Non-toxic t-shirts: PFAS-aware, microplastic-aware picks

Greener Closet treats t-shirts as non-toxic when the fiber composition avoids high-shedding synthetics, when there is no evidence of PFAS-based water- or stain-repellent finishes, and when the manufacturing inputs score reasonably on microplastics, half-life, shedding, and energy. Polyester and poly-blend tees shed microplastic fibers in every wash. Azo dyes used in cheap synthetic dyeing have also been flagged. Natural-fiber tees usually score significantly better.

Look for Organic Cotton, Tencel Lyocell, Modal. These score better on microplastics, biodegradability, or shedding compared with the petroleum-based synthetics that dominate this category.

Be cautious with Polyester, Recycled Polyester, especially when they appear with stain- or water-resistant finishes. These materials drive most of the score pressure for t-shirts.

Each product is scored from the full material label and any available certifications. The scoring weights microplastics at 45%, PFAS at 15%, half-life and biodegradability at 15%, energy at 10%, azo dyes at 10%, and fiber shedding at 5%.