9 Out of 10 Activewear Brands Contain PFAS, Study Finds

By VirentaNews Staff — May 21, 2026

It’s a familiar morning ritual: slipping into sleek, moisture-wicking leggings before a run, tossing on a breathable sports bra for yoga, or pulling on a snug Lululemon jacket for a brisk walk. These garments promise performance, comfort, and style—but beneath their polished surfaces, a hidden concern is gaining momentum. Recent testing has revealed that many popular activewear brands, including Lululemon, may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their stubborn persistence in the environment and human body. These compounds, prized for their water- and stain-resistant properties, are increasingly under fire for their potential links to cancer, thyroid disease, fertility issues, and immune system disruption. As consumers lace up their sneakers, they may be unknowingly lacing themselves into a much larger public health debate.

PFAS Detected in Leading Activewear Brands

A 2025 investigative report by The Guardian and independent lab testing found elevated levels of fluorine—a marker of PFAS— in a range of performance leggings, sports bras, and outerwear from major retailers, with Lululemon products among those flagged. While the company maintains that its items meet current safety regulations, the presence of these chemicals has raised alarm among toxicologists and environmental health advocates. PFAS are used to enhance durability and moisture resistance, but their long-term bioaccumulation poses serious concerns. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly all Americans have some level of PFAS in their blood, with exposure primarily occurring through contaminated water, food packaging, and consumer products like clothing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged the risks and is moving toward stricter regulation, but current federal limits on PFAS in textiles remain nonexistent.

The Rise of Performance Fabrics and Hidden Toxins

The infiltration of PFAS into activewear traces back to the explosion of the athleisure market over the past two decades. As consumers demanded clothing that could transition from gym to street, brands leaned into technical fabrics engineered for stretch, sweat-wicking, and stain resistance. PFAS offered a convenient solution, applied as a coating to repel water and oil. However, this innovation came with a trade-off. A 2023 study published in Nature found that PFAS-treated textiles release micro-particles during wear and washing, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as dust. Moreover, these chemicals degrade extremely slowly, accumulating in soil and waterways. Despite growing awareness, the textile industry has been slow to phase out PFAS, partly due to the lack of equally effective, affordable alternatives. The European Union has taken a more aggressive stance, banning certain PFAS in consumer products, while the U.S. continues to lag behind in comprehensive regulation.

Who’s Driving Change in the Apparel Industry?

While major brands like Lululemon remain under pressure to disclose and eliminate PFAS, a new wave of eco-conscious startups and advocacy groups is pushing for transparency. Organizations such as Toxic-Free Future and the Green Science Policy Institute have been instrumental in testing products and lobbying for policy reform. Some smaller activewear brands, including Tentree and Girlfriend Collective, have already committed to PFAS-free manufacturing, using plant-based dyes and mechanical finishing techniques instead. Meanwhile, consumer demand is shifting—driven by increased awareness and access to information. “People are starting to ask not just how their clothes perform, but how they’re made,” says Dr. Sarah Evans, an environmental health scientist at Mount Sinai. “The real power lies in informed purchasing decisions and holding companies accountable.”

What This Means for Consumers and Workers

For everyday wearers, the health implications of PFAS-laden activewear are still being unraveled, but evidence suggests chronic exposure—even at low levels—can disrupt hormones and reduce vaccine efficacy. Children and pregnant individuals may be especially vulnerable. Workers in textile manufacturing and recycling plants face even higher risks, often exposed to concentrated levels without adequate protections. Beyond health, there’s an environmental justice dimension: communities near production facilities and landfills frequently bear the brunt of PFAS contamination. As class-action lawsuits mount and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, consumers are left weighing convenience against caution. Choosing PFAS-free brands, washing new clothes before wearing, and supporting legislative efforts like the federal PFAS Action Act are practical steps toward safer apparel.

The Bigger Picture

The PFAS issue in activewear is not just about leggings—it’s a microcosm of a broader crisis in consumer product safety. From non-stick pans to waterproof cosmetics, these chemicals have infiltrated daily life under the guise of convenience. The slow pace of regulation reflects a systemic failure to prioritize long-term health over short-term profit. As science catches up, the burden of vigilance falls disproportionately on individuals. Yet the growing momentum for change—fueled by research, advocacy, and shifting consumer values—suggests a turning point may be near. Transparency, accountability, and innovation must converge to redefine what it means to be truly ‘performance-ready.’

What comes next could reshape the fashion industry. With the EPA expected to classify certain PFAS as hazardous substances in 2026, companies may face stricter compliance requirements. In the meantime, consumers can look for third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX or Bluesign, which test for harmful substances. As the line between sportswear and lifestyle blurs, so too must the standards for safety. The clothes we wear should empower us—not endanger us.

Source: The Guardian