Is Gore-Tex Safe? PFAS in Waterproof Jackets Explained

If you own a rain jacket, hiking shell, or ski coat, there's a good chance it contains PFAS — "forever chemicals" prized for their ability to repel water and oil. Gore-Tex, the most recognizable waterproof membrane brand on the market, has long relied on PFAS chemistry. This article breaks down what's actually in these jackets, based on available materials and data, which brands are shifting away from PFAS, and what lower-concern alternatives exist for people who want to reduce exposure.

What Is the PFAS Issue With Waterproof Jackets?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used because they repel water, oil, and stains. In outdoor apparel, PFAS show up in two main places:

• The waterproof membrane — the layer that keeps rain out while (ideally) letting sweat vapor escape. Classic Gore-Tex membranes have historically used ePTFE, a fluoropolymer, which is itself a type of PFAS.
• The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating — the outer finish that makes water "bead up" on the fabric surface. Older DWR formulas commonly used long-chain PFAS (C8), which have been phased out industry-wide in favor of shorter-chain C6 PFAS or non-fluorinated alternatives.

The concern isn't just about wearing the jacket — it's the full lifecycle. PFAS manufacturing has been linked to industrial water contamination near production facilities, and DWR coatings shed microscopic particles over time through washing and wear, contributing to environmental persistence. These chemicals do not break down naturally, which is why they're called "forever chemicals."

Is Fluoropolymer PFAS the Same as "Bad" PFAS?

Not exactly, and this is a genuinely debated point. Fluoropolymers like ePTFE (used in classic Gore-Tex membranes) are large, stable molecules that industry groups argue behave differently than smaller PFAS like PFOA or PFOS, which are more mobile in water and more strongly linked to health effects in epidemiological studies. However, environmental health researchers note that fluoropolymer manufacturing can still release smaller PFAS byproducts, and end-of-life incineration or landfilling raises separate concerns. Regulatory bodies in the EU are currently evaluating whether to restrict PFAS as a broad class, which would include fluoropolymers — a sign that the science and policy are still evolving.

Which Jacket Brands Use PFAS?

Based on available materials, brand disclosures, and industry reporting, here's how major outdoor brands compare on PFAS use as of recent public statements:

This table reflects brand-stated claims and public reporting available at the time of writing, not independent laboratory verification. For a more detailed, regularly updated comparison, see our PFAS product finder.

What About the Waterproofing Spray I Buy Separately?

Aftermarket waterproofing sprays (used to refresh DWR coatings) are another common PFAS source. Older reformulation sprays used long-chain PFAS; many current products marketed as "eco" or "green" use shorter-chain C6 fluorinated compounds or, increasingly, non-fluorinated silicone- or wax-based alternatives. Always check the product label or safety data sheet, since "eco" branding doesn't guarantee a PFAS-free formula.

How Risky Is Wearing a PFAS Jacket, Honestly?

Based on available data, the health risk from simply wearing a PFAS-treated jacket is considered low relative to other exposure routes like contaminated drinking water or occupational exposure near manufacturing plants. Skin absorption of PFAS from textile contact appears limited in the studies reviewed. The more significant concerns are:

• Environmental persistence — PFAS from manufacturing and washing can enter waterways and soil, where they do not degrade.
• Occupational and community exposure near production facilities, which has been associated with elevated PFAS blood levels in some studies.
• Long-term uncertainty — regulatory agencies are still assessing fluoropolymers specifically, and the science is evolving.

It's important to note that associations found in health studies (such as links between certain PFAS and cholesterol changes or thyroid effects) reflect correlation in population data, not proven causation for any individual wearing a jacket. This is a case where the manufacturing and disposal impact likely matters more than personal wear, based on current evidence.

What Should You Buy Instead?

If you want to reduce PFAS exposure and environmental footprint, consider these steps, based on currently available options:

• Look for jackets explicitly labeled "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free DWR" from brands that provide supporting documentation, not just marketing language.
• Consider newer membrane technologies like Gore-Tex ePE, Polartec NeoShell alternatives, or bio-based membranes, while recognizing these claims are largely brand-stated rather than independently lab-verified in most public sources.
• Use non-fluorinated reproofing sprays (silicone or wax-based) when refreshing water repellency at home.
• Check our methodology page for how we evaluate and score brand PFAS claims, since disclosure quality varies widely across the industry.

Bottom Line

Classic Gore-Tex and many waterproof jackets have historically relied on PFAS in both their membranes and DWR coatings, and based on available materials and data, the industry is only partway through transitioning to PFAS-free alternatives. The direct health risk from wearing these jackets appears low compared to environmental and manufacturing-related exposure, though long-term research is still developing. Brand claims of "PFAS-free" status are often self-reported and not always independently verified, so treat them as a starting point rather than a guarantee. If minimizing PFAS matters to you, prioritize documented fluorine-free DWR products and non-fluorinated care sprays.

FAQ

Does Gore-Tex still use PFAS in 2024-2025?

Based on brand statements, W.L. Gore is transitioning to a PFAS-free ePE membrane in select product lines, but classic ePTFE Gore-Tex (which contains fluoropolymer PFAS) remains in production and widely available. DWR coatings on the fabric surface may still contain PFAS separately from the membrane itself.

Can I wash PFAS out of my jacket?

No — washing does not remove PFAS from the membrane or coating; in fact, washing and wear are known to shed microscopic PFAS particles into wastewater over time, based on available research on textile degradation.

Are "PFAS-free" jackets actually free of all fluorinated chemicals?

Not always. "PFAS-free" typically refers to the DWR coating or membrane specifically, but some sealing tapes, zippers, or trims may still contain fluorinated compounds. Independent verification is limited, so these claims should be treated as brand-stated unless third-party testing is cited.