Champion · Waterproof Sports Gear
Champion Men's Double Dry Cross-Training 10" Shorts
Moderate concern; water-repellent coating treatment likely present but unconfirmed by brand.
Champion does not disclose PFAS use or water-repellent coating chemistry. Most athletic shorts include durable water-resistant coatings that historically contained PFAS, though newer alternatives exist. Verify fabric content directly with brand.
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Material
polyester blend with water-repellent coating finish
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 88-100% polyester with elastane), treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed moisture. Polyester itself is stable in normal wear, but the water-repellent coating is the concern: most athletic water-repellent coating finishes historically used Teflon-type coating or fluorocarbon chemistry (now often reformulated but not always disclosed). The blend means some elastane is present, which can degrade under high heat and UV, potentially shedding microfibers during washing and wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Champion has not published detailed ingredient disclosure or PFAS phase-out commitments comparable to leading outdoor brands. The company does not independently certify water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages and remains silent on PFAS use in athletic lines. This lack of transparency is typical for value-tier apparel brands but limits consumer confidence in the finish composition. No major recalls or formaldehyde/azo dye issues are established for Champion's recent athletic shorts.
How it compares in its category
Cross-training shorts at this price point almost always carry water-repellent coating treatment; many competitors use identical or worse-disclosed finishes. Brands like Patagonia and outdoor specialists explicitly avoid legacy PFAS, but cost roughly 2-3 times higher. Champion's positioning means trading some chemical transparency for affordability; the hazard profile is similar to most mainstream gym apparel but less certain than certified alternatives.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water, avoid fabric softeners (they can trap chemicals and reduce breathability), and air-dry to minimize microfiber shedding and heat stress on elastane. Do not tumble-dry on high heat, which accelerates fiber degradation. Expect the water-repellent coating finish to gradually fade after 20-30 washes; reapplication products exist but add cost. Replace when elastic fails or seams separate, typically after 2-3 years of regular use.
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.”
Teflon-type coating/fluorocarbon water-repellent coating finish
water-repellent coating treatment is standard on athletic shorts and almost certainly present here, but Champion does not disclose chemistry. Legacy fluorocarbon water-repellent coating contains PFAS; newer finishes may reduce but not eliminate them. Finish exposure is dermal (minimal risk in normal wear) and occurs mainly during manufacturing and laundering.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
No specific recalls or published violations for Champion athletic wear. Standard polyester dyeing can use azo dyes, but most mainstream apparel brands have moved away from restricted amines. No established evidence of heavy metal dyes in this product.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric treatments
Polyester blends sometimes include formaldehyde-based wrinkle resistance or finish treatments, though athletic wear is less likely to use these than dress shirts or permanent-press items. Champion does not disclose finishing chemistry. Off-gassing from formaldehyde is typically negligible after first wash.
Microfiber shedding and degradation
Polyester and elastane blends shed microfibers during washing and wear, particularly if dried on high heat or washed with rough agitation. No product-specific data for Champion shorts, but this is a documented issue across all synthetic athletic wear. Fibers accumulate in waterways and are ingested by aquatic life; personal exposure from shedding is minimal.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony trioxide is sometimes used as a catalyst in polyester production and can remain as a trace residue. Dermal exposure from finished garments is considered low-risk, and no specific antimony testing has been reported for Champion products. Residual levels in clothing are typically below concern thresholds.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.