PFCs in Outerwear: The Waterproofing Chemical to Watch Out For

Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by James Kim

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.

The Hidden Cost of Staying Dry

When you zip up your favorite rain jacket or layer up for a hike, you’re probably thinking about staying warm and dry—not about the chemicals woven into the very fabric of your clothes. But hidden in many water-resistant and waterproof outerwear pieces is a class of chemicals known as PFCs (per- and polyfluorinated compounds)—a family of synthetic substances praised for their ability to repel water, oil, and stains.

These chemicals have been used for decades in outdoor gear, from jackets and pants to boots and gloves. On the surface, they seem like a modern miracle for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. But there’s a growing concern among scientists, environmental organizations, and health advocates: PFCs don’t just disappear when your gear gets old. They’re persistent in the environment, accumulate in the body, and are increasingly being linked to serious health issues—from hormone disruption and immune system effects to potential cancer risks.

What’s worse, these chemicals are rarely mentioned in product marketing or clothing labels, making it difficult for even the most eco-conscious shopper to avoid them. As we become more aware of the toxins we bring into our homes—from cleaning supplies to cookware—it’s time to take a closer look at the clothes we wear, especially the ones designed to protect us from the elements.

In this post, we’ll explore what PFCs are, how they’re used in outerwear, and why they’re a concern for both your health and the planet. You’ll also discover safer alternatives and practical tips to help you make informed, low-toxin choices without sacrificing performance or style.

Because staying dry shouldn’t mean compromising your health—or the environment.

What Are PFCs and Why Are They Used in Outerwear?

PFCs, short for per- and polyfluorinated compounds, are a group of man-made chemicals prized for one particular trait: extreme resistance to water, oil, and stains. This makes them ideal for outdoor gear manufacturers seeking to create jackets, boots, and gear that can stand up to rain, snow, mud, and wear.

In most modern outerwear, PFCs are used to create a finish called DWR—Durable Water Repellent. You’ve probably seen the effect in action: when rain hits a jacket and beads up into little droplets that roll right off, that’s DWR at work. It prevents moisture from soaking into the outer layer of the fabric, keeping you dry and comfortable.

But the problem lies in the chemistry. Most conventional DWR coatings are made using long-chain fluorocarbons, particularly C8 compounds like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate). These compounds have been shown to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans.

Even newer versions, such as C6-based PFCs, are touted as safer—but they’re still part of the same problematic chemical family. While C6s may break down slightly faster, they still don’t fully degrade in nature and may pose similar health and environmental risks in the long run.

Here are a few common places you might find PFCs in outdoor apparel:

  • Rain jackets and snow gear
  • Hiking boots and waterproof shoes
  • Water-resistant gloves, backpacks, and tents
  • Even some ski/snowboard pants and performance fleeces

The unfortunate truth? These chemicals aren’t just clinging to your clothes—they’re entering our soil, air, and waterways through washing, wear-and-tear, and manufacturing runoff.

For those embracing a low-toxin lifestyle, it’s time to recognize that what makes a jacket “weatherproof” might also make it hazardous to your health.

The Hidden Costs – Health & Environmental Risks

While PFCs are celebrated for their waterproofing power, their environmental and health impacts are anything but protective. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals”—a nickname earned because they don’t break down in the environment and linger in our bodies for years.

Health Concerns: What PFCs Can Do to the Body

Studies have shown that exposure to certain PFCs—especially older long-chain versions like PFOA and PFOS—can have serious effects on human health. Even though many manufacturers have phased out the worst offenders, newer substitutes (like C6-based compounds) may still pose similar dangers.

Here are some of the most concerning health risks associated with PFC exposure:

  • Hormone disruption: PFCs have been linked to thyroid dysfunction and reproductive system imbalances.
  • Immune system suppression: Even low levels of PFCs can interfere with your body’s ability to fight infection and respond to vaccines.
  • Increased cancer risk: Some studies have connected PFCs to kidney and testicular cancers.
  • Developmental delays: Prenatal exposure has been associated with low birth weight, reduced fertility, and learning delays in children.
  • Liver and cholesterol problems: PFCs can damage liver cells and raise cholesterol levels.

