Lululemon Under Investigation: The Role of Chemicals in Activewear

Graphic by Ruhani Koul

Lululemon has been a staple in consumers’ wardrobes for over 20 years —  and typically the first brand that comes to mind when we talk about activewear. Though the apparel company claims to be committed to sustainability values, recent news on Business of Fashion puts those claims into question. 

Since April 13, Lululemon has been under investigation in Texas over the presence of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — or “forever chemicals” — in its clothing. These chemicals take decades to break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, fertility challenges, and developmental issues in children, according to the Washington Post. PFAS are typically found in apparel to make products waterproof, temperature-regulated, and stain-resistant.

The company claims to have phased out forever chemicals in 2023, but these accusations still raise concerns for customers. The skin can absorb PFAS in apparel and you can even inhale the chemicals simply from storing the product in your closet. As far-fetched as it sounds, your cute sports bra might be increasing your risk of cancer, and your new leggings may contribute to fertility issues down the road. 

Whether or not Luluemon is found guilty of lying to customers, consumers of these products should be wary of the consequences. Lululemon is not the only apparel company using PFAS in its products. Many businesses do not disclose the presence of these chemicals to consumers, including Under Armour, Nike, and Nordstrom, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. 

The increasing concerns over harmful chemicals in activewear come along with the rise of wool workout apparel. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, phasing out the need for PFAS. These qualities have led to rapidly growing sales for companies such as Nero and Mate the Label, which are committed to wool activewear. 

However, wool has many challenges, which keep it from gaining a larger market share. Wool activewear has a shorter lifespan than synthetic apparel, meaning consumers have to switch out their products more often. The lack of PFAS also makes it less weatherproof, which is often an important consideration for customers. 

Wool’s lack of durability compared to synthetics means the only consumers of wool activewear are those who prioritize sustainability and health. While this sector of the market is growing, it still remains a minority. When it comes down to performance or sustainability, the majority of consumers still choose performance. In this case, that means choosing synthetic activewear coated in forever chemicals over natural fibers. 

Despite this bleak outlook, there is still hope for replacing harmful synthetics with natural fibers in activewear. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about how products can impact their health, leading to larger demand for sustainable textiles, according to Forbes. 

Yet the main hope lies in government regulation. Currently, several countries within the European Union have banned specific PFAS chemicals in apparel. For instance, France banned all PFAS in textiles in January 2026. Various stricter legislations are taking form in other countries in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and many U.S. states; however, they have not yet been approved. 

If these regulations are put into place, it will force activewear brands to entirely reshape their business model and fundamentally change their products. Such legislation could be the driving force necessary to facilitate a transition from chemicals that pollute both the environment and our health to natural fibers that are sustainable and consumer-friendly. 

The investigation into Lululemon’s use of forever chemicals is a massive step in the right direction. Exposing arguably the biggest name in activewear could spread consumer awareness and convince governments to move forward with creating or enforcing stricter regulations for companies on a larger scale. Hopefully, Lululemon’s deceit will be what finally moves the fashion industry towards a direction that prioritizes sustainability and health over profit-making.