Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Union Print Amphibian 20" Hybrid Shorts
Hybrid shorts likely water-treated; PFAS details unavailable from brand.
Hybrid shorts typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings that may contain PFAS. Quiksilver does not publicly disclose treatment chemistry or PFAS testing.
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Material
polyester blend 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
These shorts are polyester blend (typical 85-100% polyester + elastane/spandex for stretch) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings on hybrid/swim shorts are almost always fluorocarbon-based (PFAS-class chemicals) applied during manufacturing to repel water. Polyester itself is stable in normal use, but the finish layer is where chemical migration risk concentrates, especially when wet or heated. Quiksilver has not publicly disclosed whether this product uses legacy PFOAs or newer alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver is owned by Boardriders Inc. and has made no public commitment to eliminating PFAS or disclosing water-repellent coating chemistry in product lines. The brand does not publish restricted substance lists or certifications (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) for this model. No recalls or contamination reports are on record for this specific product. The silence on chemical finishes is typical of mainstream action-sports brands but leaves consumers without baseline safety assurance.
How it compares in its category
Hybrid shorts in this price range (typically $50-80 USD) overwhelmingly use PFAS-treated polyester; premium alternatives (Patagonia, Burton) offer recycled materials with low-PFC finishes, but cost 2-3x more. Budget options (fast-fashion chains) often have worse transparency and higher contamination risk. Quiksilver sits in the mainstream middle: familiar durability claims but minimal chemical disclosure. Functional performance (quick-dry, stretch) is comparable across the category.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before first wear to rinse residual finishes; avoid hot water and tumble drying, which can accelerate coating degradation and release volatiles. Do not machine dry on high heat; air dry to preserve elastane and water-repellent coating layer integrity. Replace when seams fray, elastic fails, or water-repellent coating noticeably diminishes (typically 2-4 years with regular use). If you have sensitivity to chemical finishes, a test wear near ankles or waistband can reveal reactions before full wearing.
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 water-repellent coating finish
Hybrid shorts require water repellency; fluorocarbon water-repellent coating is industry standard for this product class. Brand has not disclosed which chemistry (legacy PFOA, GenX, or newer alternatives) is used, preventing assessment of bioaccumulation risk.
Azo dyes in polyester base or print
Union Print colorway suggests disperse dyes on polyester; Quiksilver has no published restricted azo dye policy. No specific recalls exist for this model, but the brand does not certify against carcinogenic azo compounds (benzidine-based) common in offshore polyester dyeing.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester is typically manufactured using antimony trioxide as a catalyst; trace residues may persist in the fiber. Quiksilver does not disclose antimony levels or require supplier compliance limits. Risk is low in normal wear but rises if fabric is heated or worn on sensitive skin for extended periods.
Elastane degradation and microfiber shedding
Spandex/elastane blends (typical 5-15% in these shorts) degrade with chlorine, hot water, and sun exposure, releasing microfibers into waterways. The water-repellent coating may accelerate this via surface stress. No data on shedding rates for this specific product.
Coating off-gassing and skin contact irritation
Fresh water-repellent coating finishes can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during warm wear or chlorine exposure. Individuals with chemical sensitivities or contact dermatitis may experience skin irritation from residual finish before initial washing removes the majority.
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.