Brooks · Waterproof Sports & Performance Undergarments
Brooks Women's Chaser Padded Running Bra
Lower concern; typical athletic bra with no water-repellent coating or special coatings.
Brooks does not disclose PFAS treatment for this running bra. Standard nylon/polyester/elastane athletic wear typically avoids fluorochemical finishes, though no independent testing available confirms absence.
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Material
nylon, polyester, elastane blend
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
The Chaser uses nylon, polyester, and elastane (spandex), a common blend in athletic wear chosen for stretch recovery and moisture management. Nylon and polyester are synthetic polymers with no inherent lead, cadmium, or phthalate risk at normal wear temperatures. Elastane adds durability but can degrade under repeated heat exposure (dryer use). No water-repellent coating or special finish is applied to this model, so no Teflon-type coating or additional surface treatment hazards exist.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks does not publicly disclose chemical restriction lists or third-party testing results for most apparel items, including this bra. The brand has no documented safety recalls for this model and no known controversies around formaldehyde, azo dyes, or antimony in polyester fabrics. Their silence on PFAS and detailed material certifications is typical for mid-market athletic brands; transparency is limited compared to high-end or sustainability-focused competitors.
How it compares in its category
Running bras in this price range almost universally use nylon-polyester-elastane blends with no special coatings, so the Chaser is standard. Brands offering certified organic cotton or GOTS-certified blends exist at higher price points and would reduce synthetic polymer exposure, but they are rarer in padded sports bra designs. The lack of flame retardants, water repellents, and durable finishes in this model puts it at the safer end of typical athletic apparel.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and line-dry to preserve elastane; avoid machine drying, which accelerates fiber breakdown and can release microfiber shedding. Replace every 12 to 18 months of regular wear, as elastane loses support over time. Do not expose to chlorine pools or saltwater for extended periods, as synthetic fibers can degrade. No special precautions are needed beyond standard athletic wear care.
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.”
Elastane (spandex) degradation and microfiber release
Elastane fibers degrade under heat, UV, and mechanical stress, potentially shedding microfibers into water during washing. No documented health risk from wearing the bra, but environmental microplastic release is a known concern for all synthetic apparel.
Formaldehyde resins in finishing or dyes
No formaldehyde-based dyes or finish resins have been reported or disclosed by Brooks for this model. Standard nylon and polyester fabrics used in athletic wear typically require minimal resin finishing and are tested to low formaldehyde limits in most major markets.
Azo dyes and heavy metal contamination in colorants
Brooks has no documented violations of azo dye restrictions or heavy metal testing failures in apparel. The brand sells in EU and US markets, both of which enforce limits on restricted azo compounds and lead/cadmium in textiles.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester fabric may contain antimony as a catalyst residue from manufacturing. Levels in finished garments are typically low and not considered a dermal hazard during normal wear; leaching into sweat is minimal but not zero.
Fragrance and dye allergens (contact dermatitis)
Some users report skin irritation from athletic bras, though the Chaser has no specific allergy complaints on record. Sensitivity to dyes, elastic, or residual finishing chemicals can vary individually; patch testing or gradual wear is advisable for sensitive skin.
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.
More waterproof sports & performance undergarments 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.