Will Lululemon investigation impact its growing footprint in tennis

Citing growing consumer concerns and emerging research, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation of Lululemon Athletica to determine if PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, are used in the clothing.

Lululemon is a Canadian-American company headquartered in Vancouver but incorporated in Delaware under the name Lululemon Athetica. The investigation will evaluate Lululemon’s supply chain looking for specific synthetic materials. These materials do not break down or wash out of the clothing. Instead they are absorbed by the body and can be associated with infertility, cancer, and other illnesses.

Paxton believes that Lululemon’s core customer prioritizes a healthy lifestyle and purchases the products believing that healthy components are being used. Lululemon said it phased out PFA use (only used in its durable water repellent products) in 2023.

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What it could mean for tennis

Canadian Leylah Fernandez put Lululemon on the tennis map. She was the first to wear the brand and has done so since 2021. Frances Tiafoe and Ethan Quinn are also ambassadors added within the past year.

Lululemon kits get a lot of attention and compliments on the WTA Tour.

The outcome of the investigation may adversely affect Lululemon’s growing tennis footprint which this year included production of the Indian Wells official tournament apparel.

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Is Lululemon the only one

It is not clear if other athletic wear manufacturers will also be scrutinized, or if this is a problem isolated to Lululemon which generated more than $11 billion in revenue last year.

Athletic wear is a growing industry, and many brands compete within it in professional tennis. Nike, Adidas, Asics, Yonex, On, FILA, FP, New Balance, and Wilson are other brands outfitting professional tennis players.

Breathable materials, some of which are synthetic, help athletes to keep sweat from soaking through clothing and onto the skin.

This industry has evolved a lot in the past 25 years; in tennis’s previous generations, cotton was the prevalent material used in tennis players’ clothing.