Tommy Hilfiger · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Regular Fit Performance Jersey Polo
Performance polo likely treated with PFAS; brand silent on use.
Tommy Hilfiger doesn't disclose PFAS in performance apparel. Moisture-wicking and stain-resistant finishes typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments.
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Material
polyester blend with performance water-repellent coating finish
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Azo dyes and colorant residues
Polyester textiles typically use disperse azo dyes; while regulated azo dyes are not considered carcinogenic under normal wear, loose dye particles can migrate to skin, especially in first washes. No recall data exists for this specific polo, but standard practice of cold water preshrinking is prudent.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Performance polyester fabrics sometimes contain formaldehyde-based resin finishes for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. The water-repellent coating application may include trace formaldehyde as a crosslinker. Levels in finished garments are typically low, but initial off-gassing can occur in new clothing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester polymer
Antimony oxide is used as a catalyst in polyester synthesis and may remain in trace amounts in the finished fiber. Exposure through skin contact during wear is considered minimal under normal conditions, but degradation or high heat could theoretically increase leaching. No specific testing data for this brand's polyester source exists in public records.
water-repellent coating degradation and microparticle release
Fluorocarbon water-repellent coating finishes on synthetic textiles degrade with washing and wear, releasing microparticles and refractory PFAS compounds into water. This is documented in apparel science literature but risk to user from wearing the garment itself (vs. environmental/laundering impact) is lower than chemical migration from coating to skin.
Synthetic fiber microplastic shedding
All polyester textiles shed microfibers during wear and washing; performance fabrics with tight weaves may shed slightly less than loose knits, but the tightly applied water-repellent coating can fracture and contribute to the shed load. This is a documented concern in the apparel category independent of brand.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This polo is a polyester blend (likely 85-100% polyester) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. water-repellent coating finishes on performance textiles are typically fluorocarbon-based (PFAS) to meet moisture-wicking and stain resistance claims. Polyester itself is stable in normal wear but the applied coating is the primary chemical concern. The performance jersey construction means tighter weaves and synthetic fiber density, which can trap dyes and finish chemicals near skin contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tommy Hilfiger has not published transparent information about PFAS use in performance apparel lines as of recent public records. The brand has signed some sustainability pledges but has not committed to PFAS phase-out timelines like leading outdoor brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx). No major recalls or chemical safety controversies specific to this polo line are documented. Brand disclosure on chemical composition remains minimal compared to premium or eco-conscious competitors.
How it compares in its category
Standard performance polos from major retailers typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating finishes; Tommy Hilfiger is not an outlier here. Budget alternatives often skip water-repellent coating entirely, reducing PFAS exposure but sacrificing stain resistance. Premium brands increasingly offer PFOA-free or non-fluorinated water repellent alternatives, though at higher price points. For a mid-market performance polo, this product falls into the typical risk profile of the category.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cold water for the first 3-5 cycles to rinse loose dyes and finish residue; this reduces transfer to skin and minimizes microfiber shedding. Avoid high heat drying, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially release volatile components. Do not dry clean if possible, as some solvents may interact with fluorocarbon finishes. Replace when elasticity or seam integrity declines, typically after 50-80 washes with proper care.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tommy Hilfiger has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.