Tommy Hilfiger · Waterproof Sports Undergarments
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Regular Fit TH Performance Tech Polo
Performance polo likely uses water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS status unclear.
TH Performance Tech fabrics typically feature water-resistant and stain-resistant finishes common in performance polos. Tommy Hilfiger doesn't disclose PFAS use or avoidance.
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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.
PFAS
Performance Tech water-repellent coating treatment almost certainly uses fluorinated compounds; no public disclosure from Tommy Hilfiger confirms or rules out PFAS. Skin contact and dermal absorption risk is low under normal wear; primary concern is manufacturing/laundering wastewater persistence.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester synthesis
Polyester is synthesized using antimony trioxide as a catalyst in many manufacturing plants. Finished fabric antimony migration to skin is negligible under standard conditions, but risk increases if garment is worn continuously at high temperatures or in direct contact with damaged seams.
Azo dyes (if color-dyed)
Colored polyester polos may contain azo dyes; Tommy Hilfiger does not publish dye chemistry for this line. Azo dye toxicity is low in finished fabric unless the dye breaks down via prolonged UV exposure or excessive heat, releasing aromatic amines.
Microplastics
Synthetic polyester textiles shed microfibers into wastewater with every wash cycle. The water-repellent coating may increase surface degradation over time, potentially increasing shed rate; environmental rather than direct health hazard.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
This product is not marketed as wrinkle-resistant or easy-care fabric, so formaldehyde-based resin finishes are unlikely. Standard polyester blends do not require formaldehyde treatment.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This polo is a polyester blend (likely 85-100% polyester with elastane or cotton) engineered with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish marketed as "Performance Tech." Polyester itself is chemically stable and does not leach BPA or phthalates under normal wear and laundering. However, the water-repellent coating applied to achieve moisture-wicking and stain resistance typically relies on fluorochemicals (PFAS compounds) to function, which is the primary chemical concern with this garment class.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tommy Hilfiger (owned by PVH Corp) has not publicly disclosed whether this specific performance line uses fluorine-based or fluorine-free water-repellent coating treatments. The brand has faced pressure on PFAS transparency from major competitors but maintains minimal public communication on chemical use in its technical apparel. No established safety recalls or toxicology findings specific to this product line are on record. Certification details (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) are not stated on standard product listings.
How it compares in its category
Performance polos with water-repellent coating finishes from most mainstream brands (Nike, Adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren) carry similar PFAS uncertainty; this product does not stand out as higher or lower risk than peers at its price point. Brands explicitly using fluorine-free water-repellent coating (e.g., some Patagonia technical wear) offer more transparency but at higher cost. Most synthetic athletic polos assume some PFAS exposure unless certified otherwise.
If you buy it
Wash in cool or warm water (not hot) to reduce potential PFAS migration and preserve the water-repellent coating finish. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry; high heat can degrade the coating and potentially increase off-gassing. If the water-repellent function fails within 1-2 years of regular wash cycles, consider replacement rather than re-treatment at home. Avoid dry cleaning, which uses harsher solvents that may interact with water-repellent coating coatings.
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.