Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
High risk. Gore-Tex waterproof technology typically uses PFAS-based treatments.
Gore-Tex rain jackets use specialized membranes to repel water, technology that historically relied on fluorinated compounds for performance.
The better-graded swap
Levi's
Levi's 501 Jeans
80/100 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.
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What Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is made of, ingredients and materials
Gore-Tex rain jackets consist of a microporous Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane laminated between outer and inner fabric layers. The Teflon-type coating membrane itself does not off-gas or degrade under normal wearing conditions because it is sandwiched and protected. However, Gore-Tex jackets have historically been manufactured with PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings applied to the outer fabric to enhance water shedding. These water-repellent coating chemicals are the primary non-PFAS concern for this product category.
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.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
Outer and inner fabric layers of Gore-Tex jackets are dyed; if OEKO-TEX or Bluesign certified, azo dyes and heavy metals in pigments are restricted. Non-certified versions may use conventional dyes with higher risk of amine byproducts.
Antimony in synthetic fibers
Gore-Tex outer and lining fabrics are typically polyester or nylon; antimony trioxide is a common polyester catalyst. If product is not certified, antimony leaching risk is low from wearing but increases if fabric is damaged or repeatedly washed in hot water.
VOC off-gassing from laminate adhesives
Adhesives bonding the Teflon-type coating membrane to fabric layers may contain volatile organic compounds. Off-gassing is typically minimal after factory curing but can increase if the jacket is stored in warm, enclosed spaces; air jacket before first wear.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Gore-Tex jackets are typically finished with minimal formaldehyde-based resins because the Teflon-type coating membrane itself provides the water-repellent function. No established reports of formaldehyde contamination in Gore-Tex apparel.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
Gore-Tex rain jackets are not flame-retardant treated as standard; this hazard class is not relevant to this product type.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore and Associates) has faced sustained pressure over PFAS use in their manufacturing and product treatments but has not published comprehensive disclosure of which specific PFAS alternatives are used in current jacket water-repellent coating formulations. The company announced commitments to phase out legacy PFAS (notably C8 PFOA) but has been ambiguous about transition timelines and alternative chemistry. Third-party certifications such as Bluesign and OEKO-TEX on some Gore-Tex products indicate restrictions on certain hazardous substances, but PFAS restrictions in these standards are limited. No major recalls for non-PFAS hazards are on public record for Gore-Tex apparel.
How it compares in its category
Gore-Tex membranes are the industry standard for waterproof-breathable performance and command a premium price. Alternative brands using Teflon-type coating-free membranes (eVent, Polartec, or polyurethane-based systems) exist but often compromise durability or breathability. Most mainstream waterproof jackets in this performance tier contain some form of PFAS in the water-repellent coating finish; Gore-Tex is not uniquely worse but is not a clear leader in PFAS transparency compared to smaller eco-focused brands. Budget alternatives with polyurethane laminates may off-gas VOCs initially but eliminate Teflon-type coating entirely.
If you buy it
Wash your jacket regularly in cool water with minimal agitation to reduce water-repellent coating breakdown and shedding; avoid dry cleaning, which can strip treatments. Do not tumble dry on high heat; air dry or use low heat to prevent thermal stress. Replace the jacket if the laminate delaminates or inner fabric tears, as water will compromise the barrier. If PFAS exposure is a primary concern, prioritize jackets with OEKO-TEX or Bluesign certification, or consider non-laminated shells with chemical-free water-resistant treatments as a compromise on performance.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 100% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Gore-Tex has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Gore-Tex Rain Jacket?
- Azo dyes in indigo coloring
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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More clothing 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.