What the Investigation Into Chemicals in Kids' Underwear Means for Parents

The underwear in your child's dresser drawer is now the subject of a formal government investigation. It's the kind of headline that makes a parent stop scrolling. Before you empty the drawer, though, it's worth separating what is being claimed from what isn't, because the wider question of chemicals in kids' underwear is a fair one, while the evidence against these specific products has yet to appear.

The bottom line

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into whether Hanes and Fruit of the Loom use harmful chemicals in children's underwear. Neither company has been accused of wrongdoing, no test results have been released, and nothing has been recalled. Parents who want to lower exposure in the meantime can favour plain cotton, wash new clothes before they are worn, and skip special chemical finishes.

Key takeaways

The Texas attorney general sent civil investigative demands, which are formal requests for documents and information, to Hanes and Fruit of the Loom on October 6, 2026.

Hanes is owned by Montreal-based Gildan Activewear, which says it will cooperate, and Fruit of the Loom is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

The chemical families named include bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, fluorine compounds, and PFAS.

No products have been recalled, and no testing of either brand's underwear has been made public.

In 2025, Canada concluded that PFAS other than fluoropolymers meet the federal definition of toxic and proposed adding them to the federal toxic substances list.

Why are Hanes and Fruit of the Loom being investigated?

On October 6, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced civil investigative demands to Hanes and Fruit of the Loom over the possible presence of harmful chemicals in materials used for children's underwear. Civil investigative demands are formal requests that require a company to hand over documents and information. Fruit of the Loom is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes is owned by Montreal-based Gildan Activewear.

An important point up front is that the attorney general has made no accusation of wrongdoing against either company. This is an information-gathering step, and the state has identified no specific product as unsafe. Gildan told Reuters it will co-operate with the investigation, that it maintains strict manufacturing and sourcing standards on harmful chemicals, and that it remains committed to safe products. Paxton's office opened a similar probe in April into whether Vancouver-based Lululemon's activewear contained forever chemicals.

Which textile chemicals are raising concerns?

To understand why regulators are looking at underwear at all, it helps to know how clothing has changed. Manufacturers have shifted heavily toward synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex to keep prices down, and research shows synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics, the tiny plastic fragments that end up in air, water, and food. Our guide to whether microplastics are harmful looks at what that exposure actually means for your body.

The textile chemicals named by the attorney general include bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, fluorine compounds, and PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are often called forever chemicals because they break down so slowly in nature. Paxton's office says chemicals like these have been associated with cancer, hormone disruption, infertility, and other health concerns, and children draw particular attention because their bodies are still developing and underwear sits against the skin for hours. If you have read our piece on microplastics and PFAS in Canadian homes, several of these names will sound familiar.

Where does Canada stand on forever chemicals?

Canada has been moving on this file too. In its final State of PFAS report, published in 2025, the federal government concluded that the class of forever chemicals, other than fluoropolymers, meets the definition of toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. It proposed adding them to the federal list of toxic substances, a step that allows Ottawa to restrict them across products over time.

That listing bans nothing on its own, and the restrictions themselves are proposed to be phased in through separate rules. It does show that Canadian regulators already treat the concern as serious. Questions like this keep surfacing in everyday products, from pesticide limits on Driscoll's berries to carbon monoxide in hockey arenas.

Do parents need to replace their kids' clothing?

So far, nothing shows that your child's underwear is dangerous. No test results from this investigation have been published, no products have been recalled, and no violation has been alleged. What has changed is that the question of chemicals in kids' underwear has moved from research journals into formal scrutiny of two of the biggest basics brands in North America, one of them Canadian-owned.

Throwing out kids' clothing is unnecessary, and the reasonable posture for parents is attention without alarm. If your child has sensitive or easily irritated skin, new fabrics and finishes can be a more noticeable trigger, which is another reason the steps below are worth trying.

How can you lower your family's exposure without spending more?

If you want to lower your family's exposure while the facts come in, a few low-effort habits help, and none of them cost extra.

Favour natural fibres next to the skin. Cotton for underwear, socks, and sleepwear reduces reliance on the synthetics at the centre of these questions.

Wash new clothes before the first wear. A regular wash helps remove surface residues left over from manufacturing and shipping.

Skip special finishes on kids' basics. Labels such as stain-resistant, water-repellent, or wrinkle-free usually mean added chemical treatments, so plain and untreated is the simpler choice.

Keep what you already own. None of this requires throwing anything out, and plain cotton basics are usually among the cheapest items on the shelf.

Mention skin reactions to your child's doctor. Rashes or irritation in areas covered by underwear are worth raising, and a rash that spreads quickly or comes with a fever needs prompt care.

What happens next in the investigation?

The civil investigative demands require the companies to hand over documents and information, and the Attorney General's Office has said nothing about independent testing or when the investigation might wrap up. Answers about what is actually in these garments may become public as the process unfolds, and any recall affecting Canadian shoppers would be announced by Health Canada. Until then, the facts support curiosity and simple habits far more than worry.

Frequently asked questions

Are there harmful chemicals in kids' underwear?

No one has shown harmful levels of chemicals in kids' underwear from Hanes or Fruit of the Loom. The Texas investigation is asking the companies what materials and chemicals they use, and no test results or recalls have been announced. Some textile chemicals, including PFAS, are under wider scrutiny, which is why simple precautions are reasonable.

What are PFAS?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of human-made chemicals used to help products resist stains, water, grease, and heat. They are called forever chemicals because they break down extremely slowly. Canada has concluded that the class, other than fluoropolymers, is toxic under federal law and has proposed restricting it over time.

Does washing new clothes remove chemicals?

Washing new clothes before the first wear helps remove loose surface residues, dyes, and finishing chemicals left from manufacturing and shipping. Some chemicals are bound into the fabric and stay put, yet washing is still a simple, free step. It is especially worthwhile for underwear, sleepwear, and anything worn against a baby's or child's skin.

Is cotton underwear safer for kids?

Plain cotton underwear avoids the synthetic fibres and special finishes at the centre of current concerns, so many parents see it as the simpler choice. Cotton can still be treated with dyes and finishes, which makes untreated, plain basics the lowest-effort option. Cotton also breathes well, which helps children with sensitive skin.

Your next step

Questions about chemical exposure and your child's health deserve a professional's answer, beyond what a search bar can give you. The Medimap Health Hub has more on everyday exposures at home, and Medimap shows live wait times at walk-in clinics near you, so you can get a doctor's view whenever you want one.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a doctor or other qualified health professional who knows your history. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.