Lululemon · Waterproof Sports Gear
lululemon Mile Maker Shorts | Men's Ripstop Lined Short 6" | Size M
Mid-risk shorts, water-repellent coating treatment likely contains PFAS.
Lululemon does not disclose PFAS use in this product. water-repellent coating-treated ripstop nylon shorts typically use fluorinated coatings. No third-party testing available.
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Material
nylon ripstop with 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 nylon ripstop (a densely woven synthetic that resists tearing) with a water-repellent coating finish, which stands for water-repellent coating. water-repellent coating coatings are typically applied to outdoor and performance textiles to shed water without adding bulk. The nylon base itself is stable, but the water-repellent coating treatment is where PFAS chemicals usually hide in this product category, since most modern water-repellent finishes rely on fluorinated compounds for performance.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lululemon does not publicly disclose PFAS content or commit to PFAS-free timelines for their apparel, despite being a premium athletic brand with significant sustainability marketing. The company has faced criticism for vague environmental claims but has not faced major recalls or regulatory action tied to hazardous textile chemicals in this product line. Their silence on water-repellent coating chemistry specifically is notable given the prevalence of PFAS in that treatment category.
How it compares in its category
Performance athletic shorts typically use water-repellent coating-treated synthetic fabrics; this is industry standard, not a Lululemon-specific choice. However, some competitors (Patagonia, REI Co-op lines) have begun disclosing PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS options, making Lululemon's lack of transparency stand out. For a product in this price tier and brand positioning, explicit commitment to safer water-repellent coating chemistry would be a reasonable consumer expectation.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and avoid high heat, as heat can accelerate water-repellent coating breakdown and potential release of residual chemicals. Air dry rather than machine dry to preserve the coating. Expect to replace these shorts after 2-3 years of regular wear as ripstop degrades over time. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, consider reaching out to Lululemon customer service to request their water-repellent coating supplier and chemistry; increased consumer pressure can drive disclosure.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating treatment
Nylon ripstop shorts almost universally rely on fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings unless explicitly marketed as PFAS-free. Lululemon has not stated otherwise for this product, making PFAS exposure a probable but not confirmed concern.
Formaldehyde-based dyes or finishes
No recalls or established reports of formaldehyde residues in Lululemon apparel. Nylon fabrics and synthetic dyes are not typically high-risk categories for formaldehyde, but trace amounts in finishes are possible industry-wide.
Azo dyes (carcinogenic aniline dyes)
Lululemon is not known to have reported azo dye issues, and reputable athletic brands typically screen for restricted azo compounds. No specific advisory for this product exists on public record.
Antimony in polyester base
This product is nylon ripstop, not polyester, so antimony (a catalyst used in polyester production) is not a concern here. Nylon does not typically carry antimony residues.
Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
Ripstop nylon sheds microfibers during normal wash and wear, especially as the water-repellent coating degrades. This is a general concern for all synthetic athletic wear, not unique to Lululemon, but worth minimizing through gentle washing and reduced-temperature drying.
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.