Helly Hansen Men's Dubliner Jacket
Common water-repellent coating jacket, waterproofing chemicals unspecified by brand.
Helly Hansen does not disclose PFAS status for this jacket. water-repellent coating-treated outerwear typically contains fluorinated or PFAS-based water repellents, though formulation varies by manufacturer.
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Material
polyester with water-repellent coating finish
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.
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition
Unspecified water-repellent coating finish likely contains either fluorinated (PFAS-linked) or fluorine-free chemistry. Brand silence prevents risk stratification. Coating may shed microparticles during wear and washing, especially after several years.
Microplastic shedding during washing and wear
All polyester garments shed microfibers. The water-repellent coating on this jacket may accelerate shedding if it degrades. Washing in a microfiber filter bag or retention system reduces environmental release.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific recalls or reports for this model. Polyester textile finishing can involve formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or dye-fixing, but levels in finished outerwear are typically low and regulated in most markets.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in polyester coloring
Helly Hansen does not disclose dye chemistry. Most polyester apparel uses compliant azo dyes (banned carcinogens removed), but non-compliant dyes remain a concern in uncertified supply chains. No incidents recorded for this brand.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony is sometimes used as a polyester catalyst. Levels in finished garments are typically below concern thresholds and not reported as a problem for Helly Hansen products.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Dubliner is polyester with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Polyester itself is chemically stable during normal wear, but the water-repellent coating is where waterproofing chemicals live. Helly Hansen does not publicly disclose which water-repellent coating chemistry they use (fluorinated or fluorine-free), which is the key variable for safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen has not published a clear PFAS phase-out commitment or chemical transparency report as of recent public records. The brand does not specify water-repellent coating composition on product pages or care labels. This silence is common among outdoor apparel makers but leaves consumers without baseline assurance. No major product recalls or toxicity incidents are documented for this model.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range polyester waterproof jackets use either fluorinated water-repellent coating (cheaper, longer-lasting, PFAS-linked) or fluorine-free alternatives (wax-based or silicone, shorter durability). Helly Hansen's lack of disclosure puts this jacket in the ambiguous middle. Premium brands like Patagonia now highlight fluorine-free water-repellent coating; budget brands often default to fluorinated without mention.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water with minimal detergent to reduce water-repellent coating degradation and potential coating release. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Do not dry-clean or heat-dry aggressively, as high heat can stress polymer bonds and coatings. Replace or re-treat the water-repellent coating finish every 2-3 years if heavy outdoor use; reapplication kits are available. Contact Helly Hansen customer service directly if you need water-repellent coating chemistry confirmation before purchase.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 40% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Helly Hansen has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More rain jackets 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.