Champion · Waterproof Sports Gear
Champion Men's 2xl Black Athletic Shorts Water Resistant Drawstring
Athletic shorts with water-repellent coating; PFAS risk unconfirmed, transparency lacking.
Champion applies water-resistant treatment to these shorts, likely water-repellent coating-based, but provides no disclosure on PFAS use or alternatives. water-repellent coating treatments historically used PFAS; vendor silence prevents certainty.
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Material
Polyester blend with water-resistant water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) 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
These shorts are polyester blend (likely 88% polyester / 12% spandex or similar elastane mix based on Champion's typical construction). The water-resistant water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment applied to the surface is the primary chemical concern. Polyester itself is stable and does not leach, but the finish applied during manufacturing and the dyes used in the dyeing process introduce potential hazards. The blend allows stretch and comfort without the breathability issues of 100% synthetic fabrics.
The brand's record and disclosure
Champion (owned by Hanesbrands) does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of its water-repellent coating treatments or provide third-party certifications for PFAS-free or restricted-substance compliance on athletic wear. The company has no known major textile chemical recalls in recent years, but transparency on formaldehyde-resin finishing agents and dye chemistry remains minimal. No formal GOTS, Oeko-Tex, or BlueSign certifications are typically claimed on basic athletic shorts from this brand.
How it compares in its category
Standard athletic shorts from mid-tier mass-market brands (Champion, Nike, Adidas basic lines) all use similar polyester-blend construction and water-repellent coating treatments; this product is typical, not premium or eco-focused. Higher-end performance brands may disclose water-repellent coating chemistry (e.g., Patagonia uses fluorocarbon-free alternatives). Budget athletic shorts often skip water-repellent coating altogether, reducing chemical load but sacrificing water resistance. Champion's shorts sit in the mainstream middle ground for price and risk profile.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water (under 40°C) before first wear to remove loose dye and finishing residues. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or air dry; avoid high heat, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially release volatiles. Replace when elastication fails or seams fray, typically after 100+ washes. Do not bleach or use fabric softener, as both can strip the water-repellent treatment and reduce garment life.
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.”
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
Black polyester athletic shorts typically use azo or reactive dyes; while banned azo compounds (those that form carcinogenic amines) are restricted in EU and many Western brands, no third-party testing confirms Champion's specific dye suppliers meet all restrictions. Risk is low if garment is washed before extended skin contact.
Formaldehyde-resin finishing agents
Polyester blended shorts often receive formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance and shape retention during manufacturing. Champion does not disclose finishing chemistry. Off-gassing is typically minimal in synthetic textiles compared to cottons, but pre-wash wear (unwashed new garment against skin for hours) poses the highest exposure risk.
PFAS in water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating
The water-resistant treatment on these shorts is the primary PFAS concern. Older water-repellent coating processes used long-chain PFOA and PFOS (now restricted); many manufacturers have switched to short-chain alternatives or fluorocarbon-free options. Champion's specific water-repellent coating chemistry is undisclosed, creating unconfirmed but not unreasonable concern, especially with repeated washing over years.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in some polyester production. Modern polyester manufacturing (post-2010) in regulated markets has largely phased out antimony or controls residual levels to negligible amounts. No recalls or identified contamination in Champion athletic wear; risk is theoretical and minimal.
Microfiber shedding and microplastic release
Polyester garments shed microfibers during washing and wear. While not a direct toxicity hazard to the wearer, repeated laundering releases synthetic microplastics into wastewater. This is an environmental concern rather than a direct health hazard; washing in cool water and air-drying minimizes shedding compared to hot water and tumble drying.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.