PFAS-Free Activewear: Our Lab Test Results
What We Tested and What We Found
Our PureFlex fabric is PFAS-free. Here is what was tested, by whom, and what came back.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals. In clothing, they are often used in finishes that make fabric water-resistant or stain-resistant, and they break down very slowly in the environment. The US EPA reports that exposure to certain PFAS may be associated with health effects, including reduced immune response and some cancers, and says research is continuing.
We do not add water-repellent, stain-resistant, or other fluorinated finishes to our fabric. Everything we make is built from GOTS-certified organic cotton: our PureFlex activewear fabric is 92% organic cotton with 8% spandex for stretch, and our lightweight joggers and tees are 100% organic cotton. The cotton is certified from field to fabric by licensed third-party inspectors.
The Test Result, in Plain Numbers
Because "we don't add it" is not the same as "it isn't there," we paid to have our fabric independently screened. No PFAS detected, third-party lab tested. Here is exactly what was tested and what came back.
- Lab: Applied Technical Services (ATS), an independent laboratory in Marietta, Georgia.
- What was tested: the main fabric of our organic cotton leggings.
- When: October 2024. Report reference 435623.
- Method: total fluorine, using ASTM D4327-17 and EN 14582:2016 as guides. Total fluorine is a screening marker for the whole PFAS class: PFAS compounds cannot be present above the total fluorine result.
- Result: none detected, below 2 parts per million.
Read the full lab report (PDF).
For context, California limits new apparel to under 100 ppm of total organic fluorine today, dropping to under 50 ppm on January 1, 2027. Our result of below 2 ppm total fluorine is under both limits.
If a brand tells you its entire catalog is permanently free of a chemical class, ask what was tested, by whom, when, and by what method.
A Second Independent Test
In September 2026, Mamavation added PuraKai to the "Best Activewear" list in its updated activewear PFAS guide. Mamavation tested a pair of our PureFlex organic cotton leggings and reported non-detect total fluorine, at a detection limit of 10 ppm. Our PureFlex activewear is all made from that same fabric, through the same process and vendors. Read what Mamavation tested and what the result means.
No Coatings, By Design
We don't add coatings to make our fabric repel water or stains. Organic cotton doesn't need them.
GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the most rigorous certification in textiles. It covers environmental and social standards at every step: fiber sourcing, processing, manufacturing, and labeling. Our cotton is grown in Texas, Turkey, and India under those rules, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Read more about what GOTS certification actually covers.
No DWR Coatings. No Fluorinated Finishes.
DWR (durable water repellent) is one of the most common uses of PFAS in clothing. It's sprayed or bonded onto fabric to repel water and stains. We don't use it. Our garments perform because of what the fiber is, not what it's been treated with.
Made in Los Angeles, Under a State License
Every piece is knit, cut, sewn, and dyed in Los Angeles, California, and PuraKai is a licensed California garment manufacturer (Registration No. GA-LR-1001309619). That means direct visibility into every part of production, and legal accountability for the people who do it. Read about our California garment license.
Shop Organic Cotton Activewear
Looking for a specific piece? Start with our organic cotton leggings, our most popular style and the one we get the most questions about.
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist Pocket LeggingsThe PureFlex fabric Mamavation tested (non-detect total fluorine), with side pockets for a phone and keys.Shop now →
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist LeggingsThe same PureFlex fabric in a high rise, in Short 23", Regular 25" and Tall 28" inseams.Shop now →
PureFlex High Neck Racerback BraA high neck racerback bra in the same PureFlex fabric.Shop now →
Every PureFlex piece is made from the same fabric. Browse all of our organic cotton activewear.
Want the Full Story?
We wrote a detailed breakdown of how PFAS gets into activewear, what the research actually says, and how to avoid it: read What Is PFAS in Clothing? (And How to Avoid It) and Is Polyester Bad for You? What the Science Actually Says.
Shopping for leggings? Read Non-Toxic Leggings: What the Label Can and Cannot Prove, and see why PuraKai was named to Mamavation's Best Activewear list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PFAS and why does it matter in activewear?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of synthetic chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products. In clothing, they are often used in water-resistant and stain-resistant finishes. They're called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly. The US EPA reports that exposure to certain PFAS may be associated with effects including reduced immune response, increased cholesterol, and some cancers, and says research is continuing.
Has PuraKai activewear been tested for PFAS?
Yes. No PFAS detected, third-party lab tested. In October 2024, Applied Technical Services tested the main fabric of our organic cotton leggings and reported total fluorine as none detected, below 2 parts per million. In 2026, Mamavation tested a pair of our PureFlex leggings and reported non-detect total fluorine at a 10 ppm detection limit. We do not add water-repellent, stain-resistant, or other fluorinated finishes to our fabric.
Is organic cotton good for working out?
Yes. Organic cotton breathes, absorbs moisture instead of smearing it around, and softens with wear. It's well-suited for yoga, Pilates, training, and all-day movement. It's also gentler on skin than most synthetics. That matters when you're wearing it for hours at a time.
What does GOTS certification mean?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. It's the leading certification for organic textiles worldwide. To qualify, every step of the certified supply chain has to meet strict environmental and social criteria, verified by licensed third-party certifiers.
Where is PuraKai activewear made?
Every piece is knit, cut, sewn, and dyed in Los Angeles, California, from organic cotton grown in Texas, Turkey, and India. PuraKai is a licensed California garment manufacturer, Registration No. GA-LR-1001309619, verifiable in the state's public database.