New Balance · Sports Performance Undergarments
New Balance Men's Mesh No Fly Boxer
Low-Medium risk. No PFAS disclosure found.
Mesh blend boxers typically use minimal finishes. New Balance has not disclosed PFAS use. No lab testing publicly available.
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Material
Mesh polyester/nylon blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What New Balance Men's Mesh No Fly Boxer is made of, ingredients and materials
This boxer combines polyester and nylon mesh, both synthetic polymers chosen for moisture-wicking and breathability in intimate apparel. Mesh construction means lower fabric density and thinner coatings compared to dense knits, which typically reduces exposure to finishing chemicals. Neither polyester nor nylon inherently requires heavy chemical treatment for function in an uncoated mesh garment, though the yarn itself may have residual dyes or lubricants from manufacturing.
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 color fastness
Polyester mesh boxers are typically dyed with synthetic azo or reactive dyes. While regulated in the EU, some azo dye precursors can release aromatic amines; no specific recalls exist for New Balance boxers, but poor color fastness on unwashed garments indicates loose dye residue that warrants pre-wash.
Microplastic shedding from degradation
Polyester and nylon fibers shed microplastics during washing and wear; mesh structure has lower fiber density than solid knits, which may reduce absolute shedding volume. Frequency of washing and drying temperature are primary user factors, not manufacturing defect.
Skin irritation from residual lubricants or dyes
Nylon and polyester yarn production involves silicone or mineral oil lubricants that may cause irritation if not thoroughly washed out. Pre-wash and sensitivity are individual; no specific irritant reports tied to New Balance No Fly line exist, but mesh boxers worn directly against skin warrant standard pre-wash practice.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mesh construction and athletic function do not typically require formaldehyde-based wrinkle or shrinkage control. No evidence of formaldehyde finishing in this product category; however, no published test data exists to confirm absence.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester
Polyester is sometimes synthesized with antimony catalyst, but residual antimony typically remains at trace levels in the polymer matrix and does not leach significantly during normal wear or washing. No recalls or health incidents documented for synthetic mesh boxer shorts.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
New Balance does not publicly disclose detailed chemical composition or restricted substance testing for basic apparel lines like this boxer. The company has made some supply-chain transparency commitments for performance footwear but has not published comprehensive chemical use or hazard certifications for intimate wear. No public recalls or chemical controversies are documented for New Balance boxers specifically.
How it compares in its category
Polyester-nylon mesh boxers are standard in mainstream sportswear and do not represent unusual chemical risk compared to other athletic intimate wear. Organic cotton alternatives exist but cost more and may have their own processing steps. This product sits in the low-treatment zone of synthetic intimate apparel; heavily coated performance fabrics (with antimicrobial agents or flame retardants) carry higher hazard profile.
If you buy it
Wash in cool to warm water before first wear to remove loose dyes and manufacturing residues. Avoid high heat (dryer on low or air dry preferred) to prevent polymer degradation and potential microplastic shedding. Replace when elastic fails or seams degrade, typically 12-24 months with regular use. Store dry to prevent mildew, which is the primary degradation risk with synthetic mesh.
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
- New Balance has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More sports performance undergarments 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.