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.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nylon blend with performance moisture-wicking coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Fabletics Women's On-The-Go Leggings is made of, ingredients and materials
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.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
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.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
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 is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Fabletics Women's On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings?
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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- cotton
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- cotton
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic dyes
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.