Under Armour · Waterproof Sports Gear
Under Armour Men's Trail Run 5" Lined Shorts
Likely lower concern but water-repellent coating unverified; no public PFAS data available.
Trail shorts use polyester/nylon with water-repellent coating finish, common in activewear. Under Armour discloses nothing about PFAS or coating chemistry; typical for mainstream brands without commitment to testing.
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Material
polyester/nylon blend 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 a polyester/nylon blend, which is standard for athletic wear because both materials dry quickly and resist moisture. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish is applied to the surface to shed water without saturation. Polyester and nylon themselves are inert once manufactured, but the chemical treatments applied during dyeing, finishing, and water-repellent coating application are where textile hazards typically originate. The liner adds another layer of material and potential for additional treatments.
The brand's record and disclosure
Under Armour does not publish detailed chemical composition or treatment disclosures for individual apparel items. The brand has not signed major textile sustainability initiatives like the Bluesign standard or ZDHC Gateway, which would provide third-party vetting of chemical use. No recalls or documented chemical contamination incidents specific to Under Armour shorts are on public record. The brand's silence on PFAS use in water-repellent coating coatings is typical of athletic apparel manufacturers but limits consumer transparency.
How it compares in its category
Running shorts in this price and performance tier typically use polyester/nylon blends with water-repellent coating treatment; Under Armour's construction is standard. Certified alternatives (e.g., bluesign-approved brands, organic cotton options) exist but cost more and sacrifice moisture-wicking performance. Most mainstream athletic brands apply water-repellent coating without public PFAS disclosure, making this product neither exceptional nor notably laggard in transparency. The lined construction is common and does not substantially increase chemical exposure risk if the liner is standard polyester.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with gentle detergent before first wear to reduce surface chemical load and loose dyes. Avoid hot water and dryers, which can degrade synthetic fibers and potentially mobilize residual chemical treatments. water-repellent coating coatings persist through normal washing but degrade over 50-100 washes; re-treatment is optional and adds fresh chemical exposure. Replace when seams fray or elastic fails, not due to chemical aging.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins in textile finishing
Formaldehyde-based finishes are used in polyester blends to improve wrinkle resistance and color fastness. Under Armour does not disclose formaldehyde use; it may be present in low concentrations typical of athletic wear. Off-gassing decreases with washing and wear.
Azo dyes and heavy metal colorants
Synthetic dyes used on polyester can include azo compounds and may contain cadmium or lead, especially in dark colors. No specific testing for this product is publicly available; risk is typical for polyester athletic apparel in this price range.
Antimony residue in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in polyester production and can remain as trace residue in finished fiber. Concentrations in apparel are generally below regulatory concern, but cumulative exposure from frequent wear and washing warrant awareness. Contact with skin is low-risk; inhalation during fiber degradation is theoretically possible but rare in normal use.
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication chemicals
water-repellent coating coatings wear off and may be reapplied by consumers using commercial products, many of which contain Teflon-type coating or other fluorinated compounds. This product's original water-repellent coating treatment is unspecified; reapplication is optional and under user control.
Flame retardant additives
Running shorts are not typically treated with flame retardants unless marketed explicitly for that purpose. No evidence suggests this product contains intentional flame retardant chemicals.
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.