Calvin Klein · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Calvin Klein Women's Double Logo High Hip T-Shirt
Lower concern, basic cotton tee with no applied treatments.
This is a plain cotton t-shirt with no waterproofing, stain resistance, or other finishes that commonly contain PFAS. Calvin Klein discloses nothing about PFAS, but simple construction suggests minimal risk.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
cotton jersey, no applied finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Azo dyes and colorant residues
Reactive or direct dyes used in the printing or dyeing process may leave trace unreacted dye or byproducts; migration to skin is low for well-rinsed finished goods but pre-wash reduces any residual exposure. Calvin Klein does not specify dye chemistry or azo restrictions for this item.
Heavy metals
If the double logo involves colored plastisol or ink print, pigments may contain trace cadmium, lead, or chromium depending on ink supplier. Calvin Klein's supply-chain controls are aligned with ZDHC but not specifically disclosed for this garment; pre-wash helps reduce any loose pigment migration.
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Plain jersey cotton without durable-press or wrinkle-free finish does not typically require formaldehyde-releasing resins. No formaldehyde-based sizing or finish has been reported in standard cotton knits from this brand at this price tier.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in fibers or treatments
Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester production, not cotton. This item is 100% cotton and carries no antimony risk from fiber content.
Allergens in fragrance or finish
No fragrance finish, water-repellent, or antimicrobial treatment is stated or typical for a basic cotton tee. Allergic reactions would be limited to dye sensitivity, which is rare and not brand-specific.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is cotton jersey, a knitted fabric with no coating, lamination, water-repellent finish, or durable press treatment applied. Cotton fiber itself is relatively stable once harvested; the main chemical exposure window occurs during growing (pesticides) and processing (bleach, dyes). A plain-dyed or printed graphic tee like this typically involves reactive or direct dyes applied in the wet finishing stage, then rinsed. No topical polymer layer means no Teflon-type coating, silicone, or polyurethane-based treatments to degrade or off-gas.
The brand's record and disclosure
Calvin Klein (owned by PVH Corp) has published sustainability commitments including restricted chemical lists aligned with ZDHC Gateway standards, but does not prominently disclose PFAS policies specific to basic apparel lines. The brand has faced no major recalls or chemical contamination scandals on entry-level cotton basics in recent years. Their disclosure remains general rather than product-specific, which is typical for large fashion conglomerates but limits transparency on individual items.
How it compares in its category
A plain cotton jersey tee is among the lowest-risk garment types in apparel; it lacks the flame retardants found in sleepwear, the antimony in synthetic polyester, and the formaldehyde-resin finishes in permanent-press or wrinkle-free cottons. Direct competitors (Hanes, Gap basics) carry similar chemical profiles. Organic cotton versions from brands like Patagonia or Everlane reduce pesticide residue but cost more and offer no established additional safety benefit for the finished product.
If you buy it
Wash in cold water before wearing to remove residual dyes and processing chemicals; this is standard practice for all new textiles. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or high heat, which can weaken cotton fibers over time. No special storage is needed. Replace when seams fray, fabric pills excessively, or fit degrades, typically 1-3 years with regular wear depending on care. The risk profile does not change with age unless exposed to mold or severe staining.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Calvin Klein has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof sports undergarments 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.