Champion · Waterproof Sports Gear
Champion Double Dry Pocket Training Short Black/White M
Lower concern. Champion does not disclose PFAS in water-repellent coating treatment.
Champion training shorts likely use standard moisture-wicking and dry-fit treatments. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry. No third-party verification available.
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Material
Polyester/cotton blend with moisture-wicking treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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
This short is a polyester-cotton blend (typical ratio roughly 88% polyester / 12% cotton based on Champion's standard athletic lines) with a moisture-wicking finish applied to the synthetic fibers. Polyester is inherently stable when worn; the concern class is the chemical treatment used to enable moisture management, which historically has included fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or other durable water/sweat repellents. Cotton content moderates total synthetic fiber load and is naturally breathable, reducing reliance on chemical coatings alone.
The brand's record and disclosure
Champion is owned by Hanesbrands, a major vertically integrated manufacturer with mixed disclosure practices. Champion has not publicly committed to PFAS-free athletic wear or published testing data on water-repellent coating treatments in this product line. The brand has faced no major recalls or documented safety actions for formaldehyde or azo dyes in recent athletic apparel. No third-party certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, etc.) are typically applied to Champion's basic training shorts, limiting independent verification of chemical inputs.
How it compares in its category
Standard athletic shorts in this price tier almost universally use polyester blends with moisture-wicking treatments; Champion's approach is industry-typical, not ahead or behind peers on hazard profile. Premium alternatives (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) disclose water-repellent coating chemistry and pursue PFAS alternatives, while budget competitors (generic brands) often provide zero treatment detail. Champion occupies the mainstream middle where cost-driven chemical choices are standard but not exceptional.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and mild detergent before first wear to rinse any residual finishing chemicals. Machine wash warm/cold on gentle; the polyester blend tolerates standard home laundering without degradation. Do not dry clean (solvent exposure unnecessary for synthetics). Replace when elastic fails, seams fray, or moisture-wicking performance visibly declines, typically 1-3 years depending on wash frequency and activity intensity. Avoid prolonged heat (tumble dry low or air dry) to preserve fiber integrity.
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.”
Formaldehyde-releasing resins in synthetic finishes
Formaldehyde releasers are used in wrinkle-resistant and dimensional-stability treatments on polyester blends, but Champion's athletic shorts do not typically employ wrinkle-resistance finishes. No public reports of formaldehyde issues in Champion training shorts.
Azo dyes (in black colorant)
Black dyes on polyester can include azo compounds; these are legally permitted in US apparel but can release aromatic amines under certain conditions (prolonged heat, acidic sweat). Champion does not disclose dye chemistry. Risk is low under normal wear but non-zero if shorts are repeatedly washed in very hot water or exposed to chlorine.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is a standard polymerization catalyst in polyester production; residual antimony can migrate into sweat under heat and prolonged contact. Levels are typically below regulatory concern in finished garments, but no independent testing of Champion's specific batches is publicly available. Risk is higher during intense athletic use with heavy sweating.
Degradation of water-repellent coating over laundering
Moisture-wicking treatments degrade with repeated washing and mechanical stress (gym use, abrasion). As the coating breaks down, synthetic fibers may shed microfibers more readily, and the chemical residue remaining on fabric increases. Proper low-heat laundering slows this process.
Skin irritation from dyes or finish residue
Unwashed new synthetic apparel can release loose dye, urea-formaldehyde resins from finishing, or detergent residue that triggers contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Pre-washing is standard practice and mitigates this risk substantially.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current product line batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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.