Regatta · Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Regatta Junior Calderdale Ii Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof children's jacket. water-repellent coating unspecified; PFAS concern moderate.
Regatta children's waterproof jackets typically use water-repellent coating treatments on polyester, but the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence. Standard waterproof outerwear carries elevated PFAS risk without transparency.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester with water-repellent coating waterproof 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
This jacket is polyester with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the outer layer. Polyester itself is a synthetic polymer generally stable during normal wear, but the water-repellent coating finish is the critical unknown: it may contain PFAS-based compounds (older formulations) or fluorine-free alternatives (newer). Regatta does not specify which, making this the primary concern. Polyester fabric production typically involves azo dyes and may include formaldehyde-based resins in finishing processes, though residual levels on finished garments are usually low in EU/UK markets.
The brand's record and disclosure
Regatta does not publicly disclose its PFAS policy, supplier standards, or water-repellent coating chemistry, which is a red flag for a brand selling waterproof children's clothing. The company is not known to have signed major water-safety pledges or obtained bluesign(R) certification for its lines. No major recalls or heavy-metal contamination scandals are on record for Regatta, but the lack of transparency about coatings limits confidence in this product specifically.
How it compares in its category
This mid-range waterproof children's jacket sits in a competitive segment where many budget and mainstream brands still use older PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings. Premium brands (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) and eco-focused labels increasingly use PFAS-free finishes, but disclose it; Regatta's silence suggests it may not have switched. For a child's jacket worn seasonally, the exposure is lower than for adult workwear, but the lack of transparency is worse than transparent brands even if they use traditional coatings.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to remove loose dyes and finishes. Use a dye-release laundry detergent and cold water; avoid fabric softeners, which can degrade water-repellent coating. Do not tumble dry at high heat, as this can damage the coating and release volatiles. Inspect seams and zips annually for wear; once the fabric begins to absorb water noticeably, the water-repellent coating is failing and replacement is due. Store dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight to slow coating degradation.
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 polyester fabric
Polyester textiles often use azo dyes, which can degrade into aniline and other amines under certain conditions (sweat, friction). EU restrictions limit the most hazardous azo dyes, but residual contamination or borderline dyes may persist. For a children's garment, skin contact is direct and prolonged.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Polyester fabrics may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for water-resistance and wrinkle-resistance before the water-repellent coating is applied. Modern EU/UK regulations require low levels, but some residue may remain. Washing before wear reduces this risk.
water-repellent coating degradation and inhalation risk
If the water-repellent coating contains PFAS or volatile fluorochemicals, heat (tumble drying, sunlight exposure) or wear can release vapors. Unknown composition makes this speculative, but the risk is real for unspecified coatings. Proper low-heat care minimizes this.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony oxide is sometimes used as a catalyst in polyester synthesis. Finished polyester garments rarely leach antimony in detectable amounts under normal wear and washing, and no specific issue has been reported for Regatta products.
Microplastics shedding from synthetic textile
Polyester fibers shed microplastics during washing and wear, particularly if the fabric is worn and abraded. This is a category-wide concern, not brand-specific, but children's jackets worn frequently may contribute cumulative exposure. Washing in a microfiber-catching bag reduces escape to waterways.
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 Children's Rainwear & Rain Boots
Gap Kids
Fall Spring Rain Jacket Coat Water Wind Resistant Large 10
Polyester blend with water/wind-resistant coating, composition unspecified
Skip until Gap discloses coating chemistry and PFAS status.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More children's rainwear & rain boots 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.