Nike · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Women's Nike Tempo Dri-FIT Running Top
No PFAS claim; Dri-FIT finish may contain fluorochemicals, skip if concerned.
Nike doesn't disclose PFAS use in Dri-FIT apparel. Moisture-wicking finishes often use fluorochemicals, though this isn't confirmed here.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester with Dri-FIT moisture-wicking treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Women's Nike Tempo Dri-FIT Running Top is made of, ingredients and materials
This top is 100% polyester with Nike's proprietary Dri-FIT moisture-wicking treatment applied to the fabric surface. Polyester itself is chemically stable and does not leach toxic compounds into skin under normal wear. However, the Dri-FIT finish is a water and oil-repellent coating whose exact chemical composition Nike does not publicly disclose; such coatings commonly use fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) to achieve performance, though some formulations now use alternatives. The treatment remains bound to the fabric when dry but may release volatile compounds or microfiber particles during washing and extended wear.
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Undisclosed moisture-wicking coating (likely fluorochemical)
Dri-FIT's exact formulation is proprietary. Water and oil repellency on polyester textiles typically relies on fluorinated compounds; Nike has not confirmed use of PFAS-free alternatives for this product. Risk of skin contact and inhalation during wear is low, but leaching into sweat and shedding during laundering are possible.
Microfiber shedding during wash and wear
Polyester garments shed microplastic fibers, particularly in early washes and with agitation. This is not a direct wearer hazard but an environmental concern; washing in cold water and using a microfiber-catching bag reduces release.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recall, report, or public disclosure of formaldehyde-based resins in Nike Tempo lines. Polyester and Dri-FIT treatments do not inherently require formaldehyde, though some textile finishing plants may use them; Nike does not state exclusion.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes (banned or restricted colorants)
Nike apparel typically meets U.S. and EU standards for azo dyes. No specific incident or recall linked to this product; however, independent testing of Nike apparel has not been widely published.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony oxide is a common polyester catalyst that can remain in trace amounts in finished fiber. Dermal absorption is minimal during normal wear; no documented health incident from athletic polyester apparel in this category.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike does not publish ingredient lists or chemical disclosures for functional apparel treatments, including Dri-FIT. The company has faced pressure from environmental and health advocates regarding PFAS use in textiles but has not committed to public phase-out timelines or switched to alternatives with lower concern for PFAS presence in this product line. Nike holds no third-party certifications (such as GOTS or Oeko-Tex) for this item that would verify absence of harmful dyes, resins, or flame retardants. Transparency on this category remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Women's polyester running tops occupy a middle ground, they avoid the formaldehyde-resin risks of cheaper wrinkle-resistant cotton blends but lack the chemical disclosure of certified organic or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 alternatives. Nike's Dri-FIT is widely used and generally performs well, but competitors like Patagonia and Allbirds have published PFAS phase-out commitments or use certified low-chemical treatments. For runners seeking minimal chemical exposure, certified moisture-wicking alternatives exist but are often pricier or less available at scale.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water (under 40°C) with mild detergent before first wear to reduce any surface coating residue. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat (tumble dry low or air dry), as heat may increase off-gassing and degrade the finish. Machine wash with other synthetics, not with heavily soiled items. Replace after 2-3 years of regular use or if the water-repellent finish noticeably degrades (water no longer beads), as a worn coating may shed more microfibers. If you have chemical sensitivities or are concerned about PFAS, consider requesting Nike's treatment details or switching to a certified-low-chemical brand.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nike 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 Women's Nike Tempo Dri-FIT Running Top?
- Cotton-blend knit jersey, uncoated
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- cotton jersey, no applied finish
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and colorant residues
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- 100% cotton jersey knit, untreated
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof sports 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.