These health concerns are especially alarming because PFCs are found in the blood of nearly every person on the planet, even newborns. That’s how widespread and persistent they are.

Environmental Fallout: A Global Contamination Issue

When you wash a waterproof jacket, tiny PFC-laced particles can break off and enter your home’s wastewater stream. From there, they flow into municipal water systems, rivers, and oceans—accumulating in fish, wildlife, and eventually circling back into our food chain.

Because PFCs don’t naturally degrade, they accumulate over time, creating a growing toxic burden across ecosystems. Arctic wildlife and even rainwater in remote locations have tested positive for PFC contamination.

And it’s not just the gear’s end-user that suffers. The manufacturing process itself—especially in countries with loose environmental regulations—releases PFC waste into local air, soil, and water. Communities living near chemical plants or textile facilities often carry some of the highest PFC burdens in the world.

The convenience of water-repellency comes with an invisible but lasting toll. For those living a low-toxin lifestyle, understanding these hidden costs is a crucial first step in choosing better—for yourself and for the planet.

Common Outdoor Brands That Still Use PFCs

Despite growing awareness of the risks associated with PFCs, many mainstream outdoor clothing brands still use them—especially in their water-repellent and high-performance product lines. Why? Because PFC-based DWR coatings remain highly effective, long-lasting, and relatively cheap to produce.

Brands That Have Used (or Still Use) PFCs

While some companies are taking steps toward safer alternatives, many are still transitioning—or only offering limited PFC-free product lines. Here are examples of brands that have historically used PFCs or continue to do so in some of their collections:

  • The North Face – While the brand has committed to phasing out PFCs, many of their current products still contain C6-based finishes.
  • Columbia – Offers a mix of PFC-treated and PFC-free options, but most of their gear still relies on traditional DWR.
  • Arc’teryx – Known for high-performance gear that often prioritizes durability over toxicity concerns.
  • Marmot – Still uses conventional DWR treatments in many of its jackets and pants.
  • Helly Hansen – Offers limited PFC-free options, but most outerwear still contains fluorinated compounds.

Important Note: Many companies now advertise “PFC-free DWR,” but often only mean free of long-chain PFCs (like C8)—not all fluorinated compounds. These versions, such as C6, are still fluorinated and environmentally persistent.

How to Spot PFCs in Product Labels

Unfortunately, you won’t often see “PFC” written outright on a clothing tag. But here’s what to look for:

  • Ingredients/Features to Watch Out For:
    • PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
    • Fluoropolymer
    • Teflon™ (a brand name that often contains PFCs)
    • “DWR finish” with no mention of PFC-free certification
  • Buzzwords That Don’t Always Mean Safe:
    • “Eco DWR” or “Advanced DWR” (often just newer forms of PFCs)
    • “PFOS-free” or “PFOA-free” – doesn’t mean all PFCs are absent

How Brands Communicate Safer Options

More forward-thinking brands now include tags or product descriptions that say things like:

  • “PFC-free DWR”
  • “Non-fluorinated water repellent”
  • “bluesign® certified”
  • “OEKO-TEX® certified”
    These are good signs, but always read the fine print or check the brand’s sustainability report if you’re unsure.

Safer Alternatives to PFC-Coated Outerwear

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice waterproof protection to live a low-toxin lifestyle. More and more brands are developing non-toxic alternatives to PFCs, using innovative materials and fluorine-free DWR finishes that repel water effectively—without polluting your body or the planet.

