HeatGear Compression Short Sleeve

Name: HeatGear Compression Short Sleeve
Brand: Under Armour

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

84% polyester, 16% elastane. Sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Under Armour is one of the most popular athletic wear brands in the US.

PFR Caution

84% polyester, 16% elastane compression shirt. Under Armour is one of the most popular athletic wear brands in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$30See Safer Alternatives in Clothing

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) sheds microplastic fibers with every wash — a single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers. These fibers pass through wastewater treatment and enter waterways, eventually returning in drinking water and food. Synthetic fabrics also contain chemical finishes (PFAS wrinkle-resistance, antimicrobial treatments) that leach through skin contact.

Synthetic Plastic Content

100%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Under Armour's HeatGear shirt is 84% polyester and 16% elastane — both synthetic fibers that shed microplastic fibers with every wash. Merino wool athletic wear is a natural alternative.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:84% polyester, 16% elastane

microplastics

Source

Polyester and elastane shedding microplastic fibers during washing

Health Risk

Microplastic pollution in waterways and food supply

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone wearing and washing synthetic athletic wear

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.