Fabletics Women's On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings
Skip until brand discloses water-repellent coating treatment chemistry
High-waisted athletic leggings likely use durable water-resistant (water-repellent coating) finish, but Fabletics does not disclose chemical composition or PFAS status. No third-party certifications available to verify safety.
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Material
nylon blend with performance moisture-wicking coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Nylon performance leggings with water-repellent coating finish typically rely on PFAS-based chemistry unless otherwise stated. Fabletics has not disclosed their specific coating formula, making exposure risk unquantifiable but likely given the product category and brand silence.
Source: ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Repeated washing and friction break down polyurethane or acrylic coatings over time, releasing microfibers and potentially coating particles into wash water. Heat accelerates this process, making cold-water care essential.
Skin sensitization from finish residues
Undisclosed coating chemistry raises risk of residual sensitizers or unreacted monomers on the fabric. Individuals with sensitive skin or chemical reactivity may experience irritation; initial washing and air-airing before wear can mitigate.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific reports of formaldehyde contamination in Fabletics leggings. Nylon and polyurethane coatings are not typical formaldehyde reservoirs, but dye-fixing resins in any synthetic athletic wear can release trace formaldehyde; washing reduces this.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
Fabletics does not publicly disclose dye chemistry. High-quality athletic brands increasingly avoid banned azo dyes, but disclosure is absent for Fabletics; risk is not established but cannot be ruled out without testing.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Fabletics On-The-Go leggings are nylon blend with a moisture-wicking performance coating, typically a polyurethane or acrylic-based finish applied to enhance water resistance and sweat management. Nylon itself is inert when intact, but the applied coating is where chemical hazards cluster: water-repellent finishes on athletic wear commonly rely on PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") or, less commonly, silicone-based alternatives. Fabletics has not publicly disclosed the chemistry of their water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment for this line, which is the core transparency gap.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fabletics, owned by TechStyle Fashion Group, does not maintain a public PFAS or chemical disclosure policy comparable to outdoor brands like Patagonia or The North Face. The brand has not issued statements about PFAS phase-out timelines or alternative water-repellent coating chemistries in their athletic ranges. No recalls or safety incidents specific to Fabletics leggings have been documented, but the absence of disclosure is itself a red flag in an industry where peer brands are increasingly transparent about finish chemistry.
How it compares in its category
Mass-market performance leggings from Fabletics sit at the budget end of the athleisure spectrum; their coatings are less likely to undergo third-party chemical certification than premium brands (Lululemon, Allbirds). However, Fabletics' silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is less defensible than legacy non-disclosure from brands without sustainability messaging. Many comparable leggings at similar price points now offer PFAS-free water resistance or clearly state their finish type; Fabletics' refusal to disclose puts it behind peer expectations for 2024.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and avoid fabric softeners or heat-drying, which can degrade the coating and potentially release finish chemicals. Do not use high heat or iron directly; air-dry only. Replace after 2-3 years of regular use or sooner if the moisture-wicking feel diminishes noticeably, as this signals coating breakdown. If skin irritation or respiratory sensitivity develops with wear, discontinue immediately and consider having the garment tested or contact Fabletics for coating composition details.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Fabletics has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Activewear
Fabletics
Women's Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Pocketed Kick Flare
polyester blend fabric, standard construction
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microfiber shedding from synthetic blend
Moderate concern
Lower concern. Unsupported fabric unlikely to carry high PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Fabletics
Women's Live-In High-Waisted Leggings
Polyester/nylon blend, standard athletic apparel
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
Limited concern
Antimony in polyester
Limited concern
Phthalate plasticizers in elastane/spandex
Limited concern
Microfiber shedding
Moderate concern
Lower concern. Standard athletic leggings without water-repellent coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Fabletics
Women's Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
polyester/nylon blend with elastic
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Azo dyes and colorfast quality
Limited concern
Microplastics
Moderate concern
Elastic degradation and allergenic contact
Limited concern
Lower concern; basic synthetic athletic wear without known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
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.