I was excited to order this robe because it was just what I was looking for, the color, the material, the fit, all perfect. Until I put it on and it smelled very strongly of petro-chemicals, or dry-cleaning fluid. I have washed it three times, and hung it outside to air for a total of about 6 hours, and while the smell has lessened a little, it still is strong enough to make me feel sick. Ordinarily I would have sent it straight back, but I liked it enough to try and fix it. The robe is made in China, where the garment workers are probably exposed day after day to whatever chemical this is saturated with...No one else has commented on this problem, so maybe mine was a fluke, a bad batch. I don't know if I can return it having washed it, but I guess I have to try. I really like everything else about the robe. I was amazed at what a good deal it was and would have given it five stars.  It seems like such a waste to make a really good but potentially poisonous product, lovely but unwearable.

I am glad to say that after two additional washings and another long dose of fresh air, the robe is wearable. You have to get your nose right up to it before you notice an "off" smell. As I said, the robe is in many ways just splendid and merits five stars. But no one should have to work this hard to make a new garment wearable.  I give it three stars overall.