Does Your Clothing Contain PFAS? The Hidden Chemicals in Your Wardrobe

Many water-resistant and stain-resistant fabrics contain PFAS, synthetic “forever chemicals” linked to health risks like hormone disruption and immune suppression. Let’s explore how PFAS make their way into clothing, their environmental impact, and how to choose safer, chemical-free alternatives for better skin health and sustainability.

Imagine slipping into your favorite rain jacket before heading out into a drizzle, confident the water will bead and roll right off. Or pulling on a stain-resistant shirt, knowing it can easily handle accidental spills. These modern clothing features seem like conveniences. Still, they often come at a hidden cost—exposure to PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), a group of synthetic chemicals linked to potential health and environmental hazards.

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” do not break down easily, persisting in our bodies and the environment. These are commonly used to make clothing water-resistant, stain-repellent, and easy to care for. However, as awareness of their potential health risks grows, more people wonder: how much of our clothing contains these chemicals, and what can we wear instead to avoid them?

This article takes a deep dive into the world of PFAS in clothing—what they are, where they’re found, their risks, and how you can make safer choices for yourself and the planet.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They in Clothing?

PFAS are a class of over 9,000 synthetic compounds used in manufacturing since the 1940s. Known for their water- and grease-resistant properties, they have been widely applied in industries ranging from cookware to cosmetics, notably textiles.

In the world of clothing, PFAS often show up in places you might not expect, especially in:

    • Water-resistant and waterproof apparel—including outdoor gear, raincoats, jackets, and activewear.
    • Stain-resistant clothing—often used for uniforms, workwear, and even casual shirts and pants.
    • Wrinkle-free or “easy-care” fabrics—common in dress shirts, business attire, and synthetic fabric blends.

Common Fabric Treatments Containing PFAS:

    • Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Coatings—Used in outdoor and performance wear to repel water.
    • Teflon™-Based Finishes—Applied to clothing to resist stains and wrinkles.
    • Oil- and Grease-Resistant Textiles—Common in workwear and uniforms.

Manufacturers apply PFAS coatings to fabrics to repel liquids and resist stains, making clothing more durable and easier to maintain. While these properties may seem beneficial, the chemical cost of convenience is often overlooked.

The Health Risks of PFAS in Clothing

Scientists have been studying PFAS for years, and while research is still unfolding, the evidence so far points to some serious health concerns. When it comes to clothing, these chemicals can enter your body in a few different ways, including:

    • Skin contact—Fabrics treated with PFAS can shed tiny particles, which may be absorbed through the skin during everyday wear.
    • Inhalation—As treated textiles degrade, they can shed airborne particles that may be inhaled.
    • Environmental contamination—PFAS from clothing can leach into water systems during washing.

Some of the health risks linked to long-term PFAS exposure include:

    • Disrupted hormone activity—PFAS can interfere with the body’s normal hormone function, influencing everything from metabolism to fertility.
    • A weakened immune response—Some research shows PFAS might make it harder for the body to protect itself against infections.
    • Increased cancer risk—Certain types of PFAS have been linked to a higher chance of developing some cancers.
    • Reproductive and developmental problems—Exposure has also been associated with fertility struggles and pregnancy-related complications.

Because PFAS do not break down in the body, even small amounts can accumulate over time, increasing long-term health risks.

Environmental Consequences: PFAS and the Fashion Industry

PFAS raises concerns for human health and leaves a lasting environmental mark. Because these chemicals are slow to break down, they can build up in soil, water sources, and wildlife over time. The fashion and textile industry plays a significant role in this issue, mainly through:

    • Wastewater pollution—PFAS-treated clothing releases chemicals into water systems during manufacturing and washing.
    • Microfiber shedding—Fabrics with PFAS coatings can degrade, releasing tiny particles into the air and waterways.
    • Long-term contamination—Because PFAS are nearly indestructible, they persist in ecosystems for decades, affecting wildlife and human populations.

Some fashion brands have started phasing out PFAS from their products. However, many brands that claim to be “eco-friendly” still use PFAS-based water repellents in their textiles. They use these chemicals in water- and stain-resistant treatments, sometimes without full transparency.

To avoid PFAS, consumers must look beyond marketing buzzwords and choose clothing made from natural, untreated materials.

How to Identify and Avoid PFAS in Clothing

Avoiding PFAS-treated fabrics isn’t always easy, but there are ways to reduce your exposure. Here are a few tips to help you shop more safely:

I. Pay attention to labels and descriptions

Be wary of clothing advertised as “waterproof,” “stain-resistant,” or “wrinkle-free”—these features often rely on PFAS-based treatments.

Choose brands that are open about using PFAS-free materials.

Some clothing is independently tested to meet strict chemical safety standards, so choosing products with third-party verification can give you added peace of mind.

II. Choose Natural, Untreated Fabrics

Switching to fabrics naturally free of chemical coatings is another simple way to lower your exposure to PFAS. A few good options include:

    • Organic cotton—Soft, breathable, and made without synthetic coatings.
    • Wool—Naturally offers some water resistance without chemical treatments.
    • Wax-Coated Fabrics—A PFAS-free alternative for water resistance.

III. Wash New Clothes Before Wearing

Newly purchased clothing often contains residual chemicals from manufacturing. Washing before first use can help remove some of these surface residues.

IV. Support Transparency in Fashion

As more shoppers become aware of PFAS risks, some clothing brands have started phasing these chemicals out from their products. Supporting companies focusing on safer, chemical-free production helps encourage the industry to move in a healthier direction.

The Push for PFAS-Free Clothing: Industry and Policy Changes

As awareness about PFAS grows, the fashion industry and lawmakers are starting to act. A few key forces are helping to drive this change:

  • More shoppers seek clothing made with safer, more sustainable materials.
  • Some brands, especially those making outdoor gear and activewear, are beginning to phase out PFAS from their products.
  • Lawmakers in some regions have started introducing limits and bans on PFAS in everyday products, including clothing, with more likely to follow.

While progress is being made, much of the fashion industry still relies on PFAS. Until widespread reform occurs, consumers must remain vigilant in choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives.

PFAS in clothing is an often overlooked issue with serious consequences for both human health and the environment. While these chemicals are used to make fabrics water- and stain-resistant, they also carry risks, including long-term exposure, bioaccumulation, and soil and water contamination.

The good news? You can lower your risk by choosing natural, untreated fabrics, reading labels carefully, and supporting brands committed to safe, chemical-free production.

Cottonique offers hypoallergenic, PFAS-free clothing made from 100% organic cotton designed to provide comfort, health protection, and sustainable quality without compromising for people with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities.

So next time you update your wardrobe, ask: is short-term convenience worth long-term health risks? Making thoughtful choices today can help protect your well-being and the planet’s future.

Listen to the podcast on this page for a deep dive into PFAS in something you wear close to your skin—your bra.

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