Yes, many polyester garments contain PFAS. These "forever chemicals" are often used for stain resistance in polyester fabrics, especially in underwear and sportswear. With daily wear and sweat, PFAS can leach into the skin and accumulate in the body, raising real health concerns.
In fact, even airborne particles can contain microplastics.
So, if you’re someone who shops clean beauty, reads ingredient labels, or is simply fed up with being in the dark about what’s in our air and touching your skin, you’re in the right place.
Vibrant Body Company takes a radically different approach with its Certified Clean First Layer garments. Let’s break it all down, starting with the fabric itself.
Key Points
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Polyester itself isn’t the issue, it’s what gets added to it. Most polyester undergarments are treated with chemical finishes like PFAS, formaldehyde, and BPA to add stretch, stain resistance, or antimicrobial features. These substances don’t just stay on the surface, they can leach into your skin through heat, sweat, and friction.
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PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” for a reason. Once absorbed, they don’t break down in your body and have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and breast cancer. Wearing polyester bras or leggings daily, especially during workouts, can create the perfect storm for absorption.
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Recycled doesn’t mean clean. Brands often greenwash polyester by calling it “recycled” or “eco-friendly,” but recycled plastic fabrics are still treated with the same toxic coatings. Without third-party testing like OEKO-TEX® certification, those feel-good labels may be hiding harmful truths.
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Vibrant’s Certified Clean First Layer garments are designed for your biology, not industry shortcuts. Every bra, panty, and cami is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning it’s tested for over 100 toxic substances, including PFAS. Because what touches your skin daily shouldn’t be a chemical risk, it should be a health asset.
Polyester 101: The Fabric That Took Over Your Closet
Polyester, formally known as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based chemicals.
It’s essentially plastic, spun into thread and woven into fabric.
Its popularity comes from being cheap, durable, stretch-friendly, and easy to dye, which is why it shows up everywhere, from fast fashion to high-performance underwear and sports bras.
In its raw state, it’s considered inert. The problem is it rarely stays that way.
Once it hits the production line, it’s treated with chemical finishes to make it antimicrobial, wrinkle-resistant, or stain-proof. That’s where chemical irritants like triclosan, formaldehyde, and PFAS (the infamous “forever chemicals”) get layered in, especially in intimate apparel.
So when people ask, “Is polyester harmful?”, the truth is, it’s not just the fiber, it’s what gets added to it.
And those additives don’t just sit on the surface. They can leach into your skin, especially during heat, sweat, and friction.
When that chemical cocktail is pressed against your lymph nodes and reproductive tissue every day, the issue isn’t just about comfort; it’s about long-term health.
PFAS 101: The Problem Beneath The Fabric
Source -> University of California San Francisco
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used to make fabrics stain-resistant and water-repellent, especially in clothing labeled “moisture-wicking” or “performance.”
But these so-called “forever chemicals” don’t break down. Not in your clothes. Not in your body. Once applied, they can migrate from fabric to skin, especially with heat, sweat, and friction.
Studies have linked PFAS to hormone disruption, fertility issues, thyroid problems, immune suppression, and even breast cancer.
For women navigating IVF, pregnancy, or hormone-sensitive conditions, polyester undergarments treated with PFAS may pose invisible but significant risks. Sports bras and tight-fitting activewear are especially concerning, as they’re worn during peak absorption conditions.
When I learned how chemicals like PFAS end up in everyday undergarments, I founded Vibrant Body Company. Because what sits against your most vulnerable tissue shouldn’t be treated like a science experiment.
PFAS don’t belong in your underwear, and it’s time we demanded better.
The Hidden Dangers Of Polyester Undergarments
Let’s get uncomfortably honest about the garments we wear in the most intimate parts of our lives.
When it comes to polyester undergarments, the danger isn’t just that they’re synthetic, it’s where they’re worn, how they’re made, and what they’re made with.
The groin. The breasts. The lymph nodes. These aren’t just high-friction zones, they’re high-absorption zones. Skin in these areas is thinner, more vascular, and far more permeable, especially under pressure, heat, and sweat.
So when polyester bras, panties, or leggings are treated with PFAS (and many are), that chemical cocktail isn’t staying put. It’s making its way into your bloodstream.
But PFAS aren’t the only problem hiding in the fabric.
Let’s talk about the usual suspects you don’t see on the label:
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Formaldehyde (used for wrinkle resistance)
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BPA and phthalates (plasticizers from dyes and coatings)
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Triclosan (an antimicrobial agent banned in soaps, still used in fabrics)
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Benzothiazole (a common textile chemical proven to absorb through skin, 62% penetration within 24 hours in lab tests)
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Aromatic amines (AAs) from disperse dyes, some of which are EU-classified carcinogens
The cumulative effect? A daily dose of low-level exposure to hormone disruptors and carcinogens, right where it matters most.
And here's where the story gets even more twisted.
“Eco-friendly” tags like “made from recycled bottles” or “rPET” sound responsible, but recycled polyester is still polyester. And it’s often treated with the same toxic PFAS. A water bottle turned legging doesn’t make it clean.
How To Avoid PFAS In Undergarments And Activewear
Once you understand what PFAS are and where they hide, it’s hard to unsee them in your wardrobe.
