Gap · Stain-Resistant Workwear
Old Navy Women's High-Waisted Sleektech Trouser Pants
Sleektech treatment raises concern; Old Navy discloses nothing about PFAS.
Old Navy's Sleektech is a proprietary performance coating on synthetic fabric, likely containing water-repellent coating agents. The brand provides no PFAS transparency or testing data, making risk assessment difficult.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester blend with Sleektech 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
These trousers are polyester-blend fabric with Sleektech, Old Navy's proprietary moisture-wicking treatment. Polyester itself is a stable synthetic polymer with low toxicity, but the applied finish is the concern: moisture-wicking treatments often use fluorochemicals (PFAS-class compounds) to repel water and oil, though Old Navy has never publicly disclosed the chemistry of Sleektech. The blend likely includes elastane or nylon for stretch, which are chemically benign but add to the coating interaction profile.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gap Inc. (Old Navy's parent) has not published a detailed PFAS policy or chemicals disclosure for apparel lines as of recent public records. The company has faced no major safety recalls for these trousers specifically. Old Navy's silence on Sleektech composition contrasts with some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Outdoor Voices) who voluntarily disclose or phase out PFAS in performance wear. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to rule out legacy or current fluorochemical use.
How it compares in its category
Performance trousers with moisture-wicking finishes are common in fast fashion and mid-market retail. Competitors vary widely: some brands (REI Co-op, Allbirds) now use PFAS-free water repellents or none at all, while others (including many Gap-tier brands) still rely on undisclosed treatments. Old Navy's price point and lack of transparency puts these pants in the middle-to-lower end of disclosure standards for this category.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cold water to minimize any potential leaching of finish compounds; avoid high heat (tumble dry low or air dry). The moisture-wicking treatment will degrade over time and with repeated laundering, which is normal and reduces exposure. Inspect seams and coating annually for peeling or flaking. If appearance or performance noticeably declines within 1-2 years, replacement is reasonable and avoids long-term wear of degraded coatings.
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.”
Fluorochemical (PFAS-class) in moisture-wicking finish
Sleektech treatment is not disclosed by Old Navy. Most polyester moisture-wicking finishes historically used perfluorinated compounds or polyfluorinated alternatives; newer brands have shifted away, but Old Navy has not stated its current practice. No recall or test data on this specific product, but the silence is notable.
Azo dyes in polyester coloring
Polyester garments can be dyed with azo compounds, some of which break down into allergenic amines. Old Navy has not been flagged for azo dye violations in recent years, and no recalls exist for these trousers. Risk is low but not zero in fast-fashion production.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester manufacturing sometimes uses antimony trioxide as a catalyst. Residual levels in finished fabric are typically negligible and not a concern for skin contact, though leaching in laundering is theoretically possible under extreme conditions (high heat, acidic detergent). No evidence of excess antimony in Old Navy apparel.
Formaldehyde resins in finish or wrinkle treatment
Many polyester blends receive formaldehyde-based finishing agents for wrinkle resistance or crease-setting. Old Navy does not disclose whether Sleektech includes such treatments. Off-gassing is typically minimal in finished apparel but possible in first few wears. No recalls or complaints on record for this product line.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fiber
All polyester garments shed microfibers during laundering, particularly in the first few washes. This is a systemic issue for synthetic apparel and not specific to Old Navy, but the moisture-wicking finish may increase shedding if coating is unstable. Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag to minimize environmental release.
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 Stain-Resistant Workwear
Williamson-Dickie
Dickies Men's Pants Dickies 874 Work Pants Flex Original Fit
cotton blend twill, no water-repellent coating finish noted
Lower concern. Basic work pants without water-resistant treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Williamson-Dickie
Genuine Dickies Men's Flex Cargo Pants
cotton/polyester blend, no water-resistant treatment noted
Lower concern. Basic cotton-poly cargo pants with no disclosed treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Williamson-Dickie
Dickies Men's Relaxed Fit Cargo Work Pants
cotton/polyester blend twill
Lower concern; standard work pants with no water-repellent coating.
⚠Risky category by default
More stain-resistant workwear 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.