You've just bought a new water-resistant jacket. It's also stain-proof and promises to look fresh for years. But there's something the tag doesn't mention. The fabric probably contains synthetic chemicals that scientists call "forever chemicals" because they never break down. These are PFAS, and they show up in more clothing than people realize. In fact, a 2024 CDC report revealed that the majority of people in the U.S. “have been exposed to PFAS and have it in their blood”.
Brands use PFAS in fabric to achieve the desirable water-repellent and stain-resistant properties consumers like. Despite serving a functional purpose, scientific data proves that they pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.
Understanding what PFAS in clothes are, where they're used and how to steer clear of them can help you make better choices for your wardrobe and well-being.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a family of man-made chemicals created in the 1950s. These compounds feature incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which is exactly why they've earned the nickname "forever chemicals." They simply don't degrade naturally.
This endurance is exactly why we should care; PFAS accumulate in our bodies, in wildlife, and throughout ecosystems. Research has linked various PFAS compounds to health concerns including immune system problems, hormonal disruption, and certain cancers. Namely, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (the cancer agency of the World Health Organization) has classified one group of PFAS as “carcinogenic to humans”, and another – “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
Why Are PFAS Used in Clothing & Fabric Finishes?
The use of PFAS in clothes comes down to function. When manufacturers want a fabric that repels water, resists oil or stays fresh through repeated wear, PFAS in fabric delivers. These chemicals create a barrier (picture tiny molecular shields) that stops liquids and stains from soaking into fibers.
Think about your rain jacket. Or those work pants that somehow survive coffee disasters. Performance gear for skiing down mountains. Activewear you count on during sweaty workouts. Professional uniforms in restaurants.
Manufacturers keep using PFAS-based finishes for a reason: nothing else works quite as well at keeping liquids and grime from penetrating fabric. The chemicals bond strongly to textile fibers and maintain their protective qualities wash after wash.
But here's the problem: the same qualities that make PFAS great for waterproofing, their stability and resistance to breaking down, turn them into health nightmares. Once they leave the factory, these substances persist indefinitely. In water systems. In soil. In living organisms. What works brilliantly on your jacket becomes a lasting contamination issue everywhere else.
How We Get PFAS in Clothing
The path from chemical to clothing happens mostly during manufacturing. Fabrics get treated with coatings – imagine rolls of textile moving through a facility where they're sprayed or dunked into solutions meant to add water resistance. These solutions? Often loaded with PFAS compounds.
The story doesn't end there; once these chemicals bond to your clothes, they stick around. Washing releases them gradually. Regular wear does too. When that jacket finally wears out and you toss it, PFAS continue their journey. Each laundry cycle sends microscopic amounts swirling down the drain into water systems. Aging garments shed fibers, and those fibers carry PFAS into your home environment.
Here's where things get murkier: supply chains. Textiles manufactured in regions with looser regulations might receive PFAS treatments without brands even knowing. Unless companies specifically test for these chemicals (and many don't) there's no way to be certain what finishes were applied three factories ago in the production chain. A supposedly clean brand might be selling PFAS-treated goods simply because they didn't ask the right questions to their suppliers.
Are PFAS in Clothing Dangerous? What the Research Shows
Yes, the science points to real concerns. But should you panic about every shirt in your drawer? Not exactly.
PFAS exposure has been linked to several serious health issues: suppressed immune function, hormone disruption, liver disease, and various cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer. A National Toxicology Program report reviewed 153 studies and found evidence connecting PFAS exposures to a range of immune system effects. Research also shows that PFAS leads to reduced antibody response to vaccines, making people more vulnerable. Also, communities with high PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water have shown elevated health problems, according to the US EPA.
But here's where it gets complicated. The PFAS family includes thousands of different chemicals, yet most studies focus on a limited number of better-known compounds. Some have been researched well, others barely at all . Scientists freely admit we don't have the complete picture yet.
Direct contact with PFAS in fabric likely poses less immediate risk than drinking contaminated water daily. However, exposure adds up. There are PFAS in food packaging, cookware, carpets, cosmetics and drinking water alongside your wardrobe. These multiple sources accumulate in your body over time.
