The Short Answer: Yes, conventional shapewear can contain PFAS ("forever chemicals") and BPA, but PROCLAIM's bodysuit fabric tested clean for both. We sent our fabric to an independent laboratory for testing against industry-standard restricted substances list (RSL) limits, and none were detected for PFAS, BPA, or common BPA substitutes (BPS, BPF, BPAF, BPB). You can read the full lab report here (PDF).
Shapewear is tight, warm, and worn directly against your skin for hours at a time. That is exactly why we wanted verified proof of what is, and isn't, in ours, rather than just a marketing promise.
What Are PFAS, and Why Would They Be in Shapewear?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of synthetic chemicals engineered to repel water, sweat, oil, and stains. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they are widely referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in nature, leading to bioaccumulation in the environment and human bodies over time.
In apparel, PFAS frequently appear in chemical performance finishes applied to make garments sweat-wicking, stain-resistant, or quick-drying. Because these are highly sought-after properties in synthetic shapewear and activewear, it is critical to ask what treatments have been applied to your base layers.
What Is BPA, and Why Would It Be in Shapewear?
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. It’s the reason so many water bottles and food containers are labeled “BPA-free.”
Most traditional shapewear is made from synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and elastane, which are essentially petroleum-based plastics spun into yarn. That means BPA and related chemicals can end up in the fibers, dyes, or finishes. In fact, the Center for Environmental Health has found high levels of BPA in polyester-spandex sports bras and leggings from major brands. And because some manufacturers swap BPA for close cousins like BPS or BPF while still marketing products as “BPA-free,” we tested for those substitutes too.
How We Tested and What the Lab Found
In March 2024, PROCLAIM submitted our signature bodysuit fabric to an independent third-party laboratory. The fabric was tested against the AFIRM Group Restricted Substances List (RSL), a widely used industry standard for restricting hazardous chemicals in apparel.
| What the Lab Looked For | Lab Result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") | None detected | Passed |
| Total Fluorine (Secondary check for PFAS treatments) | None detected | Passed |
| BPA (Bisphenol A) | None detected | Passed |
| BPA Substitutes (BPS, BPF, BPAF, BPB) | None detected | Passed |
Note: "None detected" indicates that the independent laboratory found none of these substances at its testing limits. You can review the complete PROCLAIM Independent Lab Test Report PDF.
What Is the PROCLAIM Bodysuit Made Of?
The PROCLAIM Bodysuit is crafted from 82% EVO® bio-based nylon (derived from renewable castor beans) and 18% elastane for target recovery, contour, and hold. It is responsibly manufactured in Portugal.
We selected plant-based bio-nylon because standard nylon relies on non-renewable petroleum extraction. EVO® delivers the exact smooth, weightless, and supportive compression desired from shapewear as a lower-impact alternative to petroleum nylon. And as independent testing confirmed, with no PFAS or BPA detected.
5 Steps to Choosing Safer, Non-Toxic Shapewear
- Demand Transparent Test Results: Vague marketing terms like "clean," "non-toxic," or "natural" are unregulated. Legitimate brands publish actual third-party lab documentation.
- Be Cautious of Performance Claims: Tags advertising "stain-resistant," "water-repellent," or "anti-odor" properties frequently signal applied fluorinated chemical finishes.
- Audit the Fiber Composition: Prioritize bio-based, plant-derived, or certified organic fibers over 100% petroleum-derived synthetic polymers.
- Verify "BPA-Free" Claims: Confirm whether testing also screened for structural chemical substitutes like BPS, BPF, and BPAF.
- Always Wash Before First Wear: Laundering new garments prior to wearing helps remove residual processing agents acquired during spinning, finishing, or transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shapewear contain PFAS?
Yes, shapewear can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) when synthetic fabrics are treated with sweat-wicking or stain-resistant chemical finishes. However, PROCLAIM's bodysuit fabric was independently lab-tested and no PFAS were detected.
Is there BPA in shapewear?
It is possible for shapewear to contain BPA because standard shapewear is spun from petroleum-based plastics like nylon and polyester. PROCLAIM's bodysuit fabric was independently tested for BPA and its common substitutes (BPS, BPF, BPAF, BPB), and none were detected.
What is PFAS-free shapewear?
PFAS-free shapewear refers to compression garments constructed without "forever chemical" finishes or treatments. The most reliable way to confirm status is through third-party lab documentation, such as the reports published by PROCLAIM.
What is the PROCLAIM bodysuit made of?
The PROCLAIM bodysuit is made from 82% EVO® bio-based nylon derived from castor bean plants and 18% elastane for stretch and recovery. It is produced ethically in Portugal.
Who is PROCLAIM?
PROCLAIM is a Los Angeles-based sustainable intimates and shapewear brand. Founded in 2017, PROCLAIM crafts inclusive everyday bras, underwear, shapewear, and socks using organic cotton and plant-based materials manufactured in Los Angeles and Portugal.
Shapewear with Nothing to Hide
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Written by Shobha Philips, Founder & CEO of PROCLAIM. Shobha began developing PROCLAIM in 2015 and has spent over a decade designing ethical, skin-safe intimates using GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable materials in Los Angeles, California. She also serves on the board of the Circular Textile Alliance and is a member of the Responsible Apparel Industry Collective at the Garment Worker Center in Los Angeles.
