Adidas · Waterproof Sports Gear
adidas Men's Squadra 25 Shorts
Lower concern. Basic polyester athletic wear without water-repellent coating treatment noted.
Squadra 25 shorts are standard polyester athletic apparel with no disclosed water-resistant or stain-resistant coatings. Adidas makes no PFAS claims, and standard uncoated polyester carries lower PFAS risk than treated textiles.
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Material
polyester athletic shorts, no water-resistant treatment disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Adidas Squadra 25 Shorts are polyester, a synthetic polymer that does not inherently leach chemicals into skin under normal wear. Polyester production can involve antimony catalysts (a heavy metal), but finished garments retain these in the polymer matrix and do not release them during use. Without disclosed water-resistant or stain-resistant treatment, these shorts lack the PFAS-based or other chemical finishes that elevate hazard in premium athletic apparel. The uncoated polyester construction is chemically simpler than treated alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Adidas has faced scrutiny over PFAS in textile finishes across product lines but maintains no transparent public commitment to PFAS phase-out timelines. The company does not disclose specific chemical treatments for individual SKUs like this model. Third-party testing by organizations such as Greenpeace has documented PFAS in Adidas apparel, though this specific shorts model has not appeared in published independent testing reports. The brand's silence on treatment chemistry is consistent with industry norm but limits verification.
How it compares in its category
Untreated polyester athletic shorts occupy the lower-risk tier within casual apparel; most competitors in this price/performance segment use identical base materials. Premium athletic brands often apply water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes that introduce PFAS or fluorocarbon compounds, making the Squadra 25's lack of such treatment a relative advantage. Shorts with antimicrobial or flame-retardant finishes pose additional chemical exposure; this model appears to carry neither. For basic training shorts, polyester without functional finishes is standard and among the safer choices available.
If you buy it
Wash in warm water with standard detergent; avoid prolonged heat (high dryer temperatures can degrade polyester fibers and cause minor microfiber shedding). Replace after 1.5 to 2 years of regular use or when elastic or seams degrade. Do not assume water-resistance; these are not treated for moisture barrier function. Normal laundering poses no chemical release risk from the base polyester material itself.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Antimony in polyester synthesis
Polyester manufacturing may use antimony oxide catalysts. Finished fabric does not release antimony under normal wear, sweat, or laundering; this hazard is not established for completed garments in any health literature reviewed.
Azo dyes in synthetic colorants
Polyester shorts are typically dyed with azo or reactive dyes. Unreacted azo compounds can sensitize skin in rare cases, particularly if dye-bath residue is high. Adidas does not publicly disclose dye chemistry or azo-compound testing for this model. Pre-wash before extended wear may reduce any residual risk.
Microfiber shedding during laundering
Polyester textiles release microfibers (0.1-5 mm plastic particles) during washing and wear. This is a persistent environmental concern rather than direct wearer toxicity, but fibers may contact skin during wear. Frequency increases with abrasion and heat; washing in gentle cycles extends garment life and reduces shedding.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in finishing resins
No water-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, or antimicrobial finish is disclosed for this model. Formaldehyde risk is associated with such treatments; untreated polyester athletic shorts do not typically involve formaldehyde-based chemistry.
Elastic degradation and skin contact with synthetic rubber components
Elastic waistbands and leg cuffs often contain synthetic rubber or spandex blends. As these age and break down (typically after 1.5 years), surface degradation may increase fiber shedding. No established health hazard from intact elastics; replacement of worn shorts mitigates this.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Sports Gear
Patagonia
Men's 10" Quandary Shorts
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
Lower concern. Patagonia uses PFC-free water-repellent coating; verify MADE SAFE label on tag.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
More waterproof sports gear grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.