When we think about chemical exposure, clothing isn’t usually part of the conversation. But many of the fabrics we wear every day, especially those closest to the skin, are designed to resist water, stains, and wrinkles, often through chemical treatments that aren’t immediately visible.
These substances are known as PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.” And they’re more common in clothing than most people realize.
Understanding PFAS in clothing matters because these chemicals don’t just stay in the fabric. They can come into contact with your skin, enter the environment, and persist for years without breaking down.
In this article, we’ll break down what PFAS are, why they’re used in textiles, how they may affect health, and what you can do to reduce exposure without overhauling your entire wardrobe.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used to make materials resistant to water, oil, and stains.
They are commonly found in:
- water-resistant clothing
- activewear and performance fabrics
- stain-resistant treatments
- outdoor gear
- some uniforms and workwear
PFAS in clothing refer to a group of synthetic chemicals used to make fabrics water, stain, and oil-resistant. These substances, known as “forever chemicals,” do not easily break down and can accumulate in the environment and the human body over time. As more research emerges, concerns about PFAS exposure from everyday products including clothing, continue to grow.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS have been detected in water, soil, and even human blood samples, highlighting how widespread exposure has become.
https://www.epa.gov/pfas
Why Are PFAS Used in Clothing?
PFAS are used in textiles because they provide performance benefits.
They help fabrics:
- repel water
- resist stains
- dry quickly
- maintain a “clean” appearance
From a manufacturing standpoint, these properties make clothing more durable and easier to maintain. But these benefits often come with trade-offs that aren’t always visible to consumers.
Many of these treatments are applied during the finishing stage of textile production, meaning they are not always obvious when purchasing clothing.
How PFAS in Clothing May Affect Health
Research into PFAS exposure is ongoing, but studies have raised concerns about how these chemicals behave in the body.
PFAS can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, and potentially through skin contact. While clothing is not considered the primary source of exposure, it may contribute to overall cumulative exposure over time.
According to research reviewed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), certain PFAS have been associated with:
- hormonal disruption
- immune system effects
- potential impacts on fertility
- long-term accumulation in the body
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas
Because these chemicals persist, even small exposures from multiple sources, including food packaging, water, and textiles, can add up over time.
Where PFAS Show Up in Everyday Clothing
PFAS are most commonly found in garments marketed for performance or durability.
This includes water-resistant jackets, stain-resistant uniforms, and some synthetic activewear. However, they can also be present in less obvious items that have been treated to resist wrinkles or spills.
What makes this especially important is that many of these garments are worn frequently and for long periods of time. Clothing that sits directly against the skin such as underwear, leggings, and sleepwear can become part of your daily exposure.
Even washing these items can release PFAS into water systems, contributing to environmental contamination.
Why Fabric Choice Matters
What touches your skin every day matters more than most people think.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it interacts continuously with the materials you wear. When fabrics are treated with chemical finishes, that contact becomes part of your daily environment.
Choosing plant-based, non-toxic fabrics made under strict certification standards can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
Materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton are produced without many of the chemical treatments commonly used in conventional textiles. These standards help limit harmful substances not only during farming, but also throughout dyeing and finishing.
If you want to understand how fabric production affects what you wear, you can read our guide on: Organic Cotton vs Conventional Cotton: What’s Really Touching Your Skin
Practical Ways to Reduce PFAS Exposure
Reducing exposure to PFAS in clothing doesn’t mean replacing everything you own. It’s about making more intentional choices over time.
Start by paying attention to how clothing is marketed. Terms like “water-resistant,” “stain-proof,” or “wrinkle-free” often indicate chemical treatments.
When possible, choose natural fibres such as organic cotton or hemp, especially for garments worn closest to the skin.
Washing new clothes before wearing them may also help reduce some surface residues, although it does not completely remove PFAS.
Over time, even small shifts like choosing untreated fabrics for everyday basics—can reduce your overall exposure.
A Quick Check-In
Take a moment to consider your current wardrobe:
- Do you regularly wear water-resistant or performance fabrics?
- What materials are in your everyday basics?
- Are your most-worn items treated for stain or wrinkle resistance?
Awareness is the first step toward making more informed choices.
The Bigger Picture
The conversation around PFAS in clothing is part of a larger shift toward transparency in materials and manufacturing.
More consumers are asking questions about what their products are made from—not just for sustainability, but for long-term health.
While PFAS are just one piece of a much larger puzzle, they highlight how everyday materials can play a role in our overall exposure.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe overnight.
But understanding what PFAS are, and where they show up allows you to make more informed decisions over time.
From the fabrics you wear to the products you bring into your home, these small choices shape your daily environment in ways that are often overlooked.
And when it comes to what touches your skin every day, those choices matter.