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What is PFAS in clothing, and how do you avoid it?

PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals, are increasingly restricted in clothing, and for good reason. Here is what they are, where they hide in your wardrobe, what the science and the law say, and how to avoid them.

In this article

What PFAS are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals built around an extremely stable carbon-fluorine bond. That bond is why they resist water, oil and stains, and also why they do not break down in nature or in the body, earning the nickname forever chemicals.

Where they hide in clothing

In textiles, PFAS are the durable water repellent (DWR) and stain-resistant finishes. Label phrases that signal possible PFAS include water-repellent, water-resistant, stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, DWR, and brand names like Teflon and Scotchgard. A peer-reviewed study found PFAS in 100 percent of function-marketed children's items tested, including school uniforms.

School uniforms in one study carried a median of 728 ng/g of PFAS, and 100 percent cotton uniforms carried more than synthetic ones.

What the health evidence says

The strongest concern is body burden over time, mostly via water and food rather than skin. Agencies link PFAS exposure to raised cholesterol, thyroid disruption and immune effects, and in 2023 the IARC classified PFOA, the legacy DWR chemical, as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Importantly, dermal absorption straight from fabric is not established as a major route, so the honest framing is avoid-where-you-can rather than your-jacket-is-poisoning-you.

The law is moving fast

California (AB 1817) and New York banned PFAS in most apparel from January 2025, and the EU is advancing a broad restriction. The direction of travel is clear: PFAS in everyday clothing is on the way out.

How to avoid PFAS

Look for PFAS-free or PFC-free claims, and the bluesign or OEKO-TEX marks. Be most cautious with water-repellent and stain-resistant outerwear and school uniforms. ClothTrace flags PFAS-risk finishes the instant you scan a label, so you can choose a treated jacket knowingly or pick an untreated one.

See what your clothes are really made of

Scan any care label. ClothTrace reads the real fibre, decodes the wash symbols, and flags what it puts against your skin. Free to scan.

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Frequently asked

How do I know if my clothes have PFAS?

Check for water-repellent, stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant or DWR claims, or brand names like Teflon and Scotchgard. PFAS-free and PFC-free labels mean it has been reformulated. ClothTrace flags PFAS-risk finishes from the label.

Are PFAS in clothing dangerous to wear?

The main concern is long-term body burden and environmental persistence, mostly through water and food. Skin absorption from fabric is not established as a major route, but avoiding unnecessary PFAS finishes is sensible, especially for children.

Is PFAS banned in clothing?

California and New York banned PFAS in most apparel from January 2025, and the EU is moving toward a broad restriction. It is not yet banned everywhere.