Billabong Women's Sandy Shells Hailey One-Piece Swimsuit
Uncertain; typical swimwear water-repellent coating may contain PFAS, coating chemistry not disclosed.
This nylon/polyester one-piece likely uses water-repellent finish common in swimwear for water-shedding and elasticity maintenance. Billabong does not disclose whether it uses legacy or PFAS-free water-repellent coating.
The better-graded swap
Patagonia
Patagonia Women's Bottom Turn Racerback Bikini Top
90/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Billabong Women's Sandy Shells Hailey is made of, ingredients and materials
This swimsuit is a nylon-polyester blend finished with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to maintain shape and quick-dry properties. water-repellent coating treatments on swimwear historically relied on fluorochemical compounds, though some brands have shifted to fluorine-free alternatives; Billabong has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable synthetic polymers that do not leach appreciably during normal wear in chlorinated or saltwater pools, though degradation from UV exposure and repeated washing can accelerate fiber shedding over years of use.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester in textiles can contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst residue; Billabong does not publish antimony limits. Migration to skin during wear in warm or wet conditions is generally low but unmeasured for this specific garment.
Microfiber shedding
Nylon-polyester swimsuits shed microscopic fibers during washing and wear, particularly as the fabric ages. This contributes to microplastic accumulation in waterways; Billabong provides no durability or fiber-retention data.
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication chemicals
As the water-repellent coating finish wears, some users retreat the suit with commercial hydrophobic sprays (often fluorinated). Billabong does not advise on re-treatment or whether the original coating is PFAS-based, creating risk of uncontrolled chemical exposure if the user retreats without knowledge.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes and colorant safety
Billabong does not disclose dyebatch testing or restricted substance lists for this product. Azo dyes banned under REACH or Prop 65 are not documented in recalls, but absence of third-party testing means no assurance.
Allergen from synthetic fibers
Nylon and polyester are not known contact allergens in swimwear, but dyes or residual finishes can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Billabong provides no ingredient or hypoallergenic certification.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Billabong, a subsidiary of Boardriders Inc. (owned by Corporativo Dondé, formerly Quiksilver), has not published a chemical disclosure policy or PFAS commitment comparable to mainstream outdoor brands like Patagonia or The North Face. The brand does not list certifications such as bluesign, GOTS, or similar third-party textile standards on this product line. No major product recalls or heavy-metal contamination incidents have been reported for Billabong swimwear in public records, but the absence of transparency on water-repellent coating chemistry remains a gap.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream swimwear brands (Speedo, Roxy, Seafolly) use nylon-polyester blends with water-repellent coating finishes; without chemical disclosure, this product sits in the industry norm rather than ahead. Brands offering explicit PFAS-free or fluorine-free alternatives (e.g., Patagonia Infinitrak, some Athleta styles) are fewer and often cost more. For price and performance, this Billabong style is typical mid-market positioning, but the lack of transparency on water-repellent coating type is a material differentiator when compared to disclosure leaders.
If you buy it
Rinse the suit in fresh water after each saltwater or chlorine exposure to reduce salt and chemical buildup, which can weaken fibers and degrade the water-repellent coating finish faster. Air-dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources (no dryers); UV and heat accelerate nylon degradation and microfiber shedding. Wash by hand in cool water with mild detergent every 3-5 wears; avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which strip the water-repellent coating. Replace the suit every 1-2 years if worn 2-3 times weekly, or when elasticity noticeably declines and the fabric pilling increases.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Billabong has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Find an alternative on AmazonMore swimwear 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.