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For millions of women, leggings have become an everyday essential. Easy to throw on, wrinkle-free, and effortlessly versatile for mixing and matching different looks. They are worn to the gym, while working from home, running errands, traveling or picking up the kids from school. Athleisure has evolved far beyond fitness culture — it now reflects how many women move through daily life. And no one moves throughout her day more than a busy Latina, where as a student, career professional and/or mother - her multidimensional life can be one that requires comfortable outfits to manage it all.
But as activewear becomes more connected to wellness and self-care culture, researchers and consumer advocates including reproductive and hormone specialists are raising questions about what may actually be inside some of the fabrics people wear for hours every day.
One growing concern involves PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which have been found in some clothing and textile products designed to resist water, sweat and stains.
Now, consumers are asking whether the products marketed as part of a healthy lifestyle are as safe and transparent as they appear.
What Exactly Is PFAS?
PFAS are short for ‘per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large class of synthetic chemicals used in thousands of consumer products, including food packaging, cosmetics, cookware and textiles.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and can remain in the environment and the human body over time.
In retail clothing particularly fast fashion and athletic clothing, PFAS have historically been used to create features like:
- water resistance
- stain resistance
- sweat-wicking finishes
- durability in performance fabrics
While researchers are still studying how different levels of exposure affect the body, public health agencies have linked certain PFAS exposures to potential health concerns, including impacts on cholesterol, immune response and increased risks associated with some diseases and cancers.
Scientists continue to study how exposure occurs and what long-term risks may exist from repeated contact with PFAS-containing products.
Why Athleisure Is Under Greater Scrutiny
Athleisure is no longer something people wear only during workouts. Many consumers, including in our own Black and Latino communities, wear leggings, sports bras and technical fabrics throughout the entire day.
The global activewear market has expanded rapidly as wellness culture continues to influence fashion, beauty and lifestyle spending. But are we being told the truth about the fabrics that make up our clothing items?
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to marketing that makes products appear more environmentally friendly or healthier than they actually are.
In fashion, terms like:
- “clean”
- “sustainable”
- “eco-conscious”
- “earth-friendly”
are often used without detailed explanations or independent verification.
As consumers become more informed about environmental health concerns, many are beginning to ask tougher questions:
- What chemicals are used in clothing?
- Are sustainability claims independently verified?
- What does “non-toxic” actually mean?
Experts recommend looking for third-party certifications that establish restrictions on certain harmful chemicals in textiles, including:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- bluesign
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
These certifications can help consumers make more informed decisions when shopping for clothing and activewear.
Why Are Women in Particular Latinas and Women of Color Most Exposed to This Risk?
Because we're the segment that consumes these garments the most and we wear leggings, athleisure wear for more hours a day than any other group.
According to Mordor Intelligence's Women Active Wear Market Size and Share Analysis (2026–2031), the women's sportswear market reached $92.01 billion in 2025, with North America leading 46.91% of global revenue and women's topwear representing 38.12% of the share.
More consumption, more hours of contact with the fabric, more accumulated exposure to PFAS. The math doesn't lie!
Can You Keep Wearing Athleisure Without Compromising Your Health?
Yes, of course but stay informed.
Experts say consumers should avoid panic and instead focus on awareness and transparency.
Not all activewear contains PFAS, and many manufacturers have begun reducing or eliminating certain chemical treatments in response to changing regulations and consumer demand.
Still, advocates say shoppers deserve clearer labeling and better information about how products are made.
There is a real trend of women moving to replace clothes with natural fibers. The health benefits range from better skin because natural fibers allow skin to breath. Who knew!
Latina influencers like Clementina, aka Sustainable Latina) are educating followers on how synthetic textiles shed microplastics that enter the body and the ocean.
What we can do to reduce exposure:
- Choose natural fibers like organic cotton or linen when possible
- Shop second hand as previous generations of retail clothing were made with more natural fibers like cotton and linen
- Repair new clothing before discarding or donating
- Limit heavily stain-resistant or water-resistant products unless necessary
The goal is enough awareness to make informed decisions.
Why This Conversation About PFAS Matters
The conversation around PFAS is bigger than leggings for sure!
It reflects growing concerns about transparency in industries built around wellness, sustainability and personal care. Consumers are increasingly paying attention not only to how products look and feel, but also to how they are manufactured and marketed. The trend of seeking natural fabrics while shopping for clothes has landed in our social media feeds, let’s take notice!
For Latina consumers especially, these conversations intersect with broader issues around health, affordability, environmental exposure and trust.
As awareness around PFAS continues to grow, many women are rethinking what wellness truly means and whether the products marketed as part of a healthy lifestyle are living up to those promises.
What do you think about PFAS concerns in activewear and athleisure?
