Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Waterman Strands Regular-Fit Shorts
Skip until brand discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or switches to PFAS-free
Quiksilver offers no public disclosure on water-repellent coating chemistry in these shorts. Waterman apparel typically uses water-repellent coating finishes, often PFAS-based; brand silence on composition raises concern.
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Material
Polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
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 fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Polyester itself is stable and does not leach chemicals into skin under normal wear. However, water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) to repel water; modern alternatives exist but Quiksilver has not publicly stated which chemistry they use for this product. The blend likely includes nylon or elastane for stretch, which are chemically inert in finished form.
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has not published a comprehensive chemical disclosure policy or PFAS elimination timeline as of available public records. The brand has not been linked to major textile chemical scandals, but its silence on water-repellent coating sourcing is the critical gap for water-resistant apparel. No certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, or similar) are commonly advertised for this line, suggesting minimal third-party chemical oversight in production.
How it compares in its category
Water-resistant shorts in this price tier commonly use legacy fluorinated water-repellent coating treatments; Quiksilver is typical rather than leading or lagging. Premium competitors (e.g., Patagonia) now disclose PFAS-free alternatives; budget brands often remain silent. Untreated polyester shorts exist but sacrifice water-repellency, a core feature for water sports apparel.
If you buy it
Wash separately on cold cycles initially, as water-repellent coating finishes can shed particles in early use. Avoid high heat drying, which degrades polyester and can concentrate any residual treatment chemicals. Replace shorts when seams fray or elastic degrades (typically 2-3 years with regular use), not when water-repellency fades, as water-repellent coating loss does not create hazard. Contact Quiksilver directly to request water-repellent coating chemistry transparency before purchase if PFAS avoidance is a priority.
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 treatment
Undisclosed water-repellent coating chemistry on polyester-blend shorts; fluorinated compounds remain common in water-resistant apparel, though non-fluorinated alternatives are now available. Brand silence prevents certainty.
Formaldehyde resins in finishing
No public record of formaldehyde-based resins in Quiksilver's standard athletic shorts. Polyester and nylon do not typically require formaldehyde fixation; risk is low for this product type.
Azo dyes and heavy-metal pigments
No documented incidents or warnings for Quiksilver apparel on prohibited azo-dye or cadmium-pigment grounds. Standard polyester dyeing does not inherently pose this hazard if suppliers comply with textile import rules.
Antimony catalyst residues in polyester
Antimony is used as a polyesterization catalyst and can remain in fabric at trace levels (typically under regulatory concern). Skin contact with finished shorts poses negligible risk; no evidence of elevated antimony in Quiksilver products.
Flame retardant additives
Casual water shorts are not subject to flame-retardant regulations and do not typically contain added flame retardants. Polyester is naturally flame-resistant and does not require chemical enhancement for this product category.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.