Gap Kids · Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Kids/Children’s Gap Kids Rain Coat Jacket Blue / Purple Size L
Rain coat likely has water-repellent coating; Gap discloses no PFAS policy or testing.
Children's rain jackets typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings that historically contained PFAS, though newer non-fluorinated options exist. Gap does not publicly disclose PFAS content or treatment methods for this product.
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Material
polyester/nylon with waterproof coating, unspecified water-repellent coating finish
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 rain coat is polyester/nylon base fabric with a waterproof water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. The water-repellent coating is the functional layer that repels water, but most commercial water-repellent coating finishes historically rely on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to achieve water resistance. Gap has not disclosed the specific chemistry of its waterproof coating or whether it uses legacy fluorinated water-repellent coating or newer PFAS-free alternatives. Over time, washing and wear degrade the coating, potentially releasing microparticles and residual chemicals into wash water and the environment.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gap Inc. has not published a public PFAS policy, testing results, or commitment to phase out fluorinated water repellents as of available records. The company does not appear on lists of brands with transparent restricted substance disclosures (e.g., Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals). Gap Kids follows parent company Gap Inc. standards, which have been slow to adopt industry-leading chemical transparency compared to outdoor and premium children's brands. This silence on PFAS in rain wear is notable given growing regulatory pressure and competitor commitments.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream children's rain coats use fluorinated water-repellent coating; this is standard. Some premium and outdoor brands (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx, REI Co-op) now disclose PFAS-free or low-PFAS coatings. Budget and mass-market brands like Gap typically do not volunteer this information, making it difficult to distinguish whether their coats use older PFAS-heavy formulas or newer alternatives. Price-wise, Gap Kids is mid-market; chemical transparency is not a differentiator.
If you buy it
Wash separately from other clothes using cold water and mild detergent to minimize coating degradation and microfiber shedding. Avoid hot water and machine drying, which accelerate coating breakdown and release of residues. Expect the waterproof finish to degrade within 1-2 years of regular wear and washing; replace the coat when beading stops and water begins to soak through. Do not dry-clean; chlorinated solvents can interact with coating chemistry unpredictably.
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.”
Fluorinated water repellent (PFAS in water-repellent coating)
Waterproof rain coats almost universally use fluorinated water-repellent coating unless explicitly stated otherwise. Gap does not disclose coating chemistry or PFAS status. Coating degrades over time, releasing microparticles and residual fluorinated compounds into wash water.
Azo dyes in polyester
Polyester fabrics often use azo dyes in production. Gap Kids does not publish dye standards or third-party testing. Certain restricted azo dyes (banned in EU, restricted in some US states) can still appear in mass-market children's apparel if not explicitly screened.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Polyester and nylon blends may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. Gap does not disclose formaldehyde limits. Off-gassing is typically minimal after first wash, but new garments may emit detectable levels.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is a common catalyst in polyester polymerization. Residual antimony can leach in trace amounts, especially if the coat is worn against sensitive skin for prolonged periods or if coating integrity is compromised. Gap does not test for or disclose antimony levels.
Microplastic shedding from coating and fabric degradation
Synthetic rain coats shed microplastic fibers and coating fragments during wear and washing. Gap does not address this in care instructions. Child skin contact and ingestion via washing water are both exposure pathways; shedding increases as the waterproof finish wears.
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 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.