Are My Gym Clothes Messing With My Hormones?

The short answer

Potentially, yes. Many synthetic workout tanks are treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for moisture-wicking and BPA to help with fabric stretch. When you sweat, your pores open, making your skin more permeable to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The Estroni Classic Tank is a "Low-Tox" alternative; it relies on the natural, inherent properties of Merino wool rather than a chemical cocktail to manage sweat and odor.

1. Dermal Absorption: Why Sweating Matters

Your skin is not a solid barrier; it is a semi-permeable organ. Research shows that heat and moisture (the exact conditions of a workout) significantly increase the rate at which your skin absorbs chemicals from your clothing. In synthetic fabrics, "disperse dyes" and finishing agents can migrate from the plastic fibers directly into your bloodstream.

2. The PFAS-Free Advantage of Merino

Many "Quick-Dry" polyester tanks use fluorinated coatings to help water bead off the surface. These "forever chemicals" are linked to hormonal imbalances. Because Merino wool is naturally hygroscopic, it manages moisture at a molecular level without the need for toxic surface treatments. Choosing an Estroni tank means one less source of chemical exposure in your daily ritual.

3. BPA and Synthetic Stretch

Recent testing by the Center for Environmental Health found high levels of BPA in polyester-spandex blends from major activewear brands. While the Estroni Classic Tank uses a small amount of Elastane for fit, the primary fiber against your skin is pure, natural Merino protein, which does not require the same heavy processing as 100% petroleum-based garments.

External Resource: Check the CEH report on BPA in athletic wear for the latest findings on synthetic fiber safety.