Quiksilver · Waterproof Sports Gear
Quiksilver Men's Union Print Amphibian 20" Hybrid Shorts
Hybrid shorts likely water-treated; PFAS details unavailable from brand.
Hybrid shorts typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS. Quiksilver does not publicly disclose treatment chemistry or PFAS testing.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester blend with water-repellent coating finish
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Quiksilver Men's Union Print Hybrid Shorts is made of, ingredients and materials
These shorts are polyester blend (typical 85-100% polyester + elastane/spandex for stretch) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings on hybrid/swim shorts are almost always fluorocarbon-based (PFAS-class chemicals) applied during manufacturing to repel water. Polyester itself is stable in normal use, but the finish layer is where chemical migration risk concentrates, especially when wet or heated. Quiksilver has not publicly disclosed whether this product uses legacy PFOAs or newer alternatives.
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.
PFAS
Hybrid shorts require water repellency; fluorocarbon water-repellent coating is industry standard for this product class. Brand has not disclosed which chemistry (legacy PFOA, GenX, or newer alternatives) is used, preventing assessment of bioaccumulation risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in polyester base or print
Union Print colorway suggests disperse dyes on polyester; Quiksilver has no published restricted azo dye policy. No specific recalls exist for this model, but the brand does not certify against carcinogenic azo compounds (benzidine-based) common in offshore polyester dyeing.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester is typically manufactured using antimony trioxide as a catalyst; trace residues may persist in the fiber. Quiksilver does not disclose antimony levels or require supplier compliance limits. Risk is low in normal wear but rises if fabric is heated or worn on sensitive skin for extended periods.
Elastane degradation and microfiber shedding
Spandex/elastane blends (typical 5-15% in these shorts) degrade with chlorine, hot water, and sun exposure, releasing microfibers into waterways. The water-repellent coating may accelerate this via surface stress. No data on shedding rates for this specific product.
Coating off-gassing and skin contact irritation
Fresh water-repellent coating finishes can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during warm wear or chlorine exposure. Individuals with chemical sensitivities or contact dermatitis may experience skin irritation from residual finish before initial washing removes the majority.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver is owned by Boardriders Inc. and has made no public commitment to eliminating PFAS or disclosing water-repellent coating chemistry in product lines. The brand does not publish restricted substance lists or certifications (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) for this model. No recalls or contamination reports are on record for this specific product. The silence on chemical finishes is typical of mainstream action-sports brands but leaves consumers without baseline safety assurance.
How it compares in its category
Hybrid shorts in this price range (typically $50-80 USD) overwhelmingly use PFAS-treated polyester; premium alternatives (Patagonia, Burton) offer recycled materials with low-PFC finishes, but cost 2-3x more. Budget options (fast-fashion chains) often have worse transparency and higher contamination risk. Quiksilver sits in the mainstream middle, familiar durability claims but minimal chemical disclosure. Functional performance (quick-dry, stretch) is comparable across the category.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water before first wear to rinse residual finishes; avoid hot water and tumble drying, which can accelerate coating degradation and release volatiles. Do not machine dry on high heat; air dry to preserve elastane and water-repellent coating layer integrity. Replace when seams fray, elastic fails, or water-repellent coating noticeably diminishes (typically 2-4 years with regular use). If you have sensitivity to chemical finishes, a test wear near ankles or waistband can reveal reactions before full wearing.
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 Print Amphibian 20" Hybrid Shorts?
- 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.