Why do dark, stretchy jeans smell so bad?

[afghanda]

Please tell me it's not just me.

Every pair of dark wash stretchy jeans I've ever owned have smelled really bad. I can't even describe the smell properly - like a chemical sour smell would be the best way to sum it up. Is it the elastane? Is it the dye? It's definitely not me (I am very clean) and it's not my washing machine as they stink even before they've been washed for the first time. Has anyone found a way to get rid of the stench?

[HollyJollyDillydolly]

I have a pair of primark black skinny jeans that smell really odd. my other jeans dont seem to smell like this. They've been washed several times since I bought them too but still have a weird smell!

[thenightsky]

black ones are always like that. I guess it must be the dye because my blue ones never ever smell.

Its strange how to smelll doesn't go away either, even after hot washing, fabric conditioner etc, it will still be there. Even hanging out to dry in the wind doesn't get rid of it.

I can only describe it as a sort mix of chemicals and vomit really.

[EhricLovesTheBhrothers]

It's the dye. I had a grey pair that never stopped sticking, my black ones aren't too bad after a few washes.

[afghanda]

I only wear dark jeans so have no idea if paler wash jeans don't smell. My latest pair from Oasis are fab, but they REEK.

[Jenda]

Watching with interest, I bought some from new look at the weekend and they smell vile!

[StayGoldPonyBoy]

Are you my sister? Her and my stepdad have this thing where dark wash denim reeks to them. Me and DH and mum can't smell it. I had this dark denim jacket when I lived at home and was banned from wearing it in the car because it made them both twitchy Stepdad sniffs his jeans befote purchase.

[McSqueezy]

I avoid black stretchy jeans for this reason. For some reason I also associate it with cheapness.

[hiccupgirl]

I have black jeans that smell like this and the smell just hasn't gone away despite lots of washing. I had some black jeggings from M&S that did smell but the smell went away after a while.

[Dumpylump]

I have had jeans that smell like that...and Dr1 has a black pair for school that are the same. They're much worse when they're damp, but I've found that if I whip them out the washing machine the minute it's finished, then dry them as quickly as possible (whether it's on the line, or in the drier), then it's not nearly so bad.
I always thought it was just me - so glad it's not!

[Dumpylump]

Ds1 that should be....there are no drs in our family!

[Naoko]

It's the dye. They don't all do it, but if they have The Smell in the shop you'll never wash it out. As a result, I turn into the crazy lady sniffing all the jeans in the shop when I need new black ones

Some other things have it too. I have a long sleeve thermal top from Primark that stinks. It came in sealed plastic or I'd have noticed before I bought it. Useless. Can't wear it.

[Bunbaker]

Interestingly, DD has a pair of black stretchy jeans from New Look and they have an odd smell.