Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Union Heather Amphibian 20" Boardshorts
Standard boardshorts with likely water-repellent coating treatment. No PFAS disclosure available.
Quiksilver boardshorts use common polyester and water-repellent coating finishes typical of surf apparel, which historically may contain PFAS. Brand provides no public PFAS transparency or testing data.
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Material
polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent 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
These are polyester blend boardshorts treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, typical for swim apparel. The polyester base itself is not a hazard concern in normal use. The water-repellent coating, however, is the critical component: historically, most water-repellent coating treatments on affordable boardshorts use fluorocarbon chemistry (PFAS class), though Quiksilver has not publicly disclosed the specific chemistry used on this model. Polyester does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organics meaningfully during wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has not published transparent disclosure of PFAS use or phase-out timelines in their product lines, despite industry movement toward fluorine-free alternatives by some competitors. The brand has not faced major public safety recalls for this product line. Quiksilver is owned by Boardriders, which has made limited public commitments to safer chemistries in textiles, but implementation details for mid-tier products remain unclear. Lack of disclosure does not equal safety, but reflects a gap in consumer transparency common among mainstream apparel brands.
How it compares in its category
Standard boardshorts in this price tier almost universally rely on PFAS-based water-repellent coating to achieve water repellency, making this product typical rather than exceptional. Premium alternatives from brands like Patagonia have begun using PFAS-free water repellent systems, though at higher cost and with less proven durability in salt-water environments. Budget and mid-market boardshorts (including most Quiksilver lines) have not yet shifted to fluorine-free treatments at scale. If PFAS exposure concerns you, this product offers no documented advantage over peers.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before first wear and after salt-water use to reduce loose chemical residue and microbe buildup in the water-repellent coating. Avoid machine drying on high heat, which can degrade polyester and potentially volatilize coating compounds; air dry instead. The water-repellent coating finish will degrade over 1-2 years of regular use; replenishing it with commercial water-repellent coating sprays introduces additional chemical exposure, so plan for replacement rather than retreatment. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, which strips the water-repellent layer.
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 in colored polyester
Quiksilver boardshorts are not known to use restricted azo dyes, and polyester typically uses non-azo colorants. No recalls or alerts on record for this product line.
Antimony catalyst residue in polyester
Polyester synthesis often uses antimony oxide as a catalyst; residual antimony can leach into moisture or sweat, particularly in lower-cost polyester. Not reported in Quiksilver specifically, but possible given material cost constraints at this price point. Levels in apparel are generally low.
Formaldehyde-releasing resins
Boardshorts do not typically use formaldehyde-based wrinkle or shape-retention finishes, so this hazard is not applicable to this product category.
water-repellent coating degradation and microparticle shedding
All fluorocarbon water-repellent coating coatings on textiles shed microparticles during washing and wear. This is industry-standard and not specific to Quiksilver, but represents potential microplastic/PFAS-particle exposure over the product lifetime.
Flame retardant chemical additives
Boardshorts are not treated with flame retardants as they are apparel, not furnishings. No concern for this product.
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.