PFC-Free Technologies Gaining Ground

Several technologies and treatments now offer water-resistance without relying on harmful fluorochemicals. These include:

  • Waxed Cotton: A traditional method that uses beeswax or paraffin to coat natural cotton. It’s breathable, durable, and fully biodegradable—but often heavier than synthetic gear.
  • Silicone-Based DWR: These coatings are hydrophobic and effective, especially for casual rainwear. They’re free from fluorinated compounds and safer for skin contact.
  • Hydrocarbon or Paraffin-Based DWR: Another non-fluorinated option with decent water repellency for light rain and wind.
  • Plant-Based Finishes: Innovations like ecorepel® and Bionic-Finish® Eco use renewable raw materials to create water-repellent coatings that are entirely PFC-free.

These alternatives may require more frequent re-treatment compared to traditional DWRs, but they offer an excellent balance of safety, sustainability, and performance for everyday users.

Certifications to Look For

If you want to ensure you’re truly buying low-toxin outerwear, keep an eye out for these trusted certifications:

  • bluesign® APPROVED – Ensures responsible chemical use during manufacturing.
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 – Guarantees textiles are free from harmful levels of over 100 substances, including fluorinated chemicals.
  • GreenScreen® Certified – Evaluates and certifies chemical safety in consumer products.
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Not common for outerwear, but great for natural fibers used in eco-friendly layering.

Brands Leading the Way Toward Safer Outerwear

Here are a few companies pushing the envelope with eco-conscious, PFC-free rainwear and gear:

  • Patagonia – Actively working to eliminate PFCs in all DWR finishes; many new items are fluorine-free.
  • Vaude – A European brand leading the charge in sustainability, with nearly all outerwear now PFC-free.
  • Fjällräven – Uses a proprietary PFC-free impregnation process and natural materials like G-1000 waxed fabrics.
  • Jack Wolfskin – Offers a full line of PFC-free jackets and footwear.
  • REI Co-op – REI’s house brand includes multiple PFC-free rain jackets clearly labeled on-site.

Safer waterproofing options do exist, and they’re getting better every season. By supporting brands that prioritize health and sustainability, you’re helping shift the entire outdoor industry toward less toxic practices—one jacket at a time.

How to Shop Smart – Your PFC-Free Outerwear Checklist

Navigating the world of outdoor gear can feel overwhelming—especially when brands throw around terms like “eco,” “sustainable,” or “PFC-free” without clear definitions. But with the right knowledge, you can confidently choose outerwear that aligns with your low-toxin lifestyle without compromising on function.

Here’s your go-to checklist for identifying safer, PFC-free outerwear:

What to Look for When Shopping

  1. PFC-Free Labeling
    • Look for phrases like:
      • “Fluorocarbon-free DWR”
      • “100% PFC-free”
      • “Non-fluorinated water-repellent treatment”
    • Be cautious of vague terms like “eco DWR” without clarification.
  2. Transparency About Materials
    • Brands that offer product-specific details (on their site or tag) are more likely to use safer alternatives.
    • Bonus: Look for fabric breakdowns like “waxed organic cotton” or “bluesign® approved recycled nylon.”
  3. Trusted Certifications
    • Favor items with certifications such as:
      • bluesign® APPROVED
      • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
      • GreenScreen® Certified
      • Fair Trade Certified™ (for ethical labor alongside low-toxin goals)
  4. Reputable Brand Policies
    • Before buying, check the company’s sustainability or environmental policy. Many list their progress in eliminating harmful substances.
    • Example search: “Patagonia PFC phase-out timeline”

What to Avoid

  • Generic “DWR” claims with no mention of being PFC-free
  • Technical jargon that sounds green but isn’t (e.g., “advanced repellency tech”)
  • Teflon™ coatings or products that tout “stain shield” features (often fluorinated)

Secondhand Doesn’t Always Mean Safer

While buying used gear is eco-conscious in terms of waste, it can come with hidden risks if the item was manufactured during the era when C8-based PFCs (like PFOA/PFOS) were common.

Tips for safer secondhand shopping:

  • Look for brands and models made after 2016, when many began phasing out long-chain PFCs.
  • Wash secondhand items with a detoxifying laundry rinse (like vinegar or baking soda soaks) to reduce chemical residues.

