Old Navy Kids' School Uniform Pique Polo Shirt
Lower concern baseline, but Old Navy has not disclosed PFAS policy.
Pique polo is primarily cotton, an inherently PFAS-free fiber with no waterproof or stain-resistant finish indicated. Old Navy makes no public PFAS commitment, so verification is limited.
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Material
cotton pique knit
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Many cotton school uniforms are treated with formaldehyde-based resins to reduce wrinkles and improve durability. Old Navy does not disclose whether this specific pique polo uses such finishes. Risk is low with cotton alone, but pre-wash and ventilation reduce any residual exposure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
School uniform polos are typically dyed with reactive or vat dyes; azo dyes are common but regulated in many markets. No specific color-related warnings for Old Navy children's wear are documented, though dark colors carry higher dye loading than pastels.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Regulated in most Western textile supply chains for children's clothing. No recalls or findings specific to Old Navy kids' polos. Cotton naturally does not concentrate metals from dyes.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester components
This product is 100% cotton pique, so antimony exposure from polyester catalysts is not a concern. Relevant only if the shirt contained polyester blend.
Flame retardants
School polos do not typically require flame-retardant treatment unless sold as sleepwear. No evidence of incidental flame retardant application to this category. Cotton naturally has lower flammability than synthetics.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a cotton pique knit, a textured cotton weave commonly used in school uniforms because it is durable, breathable, and resists wrinkles. Pique cotton is minimally processed compared to synthetic blends, which reduces exposure to chemical finishes and coatings. The material itself is not prone to microplastic shedding (unlike polyester or nylon), and cotton fibers do not bioaccumulate toxins the way synthetic polymers can.
The brand's record and disclosure
Old Navy is owned by Gap Inc., which publishes an annual sustainability report but does not prominently disclose textile chemical policies or third-party certifications for children's clothing lines. No major recalls or safety violations specific to Old Navy kids' polos are on public record. The brand has not adopted OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or similar certifications that would signal rigorous chemical testing, though absence of certification does not indicate hazard presence.
How it compares in its category
Cotton school polos are generally lower-risk than synthetic blends or performance textiles treated with durable water repellents (which often contain PFAS). Old Navy's baseline pique cotton sits in the middle range for disclosure transparency; competitors like Lands' End and L.L.Bean publish more detailed chemical policies. Premium organic cotton alternatives (Patagonia, Pact) would offer higher assurance but at significantly higher price.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before the first wear to remove residual finishes and dyes. Standard household laundry detergent is fine; no special treatment needed. Inspect the shirt periodically for loose seams or pilling, which are normal wear patterns and not safety concerns. Expect the garment to retain color and shape through typical school-year use with proper care.
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.