Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Transit 19 Hybrid Shorts
Hybrid shorts likely use water-repellent coating; Quiksilver discloses nothing about PFAS.
Quiksilver's Transit shorts are polyester-blend hybrid with unknown water-repellent finish. Brand makes no PFAS statement, raising typical concern for treated apparel.
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Material
polyester blend with water-repellent treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester-blend fabrics may contain antimony oxide as a catalyst residue from fiber production. Levels in finished apparel are typically low and non-bioavailable, but Quiksilver does not disclose testing or limits.
water-repellent coating degradation and particle release
The water-repellent finish will degrade over the life of the shorts, especially with frequent washing. Small amounts of coating particles may shed into wash water or be inhaled as dust; long-term health impact is uncharacterized for end users.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes
No specific azo dye ban or hazard reported in Quiksilver apparel. Polyester dyes are regulated in most manufacturing hubs, though Quiksilver does not certify dye compliance publicly.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester-blend shorts are unlikely to use formaldehyde-releasers for wrinkle resistance given the hybrid/athletic design. No recalls or disclosures suggest this risk.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No specific heavy-metal contamination reported in Quiksilver textiles. Industry regulation and supply-chain oversight in polyester dyeing are moderate in mainstream brands.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These shorts are polyester blend fabric treated with a water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finish. Polyester itself is stable in normal wear, but the water-repellent coating is almost certainly fluorinated (PFAS-based) given industry standards for hybrid/water-resistant apparel. Quiksilver does not publicly specify the chemistry. The coating degrades with washing and wear, potentially releasing particles or altering over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has published no public statement on PFAS use in apparel or phasing timelines, placing it in the silent majority of surf/action-sports brands. The company is not known for premium sustainability certifications like Bluesign or GOTS. Industry transparency on water-repellent chemistry is poor across this segment; Quiksilver follows no visible best-practice disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Hybrid shorts with water-repellent coating treatment are industry-standard for performance apparel. Most competitors (Rip Curl, O'Neill, Volcom) use similar undisclosed fluorinated finishes. A small number of brands (e.g., Patagonia for select lines) have committed to PFAS-free alternatives or phaseout timelines. Quiksilver's silence places it in the mainstream unaccountable tier.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and air-dry to extend the water-repellent coating life; hot water and high heat break down treatment faster. Expect water repellency to fade after 10-20 washes. Do not machine-dry frequently. Polyester itself is durable and safe in normal use. Replace when the fit or color degrades, not due to chemical hazard risk.
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
- Quiksilver has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Sports Gear
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Antimony in polyester
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding
Moderate concern
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Antimony in polyester fiber
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from polyester
Limited concern
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Adidas
Men's Workout Essentials Base Woven Shorts
Woven polyester/nylon blend, no waterproof or stain-resistant treatment specified
Azo dyes in synthetic textiles
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Antimony in polyester fiber
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding during washing
Limited concern
Lower concern; basic woven shorts without water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof sports gear 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.