I have bought this brand and style for years, just not over the internet until now.  I was wary after reading the harsh reviews about the odor, but I decided to try my luck anyway.  Firstly, the smell is not chemical or industrial.  It smells kind of like the powder fresh scent for deodorant, and it vanished after the first washing.  I do not like scents in delicate areas, and after washing you are left with a great, basic, cotton bikini.