Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Union Heather Amphibian 20" Boardshorts
Standard boardshorts with likely water-repellent coating treatment. No PFAS statement available.
Quiksilver boardshorts use standard polyester and water-repellent coating finishes typical of surf apparel, which historically may contain PFAS. Brand offers no public PFAS transparency or testing data.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent finish
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Quiksilver Men's Union Heather Boardshorts is made of, ingredients and materials
These are polyester blend boardshorts treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, typical for swim apparel. The polyester base itself is not a hazard concern in normal use. The water-repellent coating, however, is the critical component, historically, most water-repellent coating treatments on affordable boardshorts use fluorocarbon chemistry (PFAS class), though Quiksilver has not publicly disclosed the specific chemistry used on this model. Polyester does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organics meaningfully during wear.
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 catalyst residue in polyester
Polyester synthesis often uses antimony oxide as a catalyst; residual antimony can leach into moisture or sweat, particularly in lower-cost polyester. Not reported in Quiksilver specifically, but possible given material cost constraints at this price point. Levels in apparel are generally low.
water-repellent coating degradation and microparticle shedding
All fluorocarbon water-repellent coating coatings on textiles shed microparticles during washing and wear. This is industry-standard and not specific to Quiksilver, but represents potential microplastic/PFAS-particle exposure over the product lifetime.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in colored polyester
Quiksilver boardshorts are not known to use restricted azo dyes, and polyester typically uses non-azo colorants. No recalls or alerts on record for this product line.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Boardshorts do not typically use formaldehyde-based wrinkle or shape-retention finishes, so this hazard is not applicable to this product category.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
Boardshorts are not treated with flame retardants as they are apparel, not furnishings. No concern for this product.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has not published transparent disclosure of PFAS use or phase-out timelines in their product lines, despite industry movement toward fluorine-free alternatives by some competitors. The brand has not faced major public safety recalls for this product line. Quiksilver is owned by Boardriders, which has made limited public commitments to reduced-concern chemistries in textiles, but implementation details for mid-tier products remain unclear. Lack of disclosure does not equal safety, but reflects a gap in consumer transparency common among mainstream apparel brands.
How it compares in its category
Standard boardshorts in this price tier almost universally rely on PFAS-based water-repellent coating to achieve water repellency, making this product typical rather than exceptional. Premium alternatives from brands like Patagonia have begun using PFAS-free water repellent systems, though at higher cost and with less proven durability in salt-water environments. Budget and mid-market boardshorts (including most Quiksilver lines) have not yet shifted to fluorine-free treatments at scale. If PFAS exposure concerns you, this product offers no documented advantage over peers.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before first wear and after salt-water use to reduce loose chemical residue and microbe buildup in the water-repellent coating. Avoid machine drying on high heat, which can degrade polyester and potentially volatilize coating compounds; air dry instead. The water-repellent coating finish will degrade over 1-2 years of regular use; replenishing it with commercial water-repellent coating sprays introduces additional chemical exposure, so plan for replacement rather than retreatment. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, which strips the water-repellent layer.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Quiksilver 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 Quiksilver Men's Union Heather Amphibian 20" Boardshorts?
- Woven polyester/nylon blend, no waterproof or stain-resistant treatment specified
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance or dye allergen sensitivity
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.