Speedo · Waterproof Sports Gear
Adult Speedo Men's 18 inch Fitness Shorts
Moderate concern due to water-repellent coating; Speedo discloses nothing about PFAS.
Speedo fitness shorts use water-resistant treatment typical in athletic wear, likely containing PFAS. No public disclosure or testing data available from the brand.
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Material
polyester/nylon blend with water-repellent coating finish
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 polyester/nylon blend with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. water-repellent coating coatings have historically relied on PFAS chemistry to achieve water resistance, though some manufacturers have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives. Speedo has not publicly disclosed whether this product uses fluorinated or non-fluorinated water-repellent coating, making the specific chemical composition unclear. The polyester and nylon themselves are stable synthetic fibers with low leaching risk under normal wear conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Speedo is owned by Pentland Group and has not made public commitments to PFAS phase-out or transparency regarding water-repellent coating chemistry in apparel. The brand does not list PFAS disclosure statements on its website or product labels as of available public records. Speedo has not faced documented recalls or major controversies tied to textile chemical hazards, but the lack of transparency on fluorinated finishes is a notable gap compared to competitors who have voluntarily disclosed or eliminated PFAS. No third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX or bluesign are advertised for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Most athletic shorts from major brands use polyester or polyester blends; Speedo's offering is standard in material. However, competing brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx, some mainstream labels) increasingly disclose PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS water-repellent coating treatments or offer untreated options. Speedo's silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is less transparent than leading-edge competitors but not unusual for mass-market swimwear and athletic brands. The polyester/nylon blend itself carries no known hazard premium compared to similar products.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to reduce any loose finish particles or dyes. Use warm or cool water and mild detergent; hot water may degrade the water-repellent coating prematurely. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which compromise water-repellent treatments. Expect the water-repellent coating finish to diminish over 20-30 wash cycles; reapplication products exist if water resistance is important for your use. If you have concerns about PFAS, consider contacting Speedo directly to request disclosure, or choose brands with transparent non-PFAS water-repellent coating claims.
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 synthetic colorants
No documented azo dye contamination or heavy metal pigment issues reported for Speedo athletic shorts. Standard polyester dyes used in this category are regulated under consumer protection rules in most markets.
Formaldehyde-based fabric resins
No recalls or warnings linking formaldehyde resin finishes to Speedo athletic wear. Polyester/nylon blends typically require minimal resin treatment compared to cotton or cotton blends.
Antimony in polyester fibers
Polyester production can involve antimony as a catalyst; trace amounts may remain in finished fabric. At typical exposure levels in athletic wear, the risk is minimal, but antimony is classified as a possible carcinogen by IARC and warrants awareness in products worn directly on skin.
Flame retardants in athletic textiles
Athletic shorts are not subject to flammability standards in most jurisdictions, so added flame retardants are unlikely. No reports of brominated or phosphorus-based retardants in Speedo apparel.
water-repellent coating durability and degradation
water-repellent coating finishes naturally degrade with laundering; fluorinated coatings shed microparticles into wastewater over time. This product does not disclose whether the water-repellent coating is PFAS-based, limiting your ability to assess cumulative environmental and exposure risk from this specific garment.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.