Women's Scoop Neck Swimsuit vs Women's Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top: which is safer?
Patagonia Women's Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top is the clear pick. Gap Women's Scoop Neck Swimsuit carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Gap
Women's Scoop Neck Swimsuit
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleAzo dyes and synthetic dye allergens
ReportedElastane degradation and microfiber shedding
PossibleFormaldehyde in fabric finishes
Our pick
Patagonia
Women's Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleElastane (spandex) degradation under heat or chlorine
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Azo dyes and synthetic dye allergens, Elastane degradation and microfiber shedding, Formaldehyde in fabric finishes and Contact dermatitis from residual chemicals on the Gap and not on the Patagonia.
- We flag Elastane (spandex) degradation under heat or chlorine on the Patagonia and not on the Gap.
- The Gap is Polyamide/nylon (primary); likely elastane/spandex blend for fit where the Patagonia is Nylon/polyester blend with elastane (standard swimwear), which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 25 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Patagonia is the one to buy.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More swimwear: see the full ranking