Calvin Klein · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Calvin Klein Women's High Rise Icon Sport Leggings
Standard athletic leggings, no known PFAS red flags identified.
Calvin Klein's Icon Sport Leggings are nylon and spandex with no disclosed water-repellent or stain-resistant treatment. The brand is silent on PFAS, but standard activewear without functional coatings poses lower concern than treated sportswear.
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Material
nylon/spandex blend
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 synthetic dye residues
Nylon readily absorbs and retains synthetic dyes. Azo dyes used in dark or vibrant colors can theoretically release aromatic amines if exposed to skin bacteria or sweat over time, though full azo-dye bans in EU and industry shift to alternatives with lower concern have reduced this risk. No specific test data for this product exists on public record.
Spandex degradation and microfiber shedding
Spandex breaks down under heat, UV exposure, and repeated washing, shedding microscopic fibers into wash water and the environment. This is not unique to Calvin Klein but inherent to all spandex garments; the rate depends on care and quality of the elastic fiber itself.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some nylon athletic wear undergoes anti-wrinkle or shrink-resistant finishing with formaldehyde-based resins. Calvin Klein does not publicly disclose finish chemistry for this line. Modern finishes are often lower-formaldehyde or non-formaldehyde alternatives, but specific data for this product is not available.
Source, ATSDR ↗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 (if present in trim or threading)
The main fabric is nylon-spandex, not polyester. If trim, labels, or threading contain polyester, antimony trioxide used as a catalyst is a theoretical concern, but no specific evidence links Calvin Klein athletic wear to elevated antimony exposure.
Flame retardants
Leggings are not regulated as sleepwear and do not typically receive flame retardant treatment. No evidence of intentional flame retardant additives in this product category.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Calvin Klein Icon Sport Leggings are a nylon-spandex blend, a standard construction for stretch athletic wear. Nylon is a synthetic polyamide that resists moisture and degradation during workouts; spandex (elastane) provides the stretch recovery. Neither material is inherently hazardous at normal wear temperatures, though both are petroleum-derived synthetics. The weave and finish determine whether dyes, finishes, or coatings pose any leaching or off-gassing risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Calvin Klein, owned by PVH Corp, maintains general sustainability and compliance statements but does not publicly disclose detailed chemical screening or third-party certifications specific to individual garment lines. No major recalls or chemical controversies have been documented for this product line. The brand's silence on PFAS and other restricted substances is typical of mainstream athletic apparel brands rather than a red flag.
How it compares in its category
Nylon-spandex leggings are mainstream and among the most commonly produced athletic bottoms globally. This product sits in the mid-market segment; it lacks certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS that would indicate third-party hazard testing, but such certifications are not standard for this price tier. Compared to budget alternatives, Calvin Klein's manufacturing standards are typically more rigorous; compared to premium sustainable brands, transparency is lower.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before first wear to remove residual dyes and finishes. Avoid high heat (dryer, direct sunlight) which can degrade spandex and accelerate any potential finish breakdown. Replace when elastic loses recovery or seams fray, typically after 1-2 years of regular use. Store dry to prevent mildew and microbial growth in the synthetic fibers.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.