Lee · Stain-Resistant Professional Workwear
Lee Men's Extreme Motion Long Sleeve All Purpose Shirt
Lower concern; basic cotton apparel without specialty treatments.
Lee's long sleeve shirt uses standard cotton blend without advertised water-resistant or stain-resistant finishes. No PFAS disclosures found; typical apparel carries minimal PFAS risk unless treated.
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Material
Cotton blend with standard construction
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
Lee's Extreme Motion Long Sleeve is a cotton blend (exact synthetic percentage not specified in public materials, but typically 50-65% cotton with polyester). Cotton dominates, which is inherently low-chemical relative to fully synthetic fabrics. The polyester blend adds durability and stretch without requiring chemical finishes typical of specialty athletic wear. Standard construction means no flame retardant treatments, water-repellent coatings, or performance dyes that often trigger formaldehyde or other resin concerns.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lee (Kontoor Brands, formerly VF Corporation) has published corporate sustainability reports but does not proactively disclose detailed chemical testing or restricted substance lists for basic apparel lines like this shirt. The brand has not faced major recalls or public hazard controversies tied to formaldehyde, azo dyes, or heavy metals in standard cotton-blend basics. Lack of transparency is typical for mass-market workwear; no third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX) are marketed for this product.
How it compares in its category
Standard men's cotton-blend work or casual shirts are among the lowest-risk apparel categories because they lack elastic, spandex, or performance finishes that often harbor formaldehyde resins or phthalate-based softeners. Lee's Extreme Motion sits in the midmarket segment, competing with Carhartt and Dickies; all three rely on basic dyes and construction with minimal chemical loading compared to novelty or fashion apparel. No certifications distinguish this from unbranded equivalents.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to remove any loose dyes or residual finishes from manufacturing. Use warm water and mild detergent; no special care required. Dry on medium heat or air dry to avoid unnecessary polymer stress. Replace when seams fray or fabric thins, typically after 2-3 years of regular wear. No hand-me-down or donation concerns unless visibly compromised.
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 resins in fabric finishes
Basic cotton-blend construction without wrinkle-free, waterproof, or antimicrobial finishes means formaldehyde-releasing resins are not expected. No recall or test disclosure suggests the product follows standard dye and finishing protocols.
Azo dyes and heavy metals in pigments
Cotton and polyester blends use conventional textile dyes; azo dyes (which can release carcinogenic amines) and trace heavy metals in pigments are possible in low concentrations, but Lee's mass-market positioning and lack of bright or exotic colors reduce likelihood. No specific contamination reports are public.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester component may contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst residue; modern production limits this, and migration risk is low in a basic shirt worn against skin. No accumulation risk in normal wear.
Phthalate-based softeners or plasticizers
Cotton-blend basics typically do not require phthalate softeners; synthetic polymers in thread or trim are minimal. No established source of phthalates in this product type.
Degradation and microfiber shedding over time
All polyester-blend textiles shed microfibers when laundered; this shirt's polyester content will contribute to environmental microplastic load but poses no direct health hazard to the wearer. Washing in cold water and using a microfiber filter bag reduces shedding.
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 stain-resistant professional 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.