Lee · Stain-Resistant Professional Workwear
Lee Men's X All Purpose Knit Long Sleeve Shirt
Lower concern. Basic knit shirt with no chemical treatments.
Lee's all-purpose knit shirt appears to be untreated cotton blend with no water-repellent coating or stain-resistant finishes. No PFAS disclosure or treatment claimed.
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Material
Cotton knit blend, untreated
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
This shirt is a cotton knit blend, described as untreated, meaning it has not received synthetic finishes like water-repellency coatings, wrinkle-resistance resins, or antimicrobial treatments that often introduce hazardous chemicals. Cotton fiber itself is low-risk; the blend component (likely polyester or elastane) adds durability but introduces potential for azo dyes and antimony residues if present in the dyeing process. Untreated status is a significant advantage because it avoids formaldehyde-releasing finishes and flame retardant chemicals common in finished apparel.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lee, owned by Kontoor Brands, does not publicly disclose detailed chemical or PFAS policies specific to individual products; the brand maintains general supply-chain standards but lacks transparency comparable to outdoor or athletic brands with dedicated sustainability reports. No major safety recalls for basic knit shirts under the Lee label appear in public databases. The brand's silence on chemical inputs suggests standard industry practice rather than exceptional safety commitment or known problems.
How it compares in its category
Basic untreated knit shirts occupy the lower-risk tier of casual apparel; they avoid the chemical intensity of performance fabrics (antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, stain-resistant treatments) and formal finishes (durable press). This product sits comfortably in mainstream mass-market safety, with exposure risk comparable to other basic cotton-blend basics from comparable brands. Higher-end organic or certified options would offer documented dye and finish oversight, but are not necessary for baseline safety here.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to remove residual dyes and dust; use mild detergent and cold water. Standard machine washing poses no special hazards for an untreated knit. Inspect seams and fabric for loose threads or pilling over time, which is normal wear; replace if significant degradation occurs. Avoid prolonged storage in humid conditions to prevent mildew, which is a use concern, not a chemical one.
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 dye residues
Untreated status does not exclude the use of azo dyes in the dyeing process itself; some azo dyes can release amines linked to allergic sensitization. Washing before wear reduces surface residue. No specific Lee product recalls for dye-related issues are documented.
Antimony in polyester component
If the blend includes polyester, antimony oxide may be used as a catalyst in fiber production. Dermal exposure from wearing is minimal; migration into skin is not established as a concern for apparel, but the chemical is present in trace amounts in most polyester fibers.
Formaldehyde resins (finish treatments)
Product is described as untreated, which excludes common formaldehyde-releasing wrinkle-resist and durable-press finishes. No evidence of these treatments in basic knit shirts of this type.
Heavy metals in dyes and pigments
Industrial dyeing can introduce trace lead or cadmium in certain dye formulations; risk is low for cotton-blend apparel but not zero. Reputable manufacturers typically avoid high-risk dyes, and washing reduces surface exposure.
Fragrance allergens (if any finishing applied)
No information suggests this untreated shirt carries artificial fragrance or scent finishes. Risk is minimal unless stored with scented products.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.