Bogner · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Bogner Zila Insulated Ski Jacket Women's
water-repellent coating apparel typical PFAS risk; no brand disclosure available.
Bogner Zila is a premium insulated ski jacket with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, standard in performance outerwear. Bogner provides no public PFAS information; water-repellent coating treatments commonly use PFAS, but specifics unknown here.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating waterproof treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
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.
Polyester microplastic shedding
Polyester textiles shed fibers during washing and wear, especially if the water-repellent coating degrades or is abraded. Ski jackets see high mechanical stress (zippers, backpack friction, falls) that accelerates this process. The extent of microplastic release from Bogner Zila specifically is not quantified in public data.
water-repellent coating durability and degradation
Polyester water-repellent coating coatings are known to lose effectiveness after 20-50 wash cycles depending on water hardness and detergent type. As the coating wears, exposed polyester may shed more freely. Bogner does not specify the water-repellent coating formulation (fluorinated vs. fluorine-free) or expected lifespan for the Zila.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Bogner, as a premium European brand, typically sources polyester that meets EU textile standards (REACH, Oeko-Tex certification is not confirmed). No specific recalls or hazard reports are on record for the Zila regarding dye contamination or formaldehyde-releasing resins.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
The Zila may carry printed branding; if so, pigments could theoretically contain heavy metals. No published test data or recalls for Bogner apparel indicate this is a concern, and premium ski jackets typically use compliant printing inks.
Source: FDA ↗Flame retardants
Polyester itself does not require added flame retardants. If the jacket uses a synthetic insulation fill (e.g., down alternative), that material may contain brominated or phosphate-based flame retardants, but Bogner does not disclose insulation chemistry for the Zila, and no hazard alerts are documented.
Source: EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Zila uses polyester as its shell fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the surface. Polyester itself is stable and does not leach chemicals under normal wear, but the water-repellent coating, nearly universal on ski jackets, is the source of PFAS concern. water-repellent coating treatments create a water-resistant barrier by depositing long-chain fluorinated compounds that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate; this is distinct from the base fabric hazard.
The brand's record and disclosure
Bogner has not publicly disclosed whether the Zila uses PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives or traditional fluorinated formulations. The company does not appear to have published a comprehensive chemical transparency statement or commitment to phase out PFAS in apparel. This silence is typical of mid-to-premium ski wear brands, which have been slower to adopt alternatives than some outdoor competitors.
How it compares in its category
Most insulated ski jackets in this price range (premium European brands) use similar polyester-water-repellent coating constructions. Alternatives exist: brands like Arc'teryx and Patagonia now offer jackets with fluorine-free water-repellent coating (Parylene or wax-based), though Bogner does not advertise such options for this model. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, this jacket does not position itself as a low-PFAS choice.
If you buy it
Wash infrequently in cool water with mild detergent to avoid accelerating water-repellent coating degradation; avoid hot water and tumble drying, which break down the coating and increase fiber shedding. Do not dry-clean, as solvents can strip the finish. Replace the jacket if the water-repellent coating visibly fails (water no longer beads on the shell) or if seams separate, as worn coatings shed microfibers. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat.
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
- Bogner has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Patagonia
Women's Untracked Jacket
recycled polyester with water-repellent coating treatment
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastics
Moderate concern
Coating degradation and leaching
Limited concern
Lightweight jacket with water-repellent coating finish.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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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.