Dickies · Scrubs & Work Uniforms
Dickies EDS Essentials Unisex STRETCH Inner Terrycloth Scrub Hat
Lower concern; bare fabric with no disclosed treatments.
Dickies scrub hat is uncoated cotton terrycloth blend. No stain-resist or waterproof finish mentioned, reducing PFAS risk from applied coatings.
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Material
cotton terrycloth, elastane blend, no coating disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dickies EDS Essentials Unisex Scrub Hat is made of, ingredients and materials
This hat is constructed from cotton terrycloth blended with elastane (spandex), a combination chosen for absorbency, durability, and stretch fit in clinical settings. Cotton terrycloth is a looped pile fabric that naturally wicks moisture; elastane adds recovery and comfort without requiring synthetic coatings. No waterproof membrane, laminate, or chemical treatment is disclosed by the manufacturer, meaning the hazard profile depends on dye chemistry and any finishing resins used during production rather than post-manufacture surface treatments.
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 residuals
Cotton terrycloth is dyed during production; azo dyes are common in low-cost textile manufacturing and some breakdown products may be skin irritants or allergens. No testing data is publicly available for this specific product, and Dickies does not disclose dye chemistry.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Terrycloth and cotton-elastane blends may receive formaldehyde-releasing resins (such as durable-press or shrink-control finishes) during mill finishing to improve hand-feel or durability. Dickies does not state whether such finishes are used on this hat; off-gassing typically decreases after washing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Elastane fiber degradation under heat and UV
Elastane (spandex) blends degrade when exposed to high heat, chlorine, and prolonged UV exposure. In healthcare settings, this can lead to loss of stretch, discoloration, and potential microfiber shedding if the hat is laundered at high temperatures or dried in hot conditions repeatedly.
Skin sensitization from new garment chemical residues
Unwashed new textile garments may carry residual sizing agents, dyes, or processing chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, particularly on the scalp and around the hairline. Pre-wash before wearing is standard best practice and significantly reduces this risk.
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 components (if present)
This hat is stated to be cotton-terrycloth with elastane and does not appear to include polyester; therefore antimony catalyst residue from polyester production is not a concern for this specific product.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Dickies is a legacy workwear and healthcare apparel manufacturer with established supply chains for clinical garments; they do not publicly market chemical certifications (OEKO-TEX, GOTS) for this product line, nor do they disclose specific dye suppliers or finishing agents. The brand maintains silent stance on PFAS use in textiles. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to Dickies scrub hats are on record, though like most mass-market workwear, full transparency on mill-level chemical inputs is not standard practice.
How it compares in its category
Scrub hats in this price and material tier are typically made from uncoated cotton or cotton-synthetic blends without special finishes; this Dickies offering is standard for the category. Certified organic or OEKO-TEX-certified scrub hats exist at higher price points and offer documented dye and finish safety. Clinical workwear in general does not undergo water-resistant or stain-release treatments as frequently as everyday apparel, lowering chemical finish exposure versus branded performance wear.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to reduce residual dyes and finishes. Use standard laundry temperatures (warm, not hot) and avoid bleach, which can degrade elastane and may increase dye transfer. Replace the hat after visible pilling, loss of elasticity, or discoloration that suggests dye degradation; typical lifespan in clinical rotation is 1-2 years. Machine wash gentle, air dry to preserve fiber integrity and extend life; tumble dryer heat can weaken elastane over time.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Dickies has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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