Caring for PFC-Free Outerwear

Choosing PFC-free outerwear is a huge win for your health and the environment—but to keep it performing well, it’s essential to care for it properly. Unlike traditional chemical-heavy jackets, PFC-free gear may need a little more attention to maintain its water resistance over time.

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your outerwear and preserve its eco-friendly waterproofing.

1. Wash Gently, Wash Smart

  • Use mild, fragrance-free detergents that are made for technical or waterproof fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh soaps—they can degrade the DWR coating.
  • Wash only when necessary to prevent over-stripping the water-repellent treatment.
  • Choose cold or warm water, and use a gentle or outdoor-gear cycle on your machine.
  • Always close zippers, Velcro, and snaps before washing to reduce abrasion.

Recommended products: Try eco-friendly detergents like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash—both are designed for PFC-free gear.

2. Reproof When Water Stops Beading

Over time, even non-toxic water-repellent finishes lose effectiveness due to dirt, body oils, and wear. If water stops beading on the surface, it’s time to reproof your gear:

  • Look for fluorine-free spray-on or wash-in DWR re-treatments, such as:
    • Nikwax TX.Direct® (fluorocarbon-free)
    • Grangers Performance Repel Plus
  • Reproof after 4–6 washes or once a season for outdoor regulars.

Pro tip: Always clean your jacket before reproofing. Dirt and oils interfere with the treatment’s ability to bond to the fabric.

3. Tumble Dry (Sometimes!) or Iron on Low

Some DWR finishes—including PFC-free ones—reactivate with low heat:

  • If your care tag allows it, toss your clean jacket in the dryer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
  • Alternatively, use a warm iron (with a towel between the fabric and the iron) to gently re-activate water repellency.
  • Always check the label before applying heat—some natural or blended fibers may be sensitive.

4. Storage Tips

  • Store your jacket in a cool, dry place, never compressed or stuffed for long periods.
  • Avoid leaving outerwear in hot cars or damp basements where mold, mildew, or delamination can occur.

Caring Is Part of the Low-Toxin Lifestyle

When you properly care for your outerwear, you not only make it last longer—you reduce the need to buy new gear frequently, which cuts down on waste, packaging, shipping emissions, and potential exposure to new chemicals.

Your gear works hard to protect you. A little attention goes a long way to protect it—and your values in the process.

Conclusion: Rethinking Waterproof – One Jacket at a Time

In the world of outdoor gear, water-resistance is often seen as non-negotiable—but few consumers realize that many waterproofing treatments come with an invisible cost. PFCs, the chemicals behind most DWR coatings, don’t just stay on the surface. They pollute ecosystems, accumulate in the human body, and pose long-term health risks.

But the tide is turning. More brands are embracing innovation and transparency. More consumers are demanding better. And with safer alternatives now available—from fluorine-free coatings to responsibly certified outerwear—you can stay dry without compromising your commitment to low-toxin living.

Before your next gear purchase, check the label. Read between the buzzwords. And remember: staying dry and staying healthy should never be mutually exclusive.

Call to Action: Detox Your Closet, Protect Your Health

It’s time to rethink the gear that’s meant to protect you. Waterproof outerwear should keep you dry—but not at the cost of your health or the environment.

By choosing PFC-free jackets and eco-friendly brands, you take a powerful step toward low-toxin living. You support companies that prioritize transparency, sustainability, and innovation. And most importantly, you reduce your exposure to “forever chemicals” with very real, lasting impacts.

Start your low-toxin wardrobe journey now:

Want to go deeper?

See what brands are actually doing the work:
Patagonia’s PFC-Free Commitment

Explore the science of PFC exposure:
EWG: Guide to PFC Chemicals

Follow the global movement to detox fashion:
Greenpeace Detox My Fashion Campaign

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health.

Results Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. The information and products discussed are not guaranteed to work for everyone and should not be considered medical advice.

Accuracy Notice: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but the content may not reflect the latest medical research. Always verify any critical health information with a qualified source.

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