I have two pairs of jeans from the Gap, both are blue not black (as apparently it is more likely for black jeans to smell) and they are fine until I am out in the rain and then suddenly they start to absolutely stink! They don't smell after I wash them, so I think it must have something to do with the rain. It's a dirty feet smell and it is ONLY with these two pairs of jeans (so I know it's not me ).
Does anyone know how I can permanently get rid of this or has anyone else experienced this? I live in England and it is extremely hard to avoid the rain!
I must be weird, but mine do that too! All I have ever worn are Gap jeans because they are all that fit right, and yes, they do start to smell funny especially in wet or humid weather. I think it might have something to do with the way the fabric is made... Kind of gross, but it may be that your jeans are trapping odors from being close to your body and moist. Bacteria and other little beasts love warm, moist areas, and the fabric of Gap jeans tends to be soft and fluffy enough to trap moisture well.
To banish the smell:
-Soak them in a diluted solution (like maybe a few cups in a mop bucket of water) of white vinegar before you wash them.
-Or you can add a couple of cups of vinegar to the washing machine with your detergent. Make sure you wash the jeans inside out to protect the fabric!
-Make sure they get all the way dry before you wear them-- don't wear them straight out of the dryer.
-Sprinkle baking soda inside them before you hang them up or fold them.
You can sprinkle more baking soda or a nice scented powder or cornstarch inside them again before you put them on if you want to.
I've noticed that using liquid fabric softener seems to make the problem worse, and I think it's because it affects the structure of the fabric more, making it softer, fuzzier, and a more comfy place for bad smells. Since I started using dryer sheets, it seems to have gotten better.
omg, I'd forgotten about that! I haven't gotten GAP jeans in forever, but in college I had some that I loved. I remember walking across campus in the rain and then sitting in class wondering WTF that weird smell was, only to realize it was my pants. lol Talk about embarassing!
I don't think I ever did get them smell normal when they were damp.
That's wild - I had no idea GAP jeans had that special quality. I use a sports detergent called Win (available now at my local grocery store but previously only in sporting goods stores) to wash my micro fiber running gear as micro fiber can retain funny sweaty smells with normal detergent. Might be worth a try getting some Win and washing your jeans with that. Curious to hear if it works...
Gap jeans stink for a number of reasons. Have you tried Cookie Johnson jeans? They are supposed to fit full figure women. I bought a few pairs from Nordstrom and I like.
It always tough finding the right jeans but now you gotta worry about them smelling in the rain...geez
Thanks Bamagirl, I'll give that a shot! Dancerindenver, I don't know if they sell that in England but I'll keep an eye out for something similar, maybe for sports clothes especially.
Philigirl, I've never heard of those jeans before but I'm glad you've found some you like It takes ages to get ones that fit properly!
My Gap Jeans Stink!
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It takes ages to get ones that fit properly!