Athleta Swim Athleta Aqualuxe Square Plunge One Piece Swimsuit
Avoid until brand discloses water-repellent chemistry; coatings often contain PFAS.
Athleta has not publicly disclosed the water-repellent coating treatment chemistry used on this swimsuit. Swimwear marketed as water-resistant or long-lasting often relies on fluorinated PFAS coatings, leaving moderate PFAS risk unconfirmed without transparency or third-party testing.
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Material
Nylon/spandex blend with water-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Water-repellent treatments on swimwear commonly use legacy PFAS formulations. Athleta does not disclose its supplier or coating chemistry, making PFAS presence unconfirmed but typical for this product type.
Source: ATSDR ↗Elastane (spandex) microfiber shedding
Degraded elastane fibers, especially in chlorinated water and with friction, may shed microplastics into aquatic environments. No established harm to wearers has been documented, but fibers accumulate in waterways.
Coating degradation and leachables over use
Water-resistant coatings break down with wear, potentially releasing fragments or residual treatment chemicals into water. Extent depends on coating type; fluorinated polymers persist longer and may release PFAS metabolites.
Sensitization to treatment chemicals
Some wearers report skin irritation or contact dermatitis after prolonged wear of chemically treated swimwear; reaction likelihood depends on individual sensitivity and finish chemistry, which is undisclosed here.
What’s reassuring
Dye fixation and allergen residues
No recalls or published complaints about azo dyes or formaldehyde fixing agents in Athleta swimwear are on record. Nylon accepts dyes readily and typically poses low risk if rinsed before wear, which is standard practice.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This suit uses a nylon/spandex blend, a standard base for swimwear that is durable and stretchy. The key unknown is the water-resistant finish applied to achieve the 'Aqualuxe' performance claim. Such coatings are often polyurethane or silicone-based but may include perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) to enhance water repellency and durability. Without disclosure from Athleta, the specific chemistry cannot be confirmed, and this finish is the primary chemical concern rather than the base fibers themselves.
The brand's record and disclosure
Athleta, owned by Gap Inc., does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of water-repellent treatments on its swimwear. The brand has not released statements on PFAS avoidance or confirmed fluorine-free alternatives for performance coatings. Gap Inc. has committed to certain sustainability goals but has not made PFAS elimination a public priority for its athletic lines. This silence is notable because competitors like Patagonia have begun disclosing or eliminating PFAS from technical apparel.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream water-resistant swimwear (Speedo, Nike, Roxy) uses similar coatings and do not disclose PFAS status. Higher-end brands like Patagonia and some indie makers have begun offering fluorine-free water-resistant options, though at higher price points and with less extensive product ranges. Athleta's silence mirrors the industry norm but means buyers cannot differentiate this suit on chemical safety grounds. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, seeking brands with explicit fluorine-free claims is advisable.
If you buy it
Wash the suit in cold water after each saltwater or chlorine use to reduce coating degradation and extend life. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat (tumble dry low or air dry only), which can break down both the elastane and the water-resistant finish. Replace the suit every 2-3 years of regular use, as elastane loses stretch and coatings eventually fail. If concerned about PFAS exposure, contact Athleta directly requesting treatment chemistry; lack of response should inform your future purchases.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Athleta has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Swimwear
Speedo
Women's Eco Solid Adult Super Pro Swimsuit
Polyester/nylon blend (standard swimsuit fabric)
Lower concern, typical swimwear without known water-repellent treatment, though Speedo has not disclosed PFAS avoidance.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Women's Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top
Nylon/polyester blend with elastane (standard swimwear)
Lower concern, basic swimwear without water-repellent coating, though Patagonia's broader PFAS practices warrant review.
⚠Risky category by default
Aerie
String Triangle Bikini Top
nylon/polyester blend (standard swimwear)
Lower PFAS concern, untreated swimwear unlikely to require water-repellent coating chemicals.
⚠Risky category by default
More swimwear 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.