The best PFAS-free clothing brands

Oct 31, 2024

“Forever chemicals” have commonly been used in outdoor and activewear to provide better water resistance and durability. But now some states and consumers are demanding changes.

We all rely on clothing, particularly activewear, to protect us from the elements, whether rain or stains. Historically, that protection has come from a group of chemicals called PFAS, which are heat-, oil- and water-resistant. PFAS are also known as forever chemicals because they don’t degrade, and continue to accumulate in the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are currently found in water, air, animals, and soil, and in the blood of the majority of Americans.

While this bioaccumulation is a problem in its own right, high PFAS exposure has also been linked to harmful health effects; the EPA has deemed that two PFAS are likely to be carcinogenic to humans. These concerns have led states to enact policies against PFAS; according to Safer States, California will ban PFAS in all textiles starting in 2025 and 35 states have introduced 480 other policies regarding the use of PFAS.

While these policies are relatively new, some retailers and textile producers have been working to eliminate PFAS from their clothing for far longer. We spoke with Meg Carney, the host of two podcasts, Outdoor Minimalist and Forever Chemicals, a series about the use of PFAS in the outdoor industry, to learn more about PFAS and why they’re used in clothing. With Carney’s recommendations in mind, we chose PFAS-free brands that are vocal about their sustainability efforts and offered durable, performance-based clothing using PFAS alternatives. But first, a little more information on PFAS.

“PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 10,000 or more man-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products,” Carney explained to us. PFAS are created by joining carbon and fluorine, one of the strongest bonds in nature. This bond makes PFAS resistant to heat, water, and oil, and PFAS are commonly used in products like nonstick cookware such as Teflon, firefighting foams, food packaging, and stain-, oil-, and water-resistant fabrics. However, the strength of this bond also means that these chemicals don’t degrade easily, giving PFAS the nickname “forever chemicals.”

(‘Forever chemicals’ are hiding in your kitchen. Here’s where—and what you can do.)

Once released into the environment, whether through runoff or product disposal, PFAS essentially remain there forever. As humans and wildlife consume food and water containing PFAS, the chemical enters the food chain and builds up in their bodies over time, leading to higher concentrations of PFAS. As early as 2007, studies revealed that PFAS are in the blood of 98 percent of Americans. PFAS have even been found in umbilical cord blood, meaning that exposure can begin even before birth.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human health effects from exposure to low PFAS levels are uncertain and require more study. However, Carney explains to us that “the higher the exposure to PFAS, the more likely we are to develop health issues, such as developmental delays, reproductive issues, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and thyroid disorders.” Studies have already shown that PFAS can suppress the immune system, disrupt our endocrine system, and increase the risk of cancer.

Because of their stain- and water-repellency properties, PFAS have been used to enhance clothing performance since at least the 1960s. They’ve commonly been used in outdoor and activewear to provide better water resistance and durability, but recent regulatory pressure has pushed textile producers to develop less harmful stain- and water-resistant chemistries. The process can be slow and tedious.

“While alternatives to PFAS-treated fabrics are available, there may currently be trade-offs in performance, cost, or availability,” Carney tells us. “However, ongoing research and innovation in the textile industry is driving the development of new materials and technologies that offer sustainable alternatives.” Nikwax, for example, has been offering PFAS-free waterproofing alternatives for over 45 years. While they’ve historically been a consumer-facing brand, they’ve recently launched an industrial-applied durable water repellent (DWR) for outdoor brands.

(What BPA can do to our bodies—and how to limit your exposure)

According to Safer States, 39 states have already adopted PFAS policies. Twelve states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have enacted phase-outs in food packaging. The FDA also recently announced that they would be banning six types of PFAS in food packaging nationwide.

