That new clothes smell...

[adk]

I just put on a brand new polo shirt and I realized that I really like the way new clothes smell before they're washed. Surely it must just be some nice detergent the clothing company uses. How do I get my hands on some of this stuff?

 

[odagled]

you get some sweat shop kids to pour out their blood and tears into a container.

 

[LethalWolfe]

I just put on a brand new polo shirt and I realized that I really like the way new clothes smell before they're washed. Surely it must just be some nice detergent the clothing company uses. How do I get my hands on some of this stuff?

It's chemical preservatives to keep the clothes from degrading between the time they leave the factory and the time you buy them. Formaldehyde is commonly used to keep clothes made from natural fibers from mildewing. While I wouldn't go as far as to say the chemical residue in the clothing is toxic, it could cause a rash or other form of skin irritation if you have sensitive skin.


Lethal

 

[Miguey]

Nothing beats that new car smell IMO....or at least I have yet to smell something better than that. The new shirt smell is alright but doesn't come near that new car smell.

 

[tartsquid]

I hate the new clothes smell. I always have to wash before wearing.

 

[Lau]

I always assumed it was more like a dry cleaning smell. Having said that, I don't think I've ever got anything I owned dry cleaned, so I wouldn't know. If it is, you could just get everything you own dry cleaned.

 

[ErikCLDR]

Abercrombie sprays their clothes with their cologne. When ever I buy a new shirt there I feel like I have to wash it 2x or else my closet will stink for 2 weeks.