Why does my indigo garment have an odd smell?

Authentic indigo dye is fixed to garments through a fermentation process. This involves plant decay, decomposition, and actively-monitored live cultures to ensure that the proper levels of bacteria are maintained, which assist in the fixing of dye to each garment.

It’s an olfactory wonderland or act of aggression, depending on who you ask. Either way, the smell is eliminated after the first couple of washes.