501 Jeans vs Dri-FIT Apparel: which is safer?
Levi's 501 Jeans is the clear pick. Nike Dri-FIT Apparel carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Our pick
Levi's
501 Jeans
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleAzo dyes in indigo coloring
PossibleFormaldehyde in sizing and finishing resins
ReportedMicroplastic shedding from synthetic finishing agents
Nike
Dri-FIT Apparel
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finish
LikelyMicrofiber shedding during laundering
PossibleAntimony in polyester
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Azo dyes in indigo coloring, Formaldehyde in sizing and finishing resins, Microplastic shedding from synthetic finishing agents and Residual pesticide or processing chemicals from cotton on the Levi's and not on the Nike.
- We flag Formaldehyde resins in fabric finish, Microfiber shedding during laundering, Antimony in polyester and Degradation of DWR coating and release of breakdown products on the Nike and not on the Levi's.
- The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Levi's 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 clothing: see the full ranking