Falls short on every axis — flimsy, synthetic-heavy, and rough on the environment.
↳ Skip if you have other options.
Why this material grade?
This product scored 52/100 on the 7-axis material rubric, based on its composition of 100% Polyester.
D (40-54): Below-average material composition — weak on durability or comfort.
What this score doesn't measure
- ×Fiber grade. Staple length, micronaire, strength. "100% cotton" could be short-staple upland or long-staple Pima — same label, very different fabric.
- ×Yarn processing. Singles count, ply (single vs two-ply), spinning method (open-end vs ring-spun vs compact), mercerization. Invisible from any label.
- ×Knit / weave structure. Single jersey vs interlock, knit tightness. A loose knit pills; a tight knit lasts.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). One construction signal among several — and high GSM can come from loose cheap yarn just as easily as from fine tight yarn. We have it for blank manufacturers, rarely for retail.
- ×Pre-shrink processing. Sanforized cotton shrinks ~1%; non-sanforized can shrink up to 10%. Not visible from the composition tag.
- ×Construction quality. Stitch density (SPI), seam types, collar geometry, manufacturing tolerances (AQL). These often matter more than the fiber itself.
- ×Specific chemical loads. Health Impact flags "likely PFAS / possible formaldehyde" from composition × category — we don't lab-test individual SKUs.
We rate the fabric, not the garment. Composition is the floor of what you're guaranteed to be getting — most shoppers don't have that.
Below average — consider alternatives
This fabric scores low on quality. It may pill, wear out quickly, or not feel great against skin. And when it does wear out, it'll sit in a landfill for decades. Look for higher-rated options.
Every wash of synthetic fabric releases up to 700,000 microplastic fibers into waterways. Use a Guppyfriend bag to catch them.
This fabric will take 200+ years to decompose. That means a shirt you buy today will still exist in the year 2226.
Synthetic fabrics can contain BPA, which mimics estrogen. Studies have found BPA transferring to skin through sweat contact.
Biodegradability
Not BiodegradableMaterials will persist in the environment for decades.
Health & environmental impact →Health Impact
Microplastic shedding · skin-contact synthetic load · likely chemical treatments
High health impact — significant synthetic content or likely chemical treatments. For frequent skin-contact wear, consider a natural-fiber alternative.
700,000 fibers/wash
100% synthetic
Antimony
- Antimony (trace): Virgin polyester contains trace antimony from PET production. Recycled polyester reduces but does not eliminate it.
Care Guide
Better Alternatives
Higher-rated activewear products you might prefer
Patagonia
Men's Heritage Stand Up® Canvas Shorts - 5" Inseam
100% Regenerative Organic Certified
Patagonia
Men's Heritage Stand Up® Canvas Shorts - 7" Inseam
100% Regenerative Organic Certified
Patagonia
Men's Lightweight All-Wear Shorts - 8" Inseam
85% Organic Cotton, 13% Hemp, 2% Spandex Stretch
Patagonia
Men's Corduroy Volley Shorts
100% Organic Cotton