Helly Hansen · Waterproof Sports Gear
Helly Hansen Men's Levante Shorts
Shorts likely have water-repellent coating, PFAS status unclear from brand.
Helly Hansen Levante Shorts are nylon with water-repellent coating finish, typical of outdoor apparel. Brand discloses no PFAS information; water-repellent coating treatments often contain PFAS, though some use PFAS-free alternatives.
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Material
polyamide/nylon with 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
Helly Hansen Levante Shorts are constructed from polyamide (nylon) fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Polyamide itself is a stable synthetic fiber with minimal leaching risk during normal wear. The water-repellent coating is the concern: traditionally applied using fluorinated compounds (PFAS), though some brands have shifted to fluorine-free alternatives. Helly Hansen has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use for this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen has not made a public commitment to eliminate PFAS from its product line, nor has it provided transparency on water-repellent coating chemistry for specific SKUs. The brand is known for performance outdoor wear but trails competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx on chemical disclosure. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for Levante shorts specifically. This silence on PFAS is a disclosure gap rather than evidence of contamination.
How it compares in its category
water-repellent coating-treated nylon shorts are standard in outdoor and active wear. Helly Hansen's opacity on water-repellent coating chemistry is typical of many mainstream brands, though premium competitors increasingly offer PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives (wax, silicone, or fluorine-free polymers). Polyamide itself carries no higher hazard than polyester alternatives. If PFAS-free water-repellent coating is a priority, brands like Patagonia and some technical lines explicitly state this; Helly Hansen does not.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and avoid prolonged heat (tumble dry on low or air dry preferred). water-repellent coating coatings degrade with repeated laundering; re-treat if water no longer beads on the fabric. No special handling is needed for polyamide itself. If PFAS exposure is a concern, contact Helly Hansen directly for water-repellent coating composition, or consider brands with explicit PFAS-free certifications.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishes
Polyamide does not typically receive formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resist or anti-shrink finishes. No evidence of formaldehyde-resin use in Levante shorts on available record.
Azo dyes or banned colorants
Helly Hansen has not disclosed azo-dye testing for this product. No recalls or hazard reports tied to Levante shorts colorants are documented. Standard risk for mid-tier sportswear brands without full chain transparency.
Antimony in polyester
This product is polyamide, not polyester, so antimony catalysts are not a concern. Polyamide uses different polymerization chemistry.
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication exposure
If water-repellent coating is fluorinated PFAS, washing releases trace amounts into wastewater; home re-treatment with commercial water-repellent coating products introduces additional exposure. Unknown if Helly Hansen's water-repellent coating formula is fluorine-based, but this is a use-phase risk if it is.
Fragrance or dye migration from wet/warm wear
No specific allergen or migration incidents reported for Levante shorts. Polyamide is stable under normal body temperature and moisture conditions.
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 Waterproof Sports Gear
Patagonia
Men's 10" Quandary Shorts
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
Lower concern. Patagonia uses PFC-free water-repellent coating; verify MADE SAFE label on tag.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current product line batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports gear 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.