But this isn’t about guilt, it’s about making smarter, safer choices. You can absolutely find undergarments and activewear that perform without exposing you to harmful chemicals. It starts with knowing what to look for.
“Eco-friendly,” “green,” “plant-based,” and “recycled” are marketing terms, not health guarantees. A recycled-polyester bra or bamboo tee can still be treated with PFAS or processed with harsh chemicals.
Even “organic cotton” can be dyed with chemical substances. What you need is proof, not promises. Certifications over claims.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Look for OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification. This means the entire garment (not just the fabric) has been tested for over 100 known toxic substances, including PFAS, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and endocrine disruptors. It’s one of the only global standards that truly puts your health first.
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Choose non-synthetic blends whenever possible. Natural fibers like organic cotton or Modal are generally safer, if they haven’t been treated with chemical finishes. That’s where third-party testing comes in again.
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Be wary of keywords like “antimicrobial,” “moisture-wicking,” or “stain-resistant.” These often signal the use of PFAS, triclosan, or other chemical coatings. Unless a brand explicitly says they are PFAS-free and shows you certification, those benefits may come at a cost to your health.
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Don’t trust “organic” without verification. Organic raw materials don’t mean much if the finished product is dyed, finished, or sewn with toxic threads. Always ask: Has the final garment been tested?
This Is Exactly Why I Started Vibrant Body Company.
We don’t just design bras and underwear, we design peace of mind.
Every product we make is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified. That means we test every stitch, every dye, every thread, from straps to seams, for the most rigorous clean standards on earth.
Intimates That Work With Your Body
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EveryWear Bra
A patented, wireless bra engineered to support without compressing your lymph nodes, because comfort should never come at the expense of circulation or safety. Soft, sculpted, and clean to the core. -
Ignite Sports Bra
Built for sweat, built for stretch, without a drop of PFAS. Whether you’re doing yoga, sprinting, or just running errands, it supports your movement without soaking you in chemical substances.
We call this our Certified Clean First Layer philosophy. Because what touches your skin shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be your starting point for living well.
And once you experience what truly clean clothing feels like, you’ll never want to go back.
Still Wearing Polyester? Here’s What You Can Do Now
If your drawer is full of polyester, don’t panic. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about making smarter, safer swaps.
Small changes, especially with what you wear closest to your skin, can make a big difference.
Start with a wardrobe audit. Focus on daily wear like underwear, bras, camis, and leggings; these high-contact items carry the highest risk of chemical exposure.
Shop smarter with these tips:
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Look for transparency. Prioritize brands with third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX®. If they don’t publish test results, ask.
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Ask directly: “Are your clothes PFAS-free?” If they don’t know, that’s your answer.
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Watch for buzzwords. Terms like “antimicrobial,” “stain-resistant,” or “moisture-wicking” often signal toxic finishes, unless verified clean.
And no, washing doesn’t remove PFAS. They’re chemically bonded to the fibers. Only brands that skip these additives from the start can truly offer safety.
Upgrade Your Intimates, Protect Your Health
You already know polyester isn’t just polyester, it’s often treated with hidden chemicals like PFAS. When those sit on your skin all day, that’s a health risk, not just a fabric flaw.
If you’ve cleaned up your beauty routine and pantry, don’t stop short at your clothes. Especially the ones closest to your body. It’s time to upgrade your wardrobe, starting with your First Layer.
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Your skin is your largest organ. Why wear garments soaked in chemicals?
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Certified Clean First Layer apparel protects your body from toxic exposure, during workouts, sleep, errands, and everything in between.
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The result? Peace of mind with performance to match. Because health-first doesn’t have to mean compromise.
If you’re ready to stop guessing, stop settling, and start wearing clean from the first layer out, your moment is now.
🌿 Shop the Clean First Layer Collection and feel the difference of garments made for your health, not industry shortcuts.
FAQ
Do Leggings From Big Brands Like Lululemon Have PFAs?
Don’t be fooled by the label. Be curious about the testing. Unless a company explicitly tests for PFAS and shares those results, assume the chemicals are in play, because legally, they don’t have to disclose them.
Can I Test My Clothes At Home For PFAs?
Unfortunately, no. PFAS testing requires lab-grade equipment and is nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye.
The most you can do is check for third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX® that test for these substances before the garment ever touches your skin.
Are There Safer Alternatives That Still Offer Support And Stretch?
Absolutely. That’s exactly what we built at Vibrant. Our Clean First Layer essentials use OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, no underwires, no mystery dyes, no hormonal sabotage.
Just soft, breathable support designed for a woman’s body, not a chemist’s convenience.
About The Author: Michael Drescher, Founder of Vibrant Body Company.
An unlikely messenger in women’s health, he’s speaking truths the industry has long buried beneath sleek silhouettes at the expense of women’s health. After losing loved ones to cancer, he uncovered the toxic reality of intimate apparel and set out to create a truly health-first alternative. Michael’s work challenges assumptions about who gets to lead wellness conversations, blending radical transparency with science-backed design. He started Vibrant Body Company to rewrite the standard, because comfort shouldn’t come with a chemical cost, and health should never be an afterthought.
