PFAS65/ 100Good
Overall57/ 100Good
Nautica Girls' School Uniform Scooter Skirt

Macy's · School Uniforms

Nautica Girls' School Uniform Scooter Skirt

Good

Lower concern, but no verified PFAS-free assurance.

Verdict · SkipPolyester school uniform with standard construction, no established hazard record; lower PFAS concern mitigated by normal wear and care.

Standard polyester school skirt with no documented water-repellent coating or special finishes that typically contain PFAS. Nautica and Macy's provide no PFAS disclosure or testing.

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Material

polyester blend fabric, standard school uniform construction

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.

70/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
🎨

Azo dyes and synthetic colorants

Polyester textiles are routinely dyed with azo or reactive dyes during manufacturing. While EU and many US suppliers restrict carcinogenic azo compounds, no third-party certification for this Nautica line confirms compliance. Allergic contact dermatitis or skin sensitization is rare but possible in children with dye sensitivity.

70/ 100
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Polyester-blend fabrics often undergo resin finishing for wrinkle resistance and shape retention. No formaldehyde-free claims are made by Nautica for this product. Off-gassing may occur during first wear or after washing; ventilation and pre-wash reduce residual exposure.

Source, ATSDR
70/ 100

What’s reassuring

Base material not linked to PFAS

The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.

100/ 100

Antimony in polyester fibers

Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in polyester production but remains in the fiber matrix and does not leach under normal skin contact or washing. No established hazard reported for antimony exposure from wearing polyester garments.

95/ 100
⛏️

Heavy metals

School uniforms typically use non-toxic pigment systems. No record of lead or cadmium in Nautica children's apparel. Risk is negligible for standard colorfast dyeing.

Source, FDA
95/ 100
🔥

Flame retardants

This school uniform skirt is not marketed as flame-resistant and is not subject to CPSC flammability mandates beyond standard textile burn tests. No added flame retardant chemicals are expected in the formulation.

Source, EPA
95/ 100

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Nautica's school uniform scooter skirt is a polyester blend, likely 65-100% polyester with cotton or synthetic additives for structure and comfort. Polyester itself is a stable plastic polymer with low leaching risk under normal wearing conditions. The fabric undergoes standard dyeing and finishing processes typical of retail apparel; the primary chemical exposure pathway is skin contact and potential off-gassing during first wear or after washing.

The brand's record and disclosure

Nautica, sold through Macy's, does not publicly maintain detailed chemical safety or PFAS-free certifications for children's uniforms. No major recalls or chemical safety controversies are on record for this specific product line. The brand relies on standard apparel industry compliance (CPSIA, California Prop 65) rather than proactive transparency around synthetic textile chemistry. Macy's as a retailer does not independently test or certify children's clothing for chemical safety beyond regulatory minimums.

How it compares in its category

This polyester-blend school uniform falls into the mainstream category of mass-produced children's apparel with no specific safety distinction. Alternatives certified organic or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 would carry third-party chemical screening; Nautica does not market such certifications. Relative to budget school uniforms, polyester blends are durable and easy-care, but offer no enhanced hazard reduction compared to competitors at the same price point.

If you buy it

Wash before wearing to reduce any finishing chemicals or dyes from manufacturing. Use cool water and avoid high heat in the dryer, as excessive heat can degrade polyester coatings and increase fiber shedding. Check seams and elastic quarterly for signs of wear; replace if stitching fails or elasticity deteriorates significantly. Store in a dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent dye fading and brittleness.

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
Macy's has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

More school uniforms 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.