Merino Short - 5"
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Shop nowDo Workout Clothes Have PFAS?
PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, stains, grease, and heat. They’re best known for non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, but they can also appear in some textile finishes.
The short answer
Some workout clothes can contain PFAS — especially items marketed as water-repellent, stain-resistant, or oil/soil resistant. PFAS use in apparel is most associated with coatings and finishes, not every garment or fibre.
Where PFAS are most likely to be used in clothing
- Durable water repellent finishes (“DWR”)
- Stain / oil / soil resistance
- Some high-performance outerwear and technical treatments
That doesn’t mean “all synthetics contain PFAS” or “all clothing contains PFAS.” It means that certain finishing claims are the most relevant places to check.
How to check
- Look for explicit wording like “no intentionally added PFAS”
- If a brand only says “PFC-free,” ask whether they also mean PFAS
- If the description says “DWR” or “stain resistant,” ask what chemistry they use
If you’re trying to avoid PFAS (next step)
For the full buying checklist, go here: How to avoid PFAS in activewear.
Related guides
- Workout clothes without PFAS: what to look for
- Low-tox activewear: why what you sweat in matters
- Plastic-free activewear
