PFAS-Free Fabrics: Why Boody Avoids Forever Chemicals
PFAS have become one of the biggest conversations in product safety over the last few years. You may have heard them described as “forever chemicals.” The technical name is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and they have been found in more clothing categories than most people realise, including underwear.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly used to create water-resistant, grease-resistant or stain-resistant finishes. They are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down easily in the environment or the body. Instead, they persist and accumulate over time.
In fashion and textiles, PFAS are most often associated with technical outerwear, waterproof garments and stain-resistant fabrics. But some reports have also identified PFAS in certain period underwear products, where chemical treatments may have been used within leak-resistant layers.
Why PFAS in Clothing Matters
The concern with PFAS is not only where they are used, but how long they remain. These chemicals can move through water systems during washing, persist in ecosystems and contribute to long-term environmental buildup. Some PFAS compounds have also been studied for potential links to health concerns including hormone disruption, thyroid issues and certain cancers.
This becomes especially relevant for garments worn directly against skin for long periods of time, particularly underwear and period products.
Boody’s Position: Made Without Any Added PFAS
Boody fabrics are made without any added PFAS. Our signature bamboo viscose fabric delivers softness, breathability and moisture-wicking performance naturally, without relying on chemical coatings or stain-resistant finishes.
The performance comes from the fibre itself, not from added chemical treatments.
Independent Testing for Our Period Collection
For our Period & Leak-Proof Underwear collection, we went further than simply avoiding added PFAS. The range has been independently tested by TUV Rheinland in Germany to verify zero traces of PFAS.
Our fabrics are also certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which includes testing for harmful substances including PFAS. Together, these certifications provide two separate layers of verification.
What Boody Fabrics Deliver Naturally
Our bamboo viscose fabric is naturally:
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Moisture-wicking, helping pull moisture away from skin for lasting comfort
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Temperature-regulating, breathable and comfortable across seasons
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Odour-resistant, helping reduce unwanted odours
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Soft and gentle on skin, including sensitive skin
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Hypoallergenic and less likely to trigger irritation
These qualities come from the fabric itself, not from synthetic surface treatments. Learn more about the fabric behind our essentials in Benefits of Bamboo in Clothing.
How to Check Whether Clothing Contains PFAS
PFAS are not always disclosed on garment labels, which is why third-party certification matters. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 that include harmful substance testing as part of their process.
If a brand claims to be PFAS-free but cannot point to independent testing or certification, there may be no way to verify the claim.
SHOP PERIOD & LEAK-PROOF UNDERWEAR
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PFAS banned in the United Kingdom?
Some PFAS compounds are restricted or regulated in the UK and Europe, but regulations continue to evolve. PFAS refers to a very large group of chemicals, and restrictions vary depending on the specific compound and regulation.
What kinds of clothing may contain PFAS?
PFAS are most commonly associated with waterproof outerwear, stain-resistant garments and some technical performance fabrics. Certain period underwear brands have also been found to use PFAS within leak-resistant layers.
Is Boody period underwear PFAS-free?
Yes. Boody’s Period & Leak-Proof Underwear collection has been independently tested by TUV Rheinland to verify zero traces of PFAS. Our fabrics are also certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which includes testing for harmful substances including PFAS.
Why is bamboo viscose considered an alternative to PFAS-treated fabrics?
Bamboo viscose is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, soft and odour-resistant. These properties come from the fibre itself rather than synthetic chemical finishes, making it well suited to underwear and close-to-skin essentials without relying on PFAS treatments.
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