Gap Kids · Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Gap Jackets & Coats | Gap Kids Waterproof Rain Coat Full Zipper Velcro Closure Navy Medium Regular | Color: Blue | Size:
Skip until Gap discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
Waterproof rain coats typically use water-repellent coating treatments, many historically PFAS-based. Gap provides no coating details or PFAS transparency. Seek brands with verified PFAS-free waterproofing instead.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester or nylon shell with unspecified waterproof 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
Gap Kids rain coats are typically polyester or nylon shells with a waterproof coating applied to the fabric. The coating chemistry is not specified in public product information, which is the core concern: waterproof treatments on children's clothing historically relied on PFAS-based compounds (PFOAs, PFOSs) to achieve water repellency. Modern alternatives exist (wax, silicone, fluorine-free polymers) but Gap does not publicly disclose which is used here. Polyester itself is stable and poses no inherent chemical risk; the coating application and durability determine safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gap Inc. has not published a comprehensive chemical disclosure policy for children's outerwear or a public commitment to PFAS elimination in waterproof treatments. The brand has faced criticism for opacity on restricted substances but has not faced major product-specific recalls for coating-related contamination. Gap does not appear on major transparency initiatives (Cradle to Cradle, OEKO-TEX, Bluesign) for this product line. Without direct disclosure, the waterproof chemistry remains a black box.
How it compares in its category
Children's rain jackets at this price point typically use one of three coating systems: PFAS-based (most durable, worst for safety), silicone-based (moderate durability, low toxicity), or wax/polyurethane blends (variable performance). Gap's silence on chemistry is worse than competitors who explicitly claim 'PFAS-free' or 'PFC-free' (Patagonia, Columbia, Bitterly). Budget brands often match Gap's non-disclosure, making this a category-wide issue rather than a Gap-specific failure.
If you buy it
Do not heat-dry or iron; hand wash in cool water and air dry to preserve coating integrity and avoid releasing degradation byproducts. Do not bleach or use harsh detergents, which can degrade the waterproof layer and cause leaching of coating components. Before purchase, contact Gap customer service and request the name of the waterproof treatment chemical (e.g., 'silicone', 'polyurethane', 'PFOA-free polymer') and keep the response. Inspect the jacket annually for peeling, cracking, or discoloration; discontinue use if coating degrades.
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 waterproof coating
Waterproof treatment chemistry is undisclosed. Children's rain garments manufactured before 2015 commonly used PFOA/PFOS; modern production may use alternatives, but Gap's silence prevents confirmation. Dermal absorption from textiles is low, but inhalation during manufacturing or heat-exposure (dryer) poses unknown risk.
Polyester antimony content
Polyester fiber itself may contain antimony catalyst residue at ppm levels from synthesis. Established research shows this is not a dermal or ingestion hazard in finished garments. No recalls or hazard reports specific to Gap Kids polyester outerwear.
Formaldehyde-based finishes (wrinkle resistance, mildew inhibition)
Some rain coatings include formaldehyde-releasing agents for durability. Gap does not publicly declare use; levels in finished garments are typically below regulatory concern, but children with eczema or chemical sensitivity may experience contact irritation. Washing before wear reduces any residue.
Coating degradation and leaching
Polyester rain jackets with unspecified coatings degrade faster under UV exposure, washing, or heat; degraded coatings can leach oligomers (small plastic molecules) into sweat or water. No product-specific data for Gap, but this is a known risk across budget children's outerwear when care instructions are not followed.
Velcro closure microfiber shedding
Velcro (hook-and-loop fastener) can shed microfibers with repeated use and washing. This is a physical contamination risk rather than chemical, but relevant in children's clothing that may be mouthed or placed near face. No Gap-specific reports; standard textile product risk.
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.