Gap Kids · Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Gap Girls Relaxed Logo Windbreaker Jacket
Skip. Unspecified water-resistant coating likely contains PFAS.
Gap Kids does not disclose water-repellent coating treatment chemistry on this windbreaker. Water-resistant coatings on children's outerwear typically rely on PFAS. No third-party testing or PFAS-free claim available.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester with water-resistant coating, unspecified 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 polyester with a water-resistant coating of unspecified chemistry. Polyester itself is stable, but the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to achieve water resistance is the concern: these coatings have historically relied on PFAS compounds, which persist in the body and environment. The brand has not disclosed the specific chemistry of its coating, leaving the PFAS question unanswered. Polyester production also involves antimony catalysts that can leach in trace amounts under certain conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gap Inc. has not published a clear, public stance on PFAS elimination in children's clothing or water-resistant treatments. The company does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages or in sustainability reports readily available to consumers. Gap Kids products have not faced major recalls related to coating hazards, but the silence on water-resistant treatment formulation is a red flag given industry-wide PFAS phase-out efforts by competitors. No third-party certifications (such as GOTS or Bluesign) are advertised for this item.
How it compares in its category
Many mainstream children's jacket brands still use legacy PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings without disclosure, making Gap's approach typical rather than exceptional. However, premium and eco-focused brands increasingly use PFAS-free water-resistant alternatives (fluorine-free acrylics, wax-based, or ceramic coatings) and advertise this fact. A jacket without explicit PFAS-free or certified treatment status sits at higher risk relative to those with transparent chemistry. The relaxed fit and logo styling do not affect chemical safety.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water before first wear to reduce any loose finish residues. Avoid machine drying on high heat, as elevated temperatures can accelerate coating degradation and potential leaching. Do not dry clean, as solvents can compromise the water-resistant layer. Inspect seams and coating annually for peeling or flaking; if the coating visibly deteriorates, the protective barrier is compromised and replacement is advisable. Given the PFAS uncertainty, this is not a recommended purchase for parents seeking safer alternatives.
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 coating
The product uses an unspecified water-resistant coating. Industry standard for polyester windbreakers has historically been PFAS-based perfluorinated compounds; without explicit disclosure of PFAS-free formulation, exposure risk is present and probable.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester is synthesized using antimony as a catalyst. Trace residues can remain in the fiber; risk of leaching is low under normal wear and washing, but is not zero, especially with prolonged skin contact or heat exposure.
Formaldehyde in resin finishes
Polyester garments sometimes incorporate formaldehyde-releasing resin treatments for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. The product description does not confirm whether such treatments are used, but they are common in casual-wear jackets and carry off-gassing risk, particularly when new.
Azo dyes (if dark colors used)
Gap Inc. does not disclose dyeing processes for this item. No specific recalls for azo dye hazards exist for Gap Kids apparel. Standard industry practice in the US and EU restricts carcinogenic azo dyes, but sourcing and supplier oversight are not publicly detailed.
Coating degradation and microplastic release
As the water-resistant coating ages and flakes, it may shed particles. If the coating is not certified PFAS-free, these particles could carry fluorinated compounds. Even PFAS-free coatings that degrade shed microplastic fragments, though smaller in quantity than from the fiber itself.
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.