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.
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Material
polyester blend 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 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.
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
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.
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 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.