How to Avoid PFAS in Activewear (A Practical Checklist)

If you’re trying to avoid PFAS in activewear, the most useful approach is not guessing by brand vibes — it’s learning what PFAS is used for in textiles and filtering product descriptions accordingly.

The short answer

To reduce the chance of PFAS in activewear, avoid water/stain/oil-repellent finish claims unless the brand explicitly states “no intentionally added PFAS.” PFAS is most often tied to finishes and coatings used to create repellency.

Step 1: Filter out the highest-risk claims

Be cautious with products that highlight:

“DWR” / “durable water repellent”
“Water resistant” / “repels liquids”
“Stain resistant” / “oil resistant” / “soil resistant”
“Easy clean coating”

Step 2: Look for the most meaningful wording

Best: “No intentionally added PFAS”
Good: “PFAS-free” (with a clear definition)
Ambiguous: “PFC-free” (ask if they also mean PFAS)

“Intentionally added” language matters because it targets the most common PFAS pathway in apparel: added finishes.

Step 3: Ask these questions (copy/paste)

Do you use PFAS-based chemistry for water, stain, or oil repellency on this garment?
Is it made with no intentionally added PFAS (including finishes and treatments)?
Do you have a restricted substances list or compliance standard you can share?

Step 4: Choose simpler fabric systems where possible

If your goal is “low-tox” and minimal finishing, many shoppers start by prioritising simpler materials that don’t need extra coatings to feel good in real movement. If that’s your direction, these guides are the closest match: