For Valentine’s Day, I went the fanny pack route instead of treating my wife to Lululemon leggings and a sports bra. In turn, did I save myself more than just a pricey gift to her?

This week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made it official: his office has launched a formal investigation into athleisure brand Lululemon over the potential presence of “forever chemicals” in its activewear.

The announcement landed on April 13 via a post on X, and it hit hard for a brand built entirely on the promise of healthy living.

What’s Actually Being Investigated

Paxton’s office issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Lululemon USA Inc., kicking off a formal probe into whether the activewear giant has been misleading customers about what’s actually in its products.

The specific target is PFAS and polyfluoroalkyl substances: a class of synthetic compounds that earned the “forever chemicals” nickname because they can linger in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

This isn’t abstract chemistry, forever chemicals have been a hot button for years and years now. Emerging research and consumer concerns have raised questions about whether certain synthetic materials in the apparel could be linked to endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer and other health risks.

The AG’s office will examine Lululemon’s Restricted Substances List, testing protocols, and supply chain practices to determine whether products meet the company’s stated safety standards.

The core tension here is a marketing one. Paxton’s office says the investigation will determine whether Lululemon’s products contain PFAS that their health-conscious customers would not expect based on the brand’s marketing and that framing is pointed.

Surprisingly. Even after this news dropped, the stock price didn’t take much of a dip.

Lululemon doesn’t sell clothes. It sells a lifestyle. Wellness. Sustainability. Performance. If PFAS are found in its apparel, the gap between the brand’s carefully crafted image and reality could prove costly — legally and reputationally.

Surprisingly. Even after this news dropped, the stock price didn’t take much of a dip.

What Lululemon Says

The company isn’t staying quiet. Lululemon said it hadn’t used PFAS in its products since it phased out the substances in early 2024, stating the chemical had previously been used in durable water-repellent products which was a small share of its assortment.

The company added that it requires all vendors to conduct regular third-party testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, and that its products meet or exceed global regulatory standards.

Lululemon said it was aware of the inquiry and was cooperating by providing requested documentation.

So Are You at Risk?

Here’s where it gets nuanced. Research scientist Arlene Blum at the University of California, Berkeley noted that Lululemon’s PFAS phase-out is part of a wider trend among major clothing brands, adding: “They’re chemicals you don’t want to use on anything unless you absolutely need them, but that doesn’t mean you wear PFAS clothing and you get sick.”

The investigation is ongoing. No violations have been proven. But the question of what’s in your gear overall and more-so when pressed directly against your skin during a long run or a hard workout is one we now need to think about more closely.

Athletes who care about what goes into their bodies should care equally about what’s on them.

If you went with the fanny pack this Valentine’s Day like I did, you’re probably fine. But the broader conversation around chemical transparency in performance apparel is just getting started, and Lululemon is now squarely at the center of it.