Why a new fabric can smell of the factory

Short answer: The scent comes from residues of finishing, from the packaging and from transport. It is volatile and usually disappears after airing or a single wash, so a new garment does not have to smell of factory when you start to use it.

The scent has several sources

It is rarely one thing that gives the particular smell of new. It comes from several links in the chain: the treatment of the fabric, the packaging and the transport. When all three are put together in a closed bag, the scent becomes clearer than it would be if the garment had simply hung in an open room.

Residues from the treatment

Even after thorough rinsing, small amounts of the substances used in production can stay in the fibre. That applies to many types of textiles and not only one particular fibre. The scent is usually light, and it goes away when the garment gets air or is washed at a low temperature.

Bag and container

The plastic bag and the closed container hold in the volatile substances, so they concentrate before you open the package. That is why the scent is often strongest right at opening. After a day in the air it is usually almost gone. See bamboo dresses if you look for a garment for special occasions.

Volatile substances disappear

The word volatile means the substances evaporate when they get room. It therefore helps to hang the garment freely instead of leaving it folded in the bag. The more air that moves around the fabric, the faster the residues evaporate, and the scent gets weaker with every hour that passes.

It goes away by itself

Hang the garment to air for a couple of hours, or wash it. Both remove most of it, and the smell does not come back. You do not need to do more than that, and you do not need special products. See women's bamboo pants and Urban Quest for more everyday pieces.

Why some garments smell more

Some garments have had more treatments than others, and some have lain longer in closed packaging. Dark colours and heavy finishing can give a clearer scent, while light and simple garments often smell less. There is no fixed rule, so two garments from the same shipment can smell different.

How to air it best

Take the garment out of the bag and hang it on a hanger in a place with a draught. Avoid direct sun if the colour is strong. If you have room, turn it inside out so the air reaches the inside too. After a few hours you can feel the difference, and most garments are then without scent.

When to wash first

A wash also removes dust and residues from handling and transport, not just the scent. Wash at a low temperature and follow the label. Wash dark and light garments separately the first few times. That way you start from a clean and neutral surface, and the fabric feels better on the skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is the smell dangerous?

The scent is usually volatile residues and disappears with airing. Finished textiles are often tested for residue content in connection with certification. If you are sensitive or unsure, talk to your doctor.