Nike · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Women's Nike Tempo Dri-FIT Running Top
No PFAS claim. Dri-FIT finish may contain fluorochemicals; skip if concerned.
Nike does not disclose PFAS use in Dri-FIT apparel. Moisture-wicking finishes often use fluorochemicals, though not confirmed here. Low transparency limits confidence.
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Material
polyester with Dri-FIT 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
This top is 100% polyester with Nike's proprietary Dri-FIT moisture-wicking treatment applied to the fabric surface. Polyester itself is chemically stable and does not leach toxic compounds into skin under normal wear. However, the Dri-FIT finish is a water and oil-repellent coating whose exact chemical composition Nike does not publicly disclose; such coatings commonly use fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) to achieve performance, though some formulations now use alternatives. The treatment remains bound to the fabric when dry but may release volatile compounds or microfiber particles during washing and extended wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike does not publish ingredient lists or chemical disclosures for functional apparel treatments, including Dri-FIT. The company has faced pressure from environmental and health advocates regarding PFAS use in textiles but has not committed to public phase-out timelines or switched to documented PFAS-free alternatives for this product line. Nike holds no third-party certifications (such as GOTS or Oeko-Tex) for this item that would verify absence of harmful dyes, resins, or flame retardants. Transparency on this category remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Women's polyester running tops occupy a middle ground: they avoid the formaldehyde-resin risks of cheaper wrinkle-resistant cotton blends but lack the chemical disclosure of certified organic or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 alternatives. Nike's Dri-FIT is widely used and generally performs well, but competitors like Patagonia and Allbirds have published PFAS phase-out commitments or use certified low-chemical treatments. For runners seeking minimal chemical exposure, certified moisture-wicking alternatives exist but are often pricier or less available at scale.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water (under 40°C) with mild detergent before first wear to reduce any surface coating residue. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat (tumble dry low or air dry), as heat may increase off-gassing and degrade the finish. Machine wash with other synthetics, not with heavily soiled items. Replace after 2-3 years of regular use or if the water-repellent finish noticeably degrades (water no longer beads), as a worn coating may shed more microfibers. If you have chemical sensitivities or are concerned about PFAS, consider requesting Nike's treatment details or switching to a certified-low-chemical brand.
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.”
Undisclosed moisture-wicking coating (likely fluorochemical)
Dri-FIT's exact formulation is proprietary. Water and oil repellency on polyester textiles typically relies on fluorinated compounds; Nike has not confirmed use of PFAS-free alternatives for this product. Risk of skin contact and inhalation during wear is low, but leaching into sweat and shedding during laundering are possible.
Formaldehyde resins in dyes or finishes
No recall, report, or public disclosure of formaldehyde-based resins in Nike Tempo lines. Polyester and Dri-FIT treatments do not inherently require formaldehyde, though some textile finishing plants may use them; Nike does not state exclusion.
Azo dyes (banned or restricted colorants)
Nike apparel typically meets U.S. and EU standards for azo dyes. No specific incident or recall linked to this product; however, independent testing of Nike apparel has not been widely published.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony oxide is a common polyester catalyst that can remain in trace amounts in finished fiber. Dermal absorption is minimal during normal wear; no documented health incident from athletic polyester apparel in this category.
Microfiber shedding during wash and wear
Polyester garments shed microplastic fibers, particularly in early washes and with agitation. This is not a direct wearer hazard but an environmental concern; washing in cold water and using a microfiber-catching bag reduces 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.
More waterproof sports undergarments 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.