Bras Tested for Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”–Guide

Which bras give you the best support without toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS “forever chemical”) exposure? Having a very good bra isn’t just about support and comfort; it’s also about avoiding undergarments contaminated with harmful chemicals. Safer garments and manufacturing processes mean safer coverage for your breasts. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like sanitary pads tested for indications of PFAS, tampons tested for indications of PFAS, and dental floss tested for indications of PFAS, now join us for our bra investigation to help you avoid problematic chemicals in your bralette.

Disclosure: This consumer study is released in partnership with Environmental Health News. This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Donations were provided by Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with some to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you!  

Mamavation’s Lab Finds Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Bras

Mamavation’s EPA-certified laboratory found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” after analyzing 14 bras. The bras we selected varied from full-figured, certified organic cotton, nylon or polyester, adjustable straps, and various cup sizes. They ranged from medium support to full support.

PFAS “forever chemicals” are found in many other areas of our homes with some examples being cookware, makeup, drinking water, contact lenses & dental floss. These chemicals are linked to serious health effects, which we will discuss later. Because PFAS are so toxic, Mamavation has commissioned our own scientific studies on indications of PFAS in products to make recommendations for bras using PFAS-free materials. Read Mamavation’s articles on these products to find which brands are organic-fluorine-free.

For this consumer study, Mamavation sent 14 bras to an EPA-certified laboratory looking for indications of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.”  Here’s what we found:

• 50% of total bras tested had indications of PFAS “forever chemicals.” 7 detections from 14 bras had organic fluorine above 10 parts per million (ppm) according to our lab,
• Organic fluorine, a marker of PFAS, ranged from 16 ppm to 49 ppm. 

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Have Problematic Health Effects

PFAS “forever chemicals” are problematic for human health and the environment. They are considered ubiquitous, persistent, and toxic. In fact, many of these PFAS chemicals can last for years or decades in our bodies. The health effects of exposure to PFAS on the armpit areas and breast tissue are unknown. It’s also unknown what happens when it is absorbed into our tissues and travels around in our bodies. However, we do know that these areas can be vulnerable to toxic chemicals like PFAS “forever chemicals” because of the proximity to breast tissue and the lymphatic system. Therefore, it’s imperative to reduce the amount of PFAS you are exposed to from food, water, and consumer products like bras & deodorants. Mamavation is dedicated to helping you do that when you are shopping for bras.

Here are some of the health effects of different PFAS “forever chemicals:”

• Reduction in immunity
• Reduced vaccination response
• Increased risk of allergies & asthma in young children
• Affected growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
• Increase cholesterol levels
• Metabolic diseases like obesity & diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lowered a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
• Lowered male fertility
• Increased risk of kidney & testicular cancers
• Causes endocrine disruption
• Disrupted normal thyroid function
• Increases risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children 

It’s also very clear based on biomonitoring evidence from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that PFAS are in all Americans. Therefore, these exposures can harm most Americans.

Other Categories of Products Mamavation Has Tested for Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Before we present the raw data from our lab, we wanted to remind you about all the other studies we have conducted on the indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” in food and consumer products you may bring into your home. Each one was conducted similarly to this one, with brands sent independently to the lab. The raw data from those labs are at the bottom of the post.

• Soft Contact Lenses
• Green Beauty Makeup
• Lip Balm
• Condoms & Lubricants
• Dental Floss
• Toilet Paper
• Period Underwear
• Tampons
• Sanitary Pads, Pantiliners, & Incontinence Pads
• Powdered Electrolytes
• Butter Wrappers
• Pasta & Tomato Sauces
• Nut Butters (Peanut butter, etc.)
• Ketchup
• Activewear (Yoga Pants)
• Sports Bras
• Parchment Paper
• Cupcake Liners
• Plastic-Free Straws
• Fast Food Packaging
• Children’s Probiotics
• Kids’ Backpacks
• Baby Strollers

Mamavation’s Investigation of Bras & Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Bras were purchased between February 2022 and November 2024. Each product was recorded in our database and then sent directly to the laboratory in its original packaging. For this investigation, we did not evaluate any price range, certifications, dyes, organic farming, or pesticides.

