Speedo · Waterproof Sports Gear
Speedo Shorts | Speedo Men's 18" Comfort Liner Stretch Water Resistant Fitness Shorts | Color: Blue/Green | Size: Xxl
Water-resistant shorts; water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS. Avoid if concerned.
Speedo does not disclose PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry for this product. Water-resistant fitness shorts typically use fluorinated coatings; no brand transparency available.
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Material
Polyester blend with water-resistant 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 blend with a water-resistant finish applied to the fabric. Polyester itself is chemically stable in normal wear, but the water-resistant (water-repellent coating) topcoat typically relies on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to repel moisture and maintain breathability. The comfort liner is likely polyester or nylon. No testing data is publicly available for this specific product's coating composition, but Speedo does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry or PFAS-free alternatives in its product information.
The brand's record and disclosure
Speedo is owned by Pentland Group and has not published sustainability reports or chemical disclosure statements specific to PFAS use in water-resistant finishes. The brand does not advertise PFAS-free or fluorine-free water-repellent coating coatings. No formal recalls or safety advisories have been issued for Speedo shorts related to chemical exposure. The brand's silence on this matter is typical for the athletic apparel industry but leaves consumers without clarity on whether safer alternatives are available.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream competitive swimwear and fitness shorts (Speedo, Nike, Adidas) use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings. Some smaller brands (e.g., Patagonia, some outdoor lines) now offer PFAS-free water-resistant alternatives using wax or silicone-based finishes, though at higher cost. Speedo's position reflects industry standard practice rather than a premium or budget outlier. The 18-inch inseam and comfort liner design are category-typical for men's fitness shorts.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild detergent; avoid hot water and fabric softeners, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and release particles. Do not dry-clean, as solvents may damage the water-resistant finish. Expect the water-repellent coating to diminish after 20-30 washes; reapplication products exist but carry additional chemical burden. If PFAS exposure is a personal concern, research brands explicitly marketing PFAS-free or fluorine-free water-repellent coating technology before purchase.
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.”
Fluorinated water-resistant (water-repellent coating) coating (PFAS-class compounds)
Water-resistant shorts require a durable hydrophobic finish. Speedo does not disclose the specific chemistry; standard industry practice uses legacy PFAS (C8 perfluorooctane derivatives) or newer PFAS alternatives. Dermal exposure during wear is considered low-risk in scientific literature, but accumulation in home wash water is documented.
Azo dyes and color fastness
No safety alerts or testing data specific to Speedo shorts indicate restricted azo dyes or heavy-metal pigments in the blue/green colorway. Polyester apparel from major brands typically meets international dye standards, though independent verification is rare.
Formaldehyde resins (fabric finishing)
Polyester blends do not require formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resist or antimicrobial finishes as commonly as cotton. No public reports link Speedo shorts to formaldehyde off-gassing or skin irritation from finishing agents.
Microplastic shedding and fiber migration
Polyester textiles shed microfibers during washing and wear. Speedo shorts are durable athletic wear, so shedding is lower than lightweight synthetics, but quantified data specific to this product is unavailable. Wear and washing gradually thin the fabric and increase particle release.
Antimony in polyester (catalyst residue)
Polyester synthesis can leave trace antimony if antimony oxide was used as a catalyst. Modern polyester production increasingly avoids this, and finished apparel testing by regulatory bodies shows residual antimony is typically below concern thresholds. No specific testing for this product exists in public records.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.