why do silk sweaters have a distinctive stink which won't come out even with repeated washing?

Answer 1

Hmmm. All of the silk garments that I have are dry-clean only. I don't think I've noticed a smell, either.

Answer 2

I have not noticed any of my raw silk shirts having a smell. I hand wash them and let soak in the delicate solution then lay to dry, my sweaters I have drycleaned and no smell there either. Maybe you should hand wash them and let them sit and soak for a bit and that will take out the smell, whatever smell you are talking about and make sure it is fully dried. the only non body odor in sweaters I can think of is a wet wool sweater.