PFAs (Forever Chemicals) In Your Clothing. What Brands Aren't Telling You. | MARINE|O

If you've seen the phrase "forever chemicals" in the news lately, it wasn't about cookware this time, it was about clothing. In 2026 the conversation around toxic chemicals in clothes has gone mainstream, with new PFAS bans rolling out across Europe and the US, and even a high-profile investigation into whether a major activewear brand's apparel contains them.

Here's the uncomfortable part: PFAS are just one of several chemicals that can end up in the clothes sitting against your skin all day, and brands aren't required to tell you about most of them. This is what's actually in your clothes, why it matters, and how to avoid it.

What are PFAS ("forever chemicals") in clothing?

PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used to make fabric repel water, oil and stains. They're what makes a jacket "waterproof" or a pair of pants "stain-resistant." The problem is in the nickname: they're called forever chemicals because they don't break down. They build up in the environment, in drinking water, and in our bodies over time.

Research has linked PFAS exposure to hormonal disruption, fertility issues, immune effects and increased cancer risk. The science is still developing, but the concern is serious enough that governments are acting: France banned PFAS in clothing from 2026, several US states have brought in textile bans, and the UK launched its first national PFAS plan. PFAS are most common in activewear, outdoor gear and anything labelled water- or stain-resistant.

It's not just PFAS. The other chemicals hiding in your clothes

PFAS get the headlines, but they're not alone. Conventional clothing can also contain:

• Formaldehyde - used for wrinkle-resistant and "non-iron" finishes. A known skin irritant and respiratory sensitiser.
• BPA and bisphenols - turned up in synthetic, stretchy fabrics. Classified as endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with your hormones.
• Phthalates - used to soften plastics, including printed logos and synthetic activewear. Also endocrine disruptors.
• Heavy metals and azo dyes - used to create bright, fast colours in synthetic fabrics; some are carcinogenic.

The catch: brands generally aren't required to disclose the chemical finishes applied to clothing. So even a careful shopper often can't tell what's in a garment from the label alone.

Why it matters more for clothes you sweat in

Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs. The concern is highest with clothing worn close to the body during heat and movement. Activewear, base layers, shorts, because when you sweat, your pores open and friction increases, making it easier for chemical residues to transfer to your skin.

It's worth noting the irony here: the "performance" features people pay extra for in synthetic activewear; sweat-wicking, odour control, water resistance, are often exactly the chemical finishes worth avoiding. Which raises an obvious question: is there a way to get those properties without the chemicals?

How to avoid toxic chemicals in your clothes

You don't need to throw out your wardrobe. A few habits make a real difference:

• Choose natural fibres. Wool, cotton, linen and hemp don't require chemical finishes to perform. Merino wool, for example, is naturally water-resistant, odour-resistant and temperature-regulating, no PFAS or added treatments needed.
• Be sceptical of "performance" labels. Water-resistant, stain-resistant, wrinkle-free and anti-odour finishes are the most likely to involve PFAS, formaldehyde or other treatments.
• Look for certifications. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS test finished garments for harmful substances, including PFAS and formaldehyde.
• Buy from transparent brands. If a brand won't tell you what's in or on its fabric, that's an answer in itself.
• Wash new clothes before wearing to remove some surface chemical residue (though this won't remove what's bonded into the fibre).

The simplest fix is the fibre itself. A garment made from 100% natural fibre, with no chemical performance finish, sidesteps the whole issue. If you want a place to start, we compared the options in our guide to the best non-toxic, plastic-free men's shorts in Australia.

The takeaway

PFAS brought toxic chemicals in clothing into the spotlight, but they're one piece of a bigger picture that most brands don't talk about. You can't control everything, but you can control the fabric you choose, and natural fibres that perform without chemical treatments are the cleanest answer we have.

FAQs

What are PFAS in clothing?

PFAS (forever chemicals) are synthetic chemicals used to make fabric water-, stain- and oil-resistant. They're most common in activewear and outdoor gear, and don't break down in the body or environment.

How do I know if my clothes contain PFAS?

It's difficult, brands rarely disclose it. The strongest clues are "water-resistant," "stain-resistant" or "performance" labels on synthetic fabrics. Look for OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification, or choose untreated natural fibres to avoid the question entirely.

Does merino wool contain PFAS?

Untreated merino wool doesn't need PFAS. It's naturally water-resistant, odour-resistant and breathable without chemical finishes, which is why natural-fibre garments are a common choice for people avoiding forever chemicals.

What are the most non-toxic fabrics?

Natural fibres without chemical finishes; merino wool, organic cotton, linen and hemp are generally considered the lowest-risk options, especially when certified by OEKO-TEX or GOTS.

Sources

• bluesign – PFAS in Clothing: 2026 Bans, Health Risks and Safer Alternatives
• Fibre2Fashion – Fashion's Chemical Crisis: PFAS, VOCs and Toxic Forever Chemicals
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – restricted substance list
• Peer-reviewed research on PFAS, phthalates and bisphenols as endocrine disruptors

Most shorts are made from plastic. These aren't. See the MARINE|O Merino Wool Walkshort →