Athleta Women's Interval Sports Bra
Lower concern bra; no disclosed water-resistant coating containing PFAS.
This nylon-spandex bra has no disclosed water-resistant or stain-resistant treatments, the main PFAS vectors in apparel. Athleta makes no PFAS statements either way.
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Material
nylon, spandex blend; no water-resistant treatment disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Athleta Women's Interval Sports Bra is made of, ingredients and materials
The Interval Sports Bra is constructed from nylon and spandex, a common elasticated blend used in athletic wear for stretch and recovery. Nylon itself is a synthetic polyamide that does not inherently leach toxic compounds under normal wearing conditions, though the spandex component can contain residual manufacturing chemicals. Because this product has no disclosed water-resistant or stain-resistant treatment, the material avoids the fluorinated coatings (PFCs) that would otherwise present a more significant hazard concern.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Heavy metals
Nylon fabrics are commonly dyed with azo compounds and heavy metals (chromium, nickel) during manufacturing. Athleta does not disclose dyeing standards or third-party testing for this product; no violations have been reported, but the absence of OEKO-TEX or similar certification means unrestricted use is technically possible.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon and spandex blends may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins during manufacturing to improve wrinkle resistance or shape retention. Athleta provides no public disclosure of formaldehyde-free processing; while residual levels in finished garments are typically low, sensitive individuals or prolonged skin contact could pose minor risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗Residual monomers and plasticizers from spandex synthesis
Spandex contains diisocyanate monomers and may retain trace organic solvents from production. These are typically negligible in finished garments, but individuals with chemical sensitivities or skin conditions may experience irritation; washing before first wear reduces this risk.
Microfiber shedding during washing
Synthetic textiles including nylon-spandex blends shed microfibers during laundering, contributing to aquatic microplastic pollution. This is an environmental concern rather than a direct wearer safety hazard, but relevant to informed purchasing.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Antimony in polyester-adjacent synthetics
This product is nylon-spandex, not polyester, so antimony (a catalyst used in polyester production) is not a direct concern. However, if any polyester is present as an undisclosed blend component, antimony residues are theoretically possible but undocumented for this brand.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Athleta, owned by Gap Inc., has not made public commitments to formaldehyde-free manufacturing or independent textile certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) for this specific product line. The brand maintains general sustainability messaging but does not disclose detailed chemical management policies for athletic wear. No product recalls, azo dye violations, or antimony contamination have been publicly documented for Athleta sports bras to date.
How it compares in its category
Sports bras in this price and performance tier (mid-market athletic wear) typically use nylon-spandex blends without additional chemical treatments, making Athleta's formula standard rather than differentiated. Competitors like Lululemon and Brooks both produce similar untreated elasticated blends; some higher-end brands obtain OEKO-TEX certification, which would provide third-party assurance of restricted chemicals including formaldehyde and heavy metal dyes. Athleta's lack of visible certification is common but not exceptional in this segment.
If you buy it
Wash in cool to warm water (below 40°C/104°F) with mild detergent to preserve elasticity and minimize any potential leaching of residual dyes or finishes. Avoid high heat in the dryer; air-dry flat or hang to extend the lifespan of the spandex, which degrades faster under thermal stress. Replace when elastic fails to recover or straps lose support, typically after 12-18 months of regular use. Do not bleach or use fabric softener, as these can degrade synthetic fibers and may increase chemical absorption through skin.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
More sports bras 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.