Dunlop · Golf Equipment & Apparel
Rain Golf Gloves
Waterproof golf gloves likely treated with water-repellent coating, PFAS status unclear from brand.
Rain Golf Gloves are marketed for water resistance, a feature commonly achieved with PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments. Dunlop provides no public disclosure about PFAS content or safer alternatives used.
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Material
synthetic leather/PU with water-resistant coating
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
Rain Golf Gloves use polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather bonded to a fabric base, with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) topcoat for water resistance. The PU itself is stable under normal use, but the water-repellent coating finish is the concern: water-resistant coatings on textiles have historically relied on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to function. Dunlop has not publicly disclosed whether their formula uses legacy PFAS, fluorine-free alternatives, or a proprietary blend.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dunlop (owned by Sumitomo Rubber) does not maintain a public PFAS policy or certification for their apparel lines, and does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product labels or websites. The brand has no known controversies specific to golf gloves, but the absence of transparency on a hazardous chemical class is itself a red flag in the modern market. No certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX) are listed for this product category.
How it compares in its category
Most golf gloves rely on synthetic leather or leather with water-resistant treatments; the middle-market segment (Dunlop's position) typically uses water-repellent coating coatings without disclosure. Premium competitors like Titleist and FootJoy likewise do not publish PFAS status. Budget alternatives may skip water-repellent coating entirely, reducing PFAS exposure but sacrificing water resistance. No mainstream golf glove maker has credibly transitioned to verifiable PFAS-free water-repellent coating finishes as of 2024.
If you buy it
Hand-wash in cool water with mild soap; avoid hot water, which may degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially trigger leaching. Replace every 1-2 seasons or when the grip degrades. Do not machine-wash or dry-clean. Store in a dry location to prevent mold growth in the synthetic material. If water resistance fails significantly, the gloves are at end-of-life and should not be treated with aftermarket water-repellent coating sprays (which often contain PFAS).
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
Water-resistant golf gloves almost certainly employ fluorinated water-repellent coating chemistry. Dunlop's silence on this indicates either legacy PFAS or unwillingness to commit to PFAS-free alternatives. Skin contact during wear poses low direct exposure; laundry water and eventual disposal are higher-concern routes.
Formaldehyde in synthetic leather or adhesives
No public recalls or test results document formaldehyde in Dunlop golf gloves. PU synthetic leather and fabric adhesives can contain formaldehyde resins, but modern Dunlop products are not on record with elevated levels. Risk is not eliminated, only unconfirmed.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in colorants
No specific testing or contamination reports exist for Rain Golf Gloves. Synthetic leather dyes are regulated in Europe (REACH) and Japan, making heavy-metal azo-dye risk lower than in unregulated supply chains, but Dunlop does not publish dye sourcing details.
Microplastics from synthetic leather shedding
PU synthetic leather can degrade and shed particles during wear and laundering. The extent of shedding is not quantified for this product. Risk is inherent to any synthetic glove and increases with age and washing frequency.
Skin irritation from coating or dyes
Synthetic leather can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly if dyes or processing residues are not fully removed. No specific incidents are documented for this brand, but pre-washing new gloves in cool water before use is a practical safeguard.
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 Golf Equipment & Apparel
Cobra
Pur Tech '26 Left Golf Glove
Leather or synthetic leather with standard stitching
Golf glove, low PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Honma
Golf Gloves Speed Monster Men's White 6 Pcs Set M L Xl
Synthetic leather or polyurethane palm with fabric backing
Lower concern. Golf gloves typically avoid PFAS-prone coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Honma
Golf Gloves Speed Monster Men's M Size White 3 Set Stretch & Fit
Stretch fabric blend, likely polyester/spandex with synthetic grips
Golf glove with no known PFAS concerns, no disclosure found.
⚠Risky category by default
More golf equipment & apparel 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.