Gap Kids · Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Gap Boys Windbreaker
Wind-resistant kids' jacket; water-repellent coating may contain PFAS, undisclosed.
Gap Kids does not disclose PFAS details on this windbreaker. Water-resistant coatings in children's apparel commonly use fluorinated compounds, though modern alternatives exist.
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Material
Polyester with water-resistant coating, likely water-repellent coating treatment
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
This jacket is 100% polyester with a water-resistant water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating, almost certainly applied to the fabric surface to shed water. water-repellent coating coatings on children's apparel have historically used PFAS chemistry (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water resistance, though manufacturers rarely disclose the specific chemistry. Polyester itself is chemically stable under normal wear, but the coating's composition and durability during washing are the primary safety variables here.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gap Inc. has not published a transparent PFAS elimination timeline or public commitment specific to children's outerwear as of available records. The brand does not list PFAS content or water-repellent coating type on product labels or websites for this category. Gap has faced general criticism for limited chemical transparency compared to outdoor/technical brands that now voluntarily disclose or eliminate PFAS in performance apparel. No major recalls or safety violations specific to Gap Kids windbreakers are on record.
How it compares in its category
Most mass-market children's polyester windbreakers use similar water-repellent coating coatings; premium outdoor brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) have committed to PFAS-free alternatives, while mainstream retail (Gap, Old Navy, H&M) typically remain silent on chemistry. This product represents standard industry practice for the price point and market segment, meaning the risk profile is typical for conventional kids' water-resistant jackets rather than leading or lagging. Alternatives marketed as 'PFAS-free' or certified by bluesign or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 exist but are less common in fast-fashion children's lines.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild detergent and air-dry to preserve coating integrity and minimize any coating degradation that could release particles. Avoid high heat (dryer), bleach, and fabric softeners, which damage water-repellent coating and may increase coating shedding. Inspect seams and coating surface annually for peeling or flaking; discontinue use if coating visibly deteriorates. If concerned about PFAS exposure, limit frequency of wear or choose alternatives labeled PFAS-free; otherwise, normal laundering poses minimal acute hazard.
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.”
Azo dyes and synthetic dye residues
Polyester apparel typically uses azo dyes or other synthetic colorants; Gap does not disclose dye chemistry or azo-dye restrictions by product line. Risk is low for polyester (unlike direct skin contact with disperse dyes in underwear) but trace residues may leach in sweat or repeated washing.
water-repellent coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Fluorinated and non-fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings degrade with washing and wear, potentially releasing polymer particles. Gap does not specify coating composition or expected durability; this is a known limitation across the category, not unique to this brand.
Formaldehyde in textile finishing resins
Polyester windbreakers may contain trace formaldehyde-releasing resins used in fabric finishing to improve wrinkle resistance and stability. Gap does not list formaldehyde content; levels are typically very low in outerwear but possible, particularly if jacket has wrinkle-resistant labeling.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester can contain antimony as a catalyst; no specific safety concern has been raised for this jacket, and migration risk during normal wear is minimal. Not a priority hazard for this product category or age group.
Flame retardants
Children's outerwear is not subject to federal flame-retardant mandates in the US. No evidence of added flame retardants in standard polyester windbreakers from Gap, but composition is not disclosed.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Gap Kids
Fall Spring Rain Jacket Coat Water Wind Resistant Large 10
Polyester blend with water/wind-resistant coating, composition unspecified
Skip until Gap discloses coating chemistry and PFAS status.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More children's rainwear & rain boots 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.