How to Avoid PFAS in Clothing (Smart Tips for Shopping)
The good news? You have more control than you think. Making informed choices doesn't require a chemistry degree, just a bit of awareness when shopping.
At Q for Quinn, we've made the decision to eliminate PFAS from our garments entirely. Our collection focuses on natural materials and safe finishing techniques that don't compromise your health or the planet. When you choose our pieces, you're choosing safe fabrics like organic cotton, free from chemicals.
But whether you're shopping with us or elsewhere, here's what to look for:
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Check for specific labels and certifications. Look for tags stating "PFAS-free," "fluorine-free," or certifications like GOTS-certified or OEKO-TEX®. These indicate the manufacturer has taken steps to avoid harmful chemical treatments.
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Lean toward natural, untreated fabrics when possible. Cotton, wool, linen, and other natural fibers often come with fewer chemical treatments. But keep reading, because this isn't foolproof. If you're interested in ensuring the clothes you choose are made with 100% organic cotton, check for certifications and labels that guarantee this. Learn more in our guide on how to tell if fabric is 100% organic cotton.
In addition to avoiding PFAS, be aware of BPA in clothing. BPA (Bisphenol A) is another harmful chemical that can sometimes be found in fabrics and their treatments. If you're concerned about BPA, it's important to look for clothing labeled BPA-free.
Another thing to look for is the use of azo-free dyes, which are much safer than conventional dyes. Azo-free dyes and how they contribute to safer, healthier fabrics. For a sustainable and healthy choice, also consider garments dyed with plant-based dyes, which are not only eco-friendly but also better for your skin. Learn more about the benefits of plant-based dyes.
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Ask brands questions. If you're unsure about finishes or coatings, reach out to customer service. Companies committed to transparency will provide clear answers about their manufacturing processes.
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Wash new garments well before wearing. This simple step might reduce finishing chemicals present on fabrics. It won't eliminate cured coatings, but it can help with excess treatments.
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Support PFAS-free brands. More companies are developing alternatives to achieve water resistance and durability without relying on forever chemicals. Your purchasing decisions send a message about what matters to you.
Here's a quick shopping checklist to keep handy:
- Does the label mention PFAS-free or fluorine-free?
- Are there third-party certifications present?
- Is the brand transparent about their chemical use?
- Do I actually need water-resistant features or would untreated fabric work?
- Can I verify the fabric wasn't treated with finishes?
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on spotting organic cotton lingerie.
Discover Our Organic Cotton Underwear Collections
What to Know About Fabrics & Treatments (Does 100% Cotton Mean No PFAS?)
Here's where many well-intentioned shoppers get tripped up. That "100% cotton" label? It tells you absolutely nothing about PFAS.
Fabric composition only reveals what fibers were used. The label stays silent on what happened after weaving. Manufacturers can take natural cotton and coat it with PFAS finishes for water resistance. Your 100% cotton rain jacket might be loaded with forever chemicals. This applies across the board. Linen gets treated. Silk receives coatings. Even luxurious wool can be finished with PFAS for stain resistance.
The real question isn't "what's this made of?". It's "what did they do to it afterward?".
Look at any garment claiming special properties. Water-resistant? Stain-resistant? Enhanced durability? These features don't materialize from fiber choice alone. They come from treatments. You need to dig deeper and find out how the manufacturer achieved those qualities.
Untreated natural fabrics give you the best odds of avoiding PFAS. But don't assume "natural" equals "safe". Always look for specific information about what treatments were applied (or better yet, confirmation that none were used).
FAQs
Do all fabrics contain PFAS?
No, but plenty do. Anything marketed as water-resistant, stain-resistant, or specially treated probably has PFAS. Outerwear, activewear and performance gear almost always get these treatments in order to repel liquids.
Can 100% cotton have PFAS?
Yes. Cotton tells you the fiber, not the finish. Manufacturers routinely apply PFAS coatings to natural fabrics for water or stain resistance.
How do I know if my clothes have PFAS?
Check for "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free" labels, or certifications like bluesign or OEKO-TEX®. If something claims water resistance without mentioning PFAS-free technology, assume it's there. When in doubt, contact the brand directly.
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