Fabletics Women's Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Lower concern; basic synthetic athletic wear without known PFAS triggers.
Fabletics leggings are polyester/nylon blended activewear without disclosed water-repellent or stain-resistant treatments. No public PFAS claims or certifications available; standard synthetic athletic fabrics carry minimal PFAS risk unless treated.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester/nylon blend with elastic
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Fabletics Women's Define Leggings is made of, ingredients and materials
Fabletics Define leggings are a polyester/nylon blend with elastic components, a standard construction for budget athletic wear. Polyester is a synthetic polymer that does not leach chemicals through skin contact under normal wear conditions. The nylon component and elastic may contain residual manufacturing solvents or finishes; these are typically volatile and dissipate after first wash. No lead, cadmium, or heavy metal accumulation is expected in the fiber itself, though dyes and finishing resins warrant attention.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester athletic wear often receives formaldehyde-based finishing treatments for wrinkle resistance and shape retention. No recall or test data exists for Define leggings specifically, but first-wash exposure is typical for this category; thorough laundering before wear reduces residual levels significantly.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes and colorfast quality
Dark-colored polyester leggings may contain azo dyes linked to allergic skin reactions in sensitive users. Fabletics does not disclose dye supplier compliance with OEKO-TEX or restricted substance lists; color bleeding in early washes suggests incomplete fixation and potential dye migration onto skin.
Microplastics
All polyester/nylon garments shed microfibers during washing and wear, particularly as elastic and seams degrade. High-heat drying and abrasion accelerate breakdown; this is a known environmental concern rather than direct consumer toxicity risk, but air-drying and gentle washing minimize shedding.
Source, EPA ↗Elastic degradation and allergenic contact
Elastic components in waistbands and leg openings may contain latex, rubber accelerators, or tackifying resins. Fabletics does not disclose elastic composition; individuals with latex sensitivity should confirm material or test with a small area before full wear.
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
Polyester can contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst; however, antimony is not significantly released into skin or bloodstream under normal wear. No established health risk is documented for polyester apparel from antimony residue at consumer exposure levels.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Fabletics (owned by TechStyle Fashion Group) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical safety testing or material sourcing certifications for individual styles. The brand has no known major recalls or public health warnings tied to Define leggings or similar core products. No third-party certifications (OEKO-TEX, bluesign) are advertised for this line, which is typical of mainstream fast-fashion athletic brands at this price point. Transparency on dye suppliers and formaldehyde finish levels remains minimal.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the middle-to-lower tier of athletic wear for chemical transparency. Certified brands (Allbirds, Patagonia) offer full material traceability and restricted chemical lists; mass-market competitors (Old Navy, Target athletic) occupy similar opacity levels. The polyester/nylon blend is less durable than higher-end alternatives, meaning shorter lifespan may offset any per-wear safety advantage. Price-driven production typically prioritizes cost over advanced finishing or testing.
If you buy it
Wash inside-out in cool water before first wear to remove loose dyes and residual finishing agents. Avoid chlorine bleach and high-heat drying, which can degrade elastic and trigger microplastics shedding. Replace when elastic loses recovery or seams fray, typically after 50-100 washes at normal use. Air-dry to extend life and reduce thermal stress on synthetic fibers.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 65% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Fabletics has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More activewear 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.