Old Navy Kids' School Uniform Jersey-Knit Polo Shirt for
Lower concern. Basic jersey-knit polo unlikely to contain PFAS.
Jersey-knit polos are typically untreated cotton blends without water-repellent coating or stain-resistant coatings where PFAS are commonly found. Old Navy has not disclosed PFAS information for this item.
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Material
Jersey-knit cotton blend, untreated
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.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Azo dyes and reactive dyes
Jersey-knit polos are typically dyed with common acid or reactive dyes; while regulated in EU (Azo ban), US imports may use borderline azo compounds. Old Navy does not publicly disclose dye screening, so low-level azo presence cannot be ruled out, though acute migration risk is low in basic, non-heat-treated garments.
Antimony in polyester fibers
If the cotton blend contains polyester (common for durability), polyester fiber production may use antimony trioxide as a catalyst. Antimony migration into skin contact is minimal in untreated knit apparel, but long-term wear against sensitive skin (neck, underarms) presents theoretical low-level exposure. No recalls or complaints specific to Old Navy polos.
Residual fiber degradation and microfiber shedding
Jersey knit, especially cotton blends with lower thread count, may shed microfibers with repeated washing. This is a wear-and-tear issue rather than chemical hazard, but prolonged contact with degrading fibers could irritate sensitive skin; inspect garment regularly and retire if excessive pilling or loose threads appear.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Untreated jersey-knit construction typically does not receive formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resistant finishes; these are applied to woven shirts. No evidence of formaldehyde treatment in this product category from Old Navy.
Source, ATSDR ↗Lead
Heavy-metal pigments in textile dyes are regulated but not universally tested by mass-market brands without third-party certification. Old Navy does not publish heavy-metal screening results; however, school uniform polos are not a high-risk application and no recalls exist. Dermal absorption risk is negligible unless garment is mouthed by very young children.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This polo is jersey-knit cotton blend, meaning it uses interlock or single-knit cotton fibers without applied water-repellent or stain-resistant finishes. Jersey knit is a relatively simple weave that does not inherently require chemical coatings or dyes known to pose acute hazards. The untreated status means no fluorinated water repellents (PFAS), no heavy-metal dye fixatives, and no reactive chemical finishes are intentionally applied during manufacturing. Cotton-blend construction (likely polyester blend for durability) may contain synthetic fibers, but basic polyester in untreated apparel poses lower concern than chemically finished textiles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Old Navy (Gap Inc.) has made public commitments to phasing out hazardous chemicals in textiles, including restricted dyes and flame retardants in children's wear, though formal third-party certification details are not prominently disclosed for individual SKUs. The brand does not advertise PFAS elimination specifically, and maintains a silent stance on PFAS use in basic apparel lines. Gap Inc. has faced historical scrutiny on labor and chemical management but has not reported recalls or safety violations specific to basic school uniform polos. Lack of transparency on full compliance testing is a minor concern but not indicative of known hazard.
How it compares in its category
School uniform polos from mass-market retailers typically use similar untreated jersey-knit construction; Old Navy's offering is standard for this price and quality tier. Compared to performance or outdoor children's wear brands (which often apply PFAS-containing water repellents or antimicrobial finishes), basic uniform polos carry materially lower chemical burden. Certified organic cotton alternatives or GOTS-certified brands exist but command 2-3x price premium; this product trades certification for affordability without significant safety downgrade for typical school use.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to remove any residual dyes or finishes applied during finishing. Launder in cool to warm water (not hot) to minimize dye bleeding and fiber degradation; this also preserves the knit structure over repeated wear. Inspect seams and cuffs after 5-10 washes for pilling or unraveling, which may indicate lower-grade knit prone to early failure. No special care required; standard children's apparel washing protocols (avoid bleach, gentle detergent) are sufficient.
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
- Old Navy 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.