the smell is from pesticides that are sprayed on them while in transit over the ocean... most jeans brands have this problem. I absolutley hate it. I have to just return to store, or throw them out and never return to the said store, ever again.

OP here. I'm posting a final note here in case someone ever searches this forum with the same issue. Over the past month I:

1) washed with regular detergent
2) washed 3x with vinegar, both presoaking and adding to final rinse
3) washed with scented detergent
4) washed with oxi-clean
5) washed with peppermint scented castile soap
6) hung them outside in direct sun for 3 days
7) let them air out indoors for 3 weeks

Jeans still smell. I gave up and returned them to the store. Fin.

This is a trick that a librarian friend told me about, for getting rid of smells. For instance, it removes cigarette smells from books (that obviously, cannot be washed). Ammonia. Fill washer with water. Add a cup of household ammonia. Let soak 3-4 hours. Drain and rinse. Re-fill washer with water, and add a cup of (fresh) baking soda. Soak 3-4 hours. Wash as usual, and air dry.

Anonymous wrote:Bump. Jeans still smell. Anyone else with any ideas besides returning them?

I've tried everything listed here. If they smell, I just return them now.

OP here. I just hung them outside. Fingers crossed!

Anonymous wrote:More sunshine. Hang them out all day.

This! Works better than washing. The smell needs to air out, not wash out.

More sunshine. Hang them out all day.