Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Kids' Men's Taxer Amphibian Board Shorts
Board shorts likely treated with water-repellent coating; Quiksilver discloses nothing about PFAS.
Amphibian board shorts use polyester with water-repellent finish typical of swim apparel. Quiksilver provides no public information on PFAS content or coating chemistry.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) 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
These shorts are polyester with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the fabric surface. water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) for water-shedding performance, though some manufacturers have shifted to fluorine-free alternatives. Polyester itself is stable in normal use, but the finishing treatments and dyes used in manufacture can introduce residual chemicals. The fabric may also be finished with formaldehyde-releasing resins to improve wrinkle resistance or shrink control, which is common in casual apparel.
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has not published detailed ingredient disclosure or PFAS elimination commitments comparable to leading outdoor brands. The company has not voluntarily phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating or provided transparency about which finishing chemicals are used in specific product lines. No major recalls or regulatory violations are on record for this model, but the silence on chemical treatment details is a notable transparency deficit. Consumers seeking detailed chemical composition will find limited documentation from the brand.
How it compares in its category
Casual polyester board shorts in this price range typically receive water-repellent coating treatment; this product is standard practice for the category. Higher-end or eco-focused brands increasingly disclose PFAS status or use fluorine-free water repellents; Quiksilver's lack of such disclosure puts it below leaders on transparency. Uncoated polyester alternatives exist but offer less water performance. Most competitors in this segment share the same chemical-treatment ambiguity unless they explicitly market PFAS-free status.
If you buy it
Wash separately from other garments the first 2-3 times to release loose dyes and finish residues. Use cold water and mild detergent; avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and may mobilize trapped chemicals. Do not machine dry or expose to high heat, as this may promote off-gassing of residual formaldehyde or damage the coating. Replace when elastic or seams fail; discontinue use if you notice skin irritation or unusual odors, which may signal chemical degradation or allergic response.
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
Polyester textiles commonly use azo dyes, which can release aromatic amines under certain conditions (sweat, abrasion, heat). No specific issue is documented for this model, but dark-colored board shorts are at higher risk; washing before first wear reduces residual dye.
Formaldehyde resins (finish treatment)
Polyester apparel is often finished with formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or shrink control. Quiksilver discloses no details on finish chemistry for this product; off-gassing is typically minimal after washing, but sensitive individuals may experience skin irritation or respiratory response on first wear.
Teflon-type coating or fluorinated water-repellent coating degradation
If this product uses PFAS-based water-repellent coating (standard for water-repellent board shorts), coating breakdown over time and with washing can release fluorinated particles. Quiksilver has not disclosed whether this product uses PFAS or fluorine-free alternatives, making risk assessment incomplete.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony is sometimes used as a catalyst in polyester synthesis but typically remains bound in the finished fiber at trace levels. No specific concern is on record for Quiksilver board shorts; standard manufacturing practice carries minimal skin-contact risk.
Microplastic shedding
Polyester textiles shed microfibers during washing and wear. Board shorts see high abrasion in water and contact with sand; this product will shed microplastics at rates typical for polyester. Use a microfiber-capture laundry bag to reduce environmental release.
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.