Adidas · Waterproof Sports Gear
adidas Men's Originals X Noah Waterproof Plaid Trunks
Waterproof shorts; coating chemistry unknown, Adidas silent on PFAS.
Adidas does not disclose PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry for this product. Waterproof treatment suggests possible PFAS risk, but no confirmation available from brand or testing.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating waterproof coating, unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These shorts are polyester with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric. water-repellent coating coatings on textiles historically relied on PFAS chemistry, though newer non-PFAS alternatives exist. Adidas has not disclosed the specific water-repellent coating chemistry for this product, leaving the PFAS status uncertain. Polyester itself is chemically stable in normal use but the coating formulation is the primary concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Adidas has not published a clear PFAS elimination roadmap or material-level transparency for most products. The brand signed the Microfiber Innovation Consortium commitment but has not widely disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry on apparel. No major recalls or safety violations specific to this line are on record. However, the silence on coating composition is a transparency gap typical of the industry.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof polyester shorts are common; most major brands (Nike, The North Face, Columbia) similarly use water-repellent coating coatings with undisclosed chemistry. Premium alternatives certified by bluesign or OEKO-TEX sometimes use PFAS-free water-repellent coating, though cost is higher. This product sits in the mainstream opaque tier rather than the transparent or certified tier. Standard care and replacement cycles for athletic wear apply.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and avoid heat drying, which can damage the water-repellent coating and potentially volatilize residues. Replace the shorts when the water-repellent finish visibly degrades (beads no longer form). Do not tumble dry on high heat. Storage in a cool, dry place extends the coating life. If PFAS exposure is a personal priority, request Adidas material certification or choose a brand with published non-PFAS water-repellent coating use.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Waterproof polyester apparel commonly uses PFAS-based water-repellent coating; Adidas has not disclosed the specific chemistry for this product, leaving status unconfirmed but typical for the product class.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester can contain antimony as a catalyst; no specific reports for Adidas Originals line, and migration in normal wear is considered negligible by health authorities.
Azo dyes and colorant safety
Plaid pattern requires multiple dyes; Adidas applies restricted substance lists but does not provide dye-level transparency. No recalls on record for this model.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishes
Some textile finishes contain formaldehyde releasers; Adidas does not publish formaldehyde limits per garment. Standard apparel processing may include trace levels within regulatory limits.
Microfiber shedding during wash
Polyester apparel sheds microfibers in laundry; not a direct health hazard to wearer but environmental concern. Adidas has made limited commitments to microfiber reduction but does not market these shorts as low-shed.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Sports Gear
Patagonia
Men's 10" Quandary Shorts
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
Lower concern. Patagonia uses PFC-free water-repellent coating; verify MADE SAFE label on tag.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current product line batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports gear grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.