Eight states, including California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington have also adopted restrictions on PFAS in carpets, rugs, and aftermarket treatments for those textiles. California will ban PFAS from all textiles starting in 2025. Other states are banning PFAS from cosmetics and firefighting foam. And, while there are currently no state or nationwide policies on PFAS in clothing, 32 retail chains have committed to eliminating or reducing food packaging, textiles, and other products, including REI Co-Op and Target.

PFAS are also in our drinking water, and in early April the Environmental Protection Agency announced the first-ever limits on PFAS in public water systems. Under the new rule, U.S. public water systems will have to test their water for six types of PFAS and reduce PFAS levels to the new national standard within five years. Ten states already have enforceable drinking water standards for some PFAS chemicals, and 29 U.S. state attorneys general are pursuing litigation against the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals for contaminating water supplies.

(The best under-sink water filters—including a few that can help filter out PFAS)

If you’re looking for clothing brands that don’t use PFAS, here’s our list of top brands and a few clothing items we love.

Kari Traa was founded by an Olympic mogul skier to provide women with playful, feminine sportswear free from bad chemicals. After researching how harmful forever chemicals are, they phased out PFAS in 2013. Their main fabric suppliers are also bluesign® certified, meaning they only use safe input chemicals, monitor air and water emissions, and prioritize worker safety.

Tirill Thermal Jacket

Buy it now at Kari Traa

The Tirill Thermal Jacket is designed for movement. Responsibly sourced down helps keep your core warm while PFAS-free wind- and water-resistant material protects you on bad weather days.

Thale Hiking Pants

Buy it now at Kari Traa

The Thale Hiking Pants are durable, protective pants, great for hitting the trails or walking your dog around the neighborhood. They come in colorful options, with an articulated knee for easy movement and a PFAS-free DWR finish.

Patagonia has worked to reduce its use of PFAS since 2013. In 2019, they launched their first products with PFAS-free durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes. Today 96 percent of their water-repellent materials by weight are PFAS-free and by 2025, all of their membranes and water-repellent finishes will be PFAS-free. Patagonia also works within a shared supply chain and shares its solutions with other outdoor brands to spark widespread change.

Boulder Fork Rain Jacket

Buy it now at Patagonia

This streamlined jacket has adjustable cuffs and hem to help keep the worst weather out. The fabric, membrane, and DWR finish are PFAS-free and the jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

Alpine Guide Pants

Buy it now at Patagonia

Weather-resistant enough for resort skiing and light enough for winter hiking, these softshell pants come with thigh vents and are suspender-compatible. A large zippered thigh pocket provides out-of-the-way phone storage.

According to Carney, Fjallraven is one of the best examples of an early and voluntary phase-out of PFAS. The brand began removing PFAS from their garments and products as early as 2008, and developed their first collection of PFAS-free clothing, called EcoShell, in 2012. By 2015, they had phased out PFAS from their clothing, tents, backpacks, and accessories, and are currently working to remove PFAS from their zippers.

Keb EcoShell Jacket

Buy it now at Fjallraven

The Keb EcoShell Jacket is made from recyclable polyester and has a waterproof shell with fluorocarbon-free impregnation. The jacket has plenty of pockets, as well as side ventilation.

Keb Trousers

Buy it now at Fjallraven

The rugged, award-winning Keb Trousers have large pockets with plenty of storage and sleeves to insert for knee pads. The fabric is PFAS-free and water- and wind-resistant.

While PFAS are commonly found in outdoor clothing created to keep out the elements, forever chemicals can also turn up in everyday wear, particularly in “stain-resistant” or “easy to clean” items. Pact, however, sells 100 percent organic cotton everyday clothing free from harmful chemicals, including PFAS. They’ve also partnered with Fair Trade USA and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Featherweight Slub Relaxed Top

Buy it now at Pact

This relaxed top is made of 100 percent organic cotton and is lightweight and soft. According to Pact, this shirt saves 20 gallons of water over traditional cotton production.

