take much for granted when shopping these days.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's rotten luck, Gretchen - pretty top, and thanks for the M Gemi flats info on your other thread!

I'm with those who can wear polyester/polyester blends, and love how it launders. Like others have said, there is polyester that feels, washes and wears better than silk! And much better than cotton. You need a bit of luck though. It's hard to guarantee....

Anonymous

Yes to return! I haven't had issues with poly in particular, but do wash my tops after each wear, regardless of fabric.