Testing: Mamavation’s EPA-certified laboratory uses marker testing to identify the potential presence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in bras. Organic fluorine is a marker for PFAS because all PFAS chemicals are carbon-based compounds that contain fluorine. The specific lab method used to test for total fluorine was the Determination of Total Fluorine by Oxygen Flask Combustion and Ion-Selective Electrode. If total fluorine was observed at a detection level of 10 ppm or greater, the lab did the Determination of free Fluoride Ion in the product by Ion-Selective Electrode and then subtracted that from the Total Fluorine to determine the amount of organic fluorine. This marker testing is likely to show the presence of PFAS. Organic fluorine can also capture other fluoropolymers, pharmaceuticals, and common hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (commonly known as R-134a) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (commonly known as HFO-1234yf), which are all also PFAS.  None of which you want around your food or clothing!

Scott Belcher, Ph.D. & Associate Professor with the Center for Environmental & Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University says “fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),  are extremely common forms of PFAS that could be contributing to the organic fluorine found in bras. Methods used for detecting individual PFAS, such as PFOA or GenX, cannot directly identify PTFE. However, the analysis of total organic fluorine (TOF) does account for all PFAS contaminants in bras, including PTFE. Therefore, this method of testing serves as a good ‘spot-check’ of consumer products.”

Mamavation’s Raw Data from Bra Testing — Recommendations

Not Our Favorite Bras

These bras were sent to our EPA-certified laboratory and were found to have over 20 ppm of organic fluorine, which indicates the potential for PFAS “forever chemical” contamination.

• Fruit of the Loom Fit for Me Women’s Plus-Size Wireless Cotton Bra — 24 ppm organic fluorine
• Nuudi System Bra and Braless Tee System — 35 ppm organic fluorine
• WooBilly Push-Up Back Smoothing Bra — 49 ppm organic fluorine

Better Bras

These bras were sent to our EPA-certified laboratory, and organic fluorine was detected in between 10 and 20 parts per million (ppm).

• Evelyn & Bobbie The Starlette Plunge — 16 ppm organic fluorine
• Glamorise Sport Women’s Plus Size MagicLift Seamless Sports Bra 42DD — 16 ppm organic fluorine
• Knix Wingwoman Contour Bra — 16 ppm organic fluorine
• Wacoal Flawless Comfort Wire Free Bra — 18 ppm organic fluorine

Best Bras

These bras were sent to our EPA-certified laboratory and had non-detect results for organic fluorine.

• Bali Intimates Classic Support Cool Comfort Fabric— non-detect organic fluorine
• Cottonique Allergy-Free Organic Racerback Bra— non-detect organic fluorine (Discount: Take 10% off order by using “Mamavation10%” at checkout.)
• HoneyLove Liftwear Crossover Bra — non-detect organic fluorine (Discount: Take 15% off orders at Honeylove by using our link) 
• Leading Lady Bra — non-detect organic fluorine
• Molke Original Bra Nude Three — non-detect organic fluorine
• Playtex Underwire Lifts & Supports Adjustable Comfort Strap 4-Way TruSupport 38D — non-detect organic fluorine
• Shapermint Trukind Daily Comfort Wirefree Shaper Bra 3X — non-detect organic fluorine

Additional Sports Bras Tested in 2022 with Non-Detect Results

These sports bras were tested in 2022 and were found to have non-detect organic fluorine by our EPA-certified laboratory. We wanted to remind you of these products so that you had additional options.

• Go Pact Organic Racerback Lounge Bra — non-detect results (DISCOUNT: Take 15% off your first Pact Organic purchase by using “MAMAVATION15” at checkout.)
• Mate The Label Organic Sports Bra Green — non-detect results (DISCOUNT: Take 15% off purchases by using “MAMAVATION” at checkout! Limit 1 per customer.)
• Rawganique BEVERLY Organic Cotton Triple Strap Active Bra — Non-detect results
• Satva GOTS Organic Nanda Bra — non-detect results
• All in Motion Sports Bra (Target Brand) — non-detect results
• Cotton.com Workout Training Crop — non-detect results 
• CRZ Yoga Longline Yoga Bra — non-detect results
• GapFit Recycled Power Low Support Sports Bra — 9 parts per million (ppm) organic fluorine
• Lululemon Free to Be Strappy Sports Bra — non-detect results
• OYA Femtech Apparel Sports Bra — non-detect results (Updated: 4/26/23)
• Tree Tribe Brasport Eco Forest Camo Bra — non-detect results