Airplane Jogger

Buy it now at Pact

These pants are made from Pact’s bestselling fabric, a double-rib knit that is soft and strong. Pact claims that 46 gallons of water are saved by making the Airplane Jogger with organic cotton.

Mate the Label specializes in organic, non-toxic, and natural women’s clothing. Beyond eliminating PFAS, they’ve banned 30 other chemicals and 49 dye substances. You won’t find plastic in their labels or packaging, and they’re also Climate Neutral, GOTS certified, and a B Corp.

Organic Cotton Classic Tee

Buy it now at Mate the Label

This crew neck tee has a soft, relaxed fit. Mate the Label claims it was made with almost 89 percent less water than non-organic tees.

Organic Linen Tailored Pant

Buy it now at Mate the Label

These straight-leg pants are classy and comfortable, with an elasticized back for an easy fit. They’re made without harmful chemicals, including pesticides, BPA, PFAS, or formaldehyde.

Houdini Sportswear, another brand recommended by Carney, prides itself on providing functional, sustainable outdoor clothing for men, women, and children. They began phasing out PFAS in 2012, and by 2018 stopped using the chemicals in new production altogether, transitioning to a wax-like substance made of hydrocarbon chains instead. Houdini is a proud member of different projects and networks that drive the development of PFAS-free alternatives.

Starting in 2024, 100 percent of Houdini’s fabrics are also recycled, recyclable, renewable, biodegradable, or bluesign® certified.

Power Houdi

Buy it now at Houdini

Available in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes, the Power Houdi is a stretchy, warm fleece jacket. The full-zip jacket is moisture-wicking and so popular that Houdini has been selling it virtually unchanged, for over twenty years.

Aerial Pants

Buy it now at Houdini

The Aerial Pants are functional, minimalist chinos made from an airy, open fabric that’s stretchy, tough, and quick-drying. They’re also made from more than 50 percent recycled fibers.

Jack Wolfskin has been making eco-conscious clothing for 40 years and has been PFAS-free since 2019. Their weatherproof fabric, called Texapore Ecosphere, uses polyurethane waterproofing and is made from 100 percent recycled material. Jack Wolfskin also uses fur-free fabrics, ethically sourced down, and organic cotton.

Prelight Hybrid Skort

Buy it now at Jack Wolfskin

The Prelight Hybrid Skort, combining shorts and a skirt, is a great option for active summer days. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and bluesign® certified and PFAS-free.

Sandroute Shirt

Buy it now at Jack Wolfskin

This casual button-up is tear-resistant and made from hemp and organic cotton, both breathable and sustainable fabrics. Buttoned chest pockets provide storage for small items.

PrAna offers versatile, sustainable clothing for both adventures and everyday wear. They’ve been PFAS-free since 2023, and only use their PFAS-free DWR treatment on products that require repellency for performance. PrAna also has a long list of other chemicals they’ve banned, and are working to make more of their materials bluesign® approved.

Halle Straight Pant

Buy it now at PrAna

We’ve owned several pairs of Halle pants, and love their comfort and versatility. Durable enough for the outdoors and fashionable enough to grab dinner after a long hike, these pants have a PFAS-free DWR finish to keep you dry and warm.

Stretch Zion Short II

Buy it now at PrAna

These abrasion-resistant shorts are lightweight, breathable, and made from recycled nylon. They have UPF 50 protection and a PFAS-free DWR finish to protect you from all elements.

What clothing does not have PFAS?

Organic clothing is PFAS-free, and some durable water repellents are also PFAS-free. Avoid stain- and water-resistant unless they say they are free of PFAS.

What fabrics have PFAS?

PFAS are used to repel water and stains, especially in activewear fabrics. PFAS can be found in virtually any clothing, including rain jackets, hiking pants, shirts, yoga pants, and underwear.

Does Patagonia clothing have PFAS?

Currently, 96 percent of Patagonia’s material by weight is PFAS-free. By 2025, all of its DWR membranes and finishes will be PFAS-free.