Legislation restricting PFAS in consumer products has been moving quickly — and clothing is increasingly in scope. If you’ve been wondering whether the jacket or activewear you’re considering is actually covered by any law, this guide breaks it down state by state and tells you what it actually means when you’re shopping.
What PFAS Are and Why They Matter
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They’re sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in the human body.
In clothing, PFAS are used primarily to create durable water repellency (DWR) — the finish that makes rain bead off a jacket — as well as stain resistance and oil repellency in performance fabrics. The problem is that these coatings can shed during wear and washing, and the chemicals have been linked to a range of health concerns including hormone disruption, immune system effects, and increased cancer risk at certain exposure levels.
Why PFAS Show Up in Clothing
Not every piece of clothing contains PFAS, but they’re more common than most people realize. Categories with the highest likelihood of PFAS treatment include:
- Waterproof and water-resistant outerwear
- Ski and snow gear
- Performance activewear labeled “moisture-wicking” or “quick-dry”
- Stain-resistant casual wear (khakis, chinos)
- Work uniforms in certain industries
The challenge is that PFAS treatments often aren’t listed on clothing labels. Labels show fiber content and care instructions — not the chemical finishes applied to those fibers. That gap is exactly what much of the new legislation is trying to address.
Which States Are Restricting PFAS in Clothing
California (AB 1817)
California passed AB 1817 in 2022, making it the first state to restrict PFAS in textiles. The law phases out the use of regulated PFAS in textile articles sold in California:
- January 1, 2025: Prohibition takes effect for most textile articles
- January 1, 2027: Broader category coverage kicks in
“Textile articles” under the law includes clothing, bags, backpacks, and similar products. The law does not apply to outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions — that category has a later compliance date of January 1, 2028.
The practical effect: any brand selling into California (which, given its market size, means nearly every national brand) has been under pressure to reformulate or phase out PFAS-treated products.
New York (S. 4877-A)
New York enacted similar legislation in 2023, restricting PFAS in apparel and home textiles. The New York law includes:
- A prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in textile articles
- Coverage of children’s products, apparel, and home textiles
- Phase-in dates beginning in 2025
New York and California together represent such a significant share of the U.S. retail market that compliance in those states effectively means national reformulation for most major brands.
Maine
Maine passed comprehensive PFAS legislation that includes product reporting and restrictions across consumer goods categories, with textiles included in broader coverage. Implementation timelines have been adjusted as the state builds out its reporting infrastructure.
Colorado
Colorado has been advancing legislation that would restrict PFAS in several consumer product categories including apparel. As of 2026, rulemaking is ongoing and specific textile restrictions are expected to be finalized.
Other States to Watch
Washington, Minnesota, and Vermont have each passed broader PFAS legislation or are advancing bills that include or are expected to include apparel provisions. The regulatory landscape is moving quickly, and the trend line is clear: more states are moving toward restriction, not fewer.
What These Laws Mean for Shoppers
The important nuance: these laws govern what brands can sell, not what’s already in your closet. Here’s what they practically mean for you:
Products sold after the effective dates should be PFAS-free. If you buy a jacket in California or New York from a mainstream brand after January 2025, it should not contain intentionally added PFAS in the regulated categories. That said, enforcement is still building out, and brands have varying speeds of reformulation.
“Severe wet condition” outerwear has a later deadline. California’s 2028 date for this category means that technical mountaineering gear and heavy-duty rain gear may still contain PFAS through that date.
Laws don’t cover everything. Outdoor apparel sold in states without restrictions isn’t subject to these rules. And if you’re buying secondhand, pre-law inventory isn’t covered.
Labels may still not tell you much. The laws restrict use, but they don’t require disclosure on garment tags. You may need to check brand websites or contact companies directly to confirm compliance.
How to Find Safer Clothing Options
Here are practical steps you can take regardless of where you live or shop:
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Look for explicit PFAS-free claims. Brands committed to reformulation will often say so on their product pages — look for language like “PFC-free,” “PFAS-free DWR,” or “fluorocarbon-free.”
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Check for bluesign® or OEKO-TEX® certification. These third-party standards restrict certain PFAS or require chemical management systems.
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Be skeptical of “water-resistant” without more detail. The finish might be PFAS-based or PFAS-free — and without a claim, you can’t tell from the label alone.
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Scan clothing in Wove. Wove grades items based on fiber content, microplastic risk, and chemical concern indicators so you can make faster, more informed decisions while shopping.
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Ask brands directly. A customer service email asking “Is this jacket treated with PFAS or fluorocarbons?” tends to get clear answers, and the act of asking signals to brands that shoppers care.
FAQ
Are PFAS banned in all clothing nationally?
No. The U.S. does not currently have a federal ban on PFAS in clothing. Restrictions exist at the state level, primarily in California and New York.
Does a California-sold jacket mean it’s PFAS-free?
For most categories after January 1, 2025, yes — brands selling in California should have reformulated. But the outdoor severe-wet-condition category has until 2028, so heavy-duty technical rain gear may still be in a transition period.
How do I know if a jacket I already own has PFAS?
You can’t tell from the label. Some brands offer transparency on their websites about which products have been reformulated. Third-party testing is the only definitive way to confirm.
Are PFAS laws the same as microplastic laws?
No — these address different issues. PFAS laws restrict chemical finishes applied to fabrics. Microplastic regulations would address fiber shedding during washing. Both are areas of growing legislative attention, but they’re separate frameworks.
What’s the safest type of outerwear to buy right now?
Look for rain jackets from brands that have explicitly committed to PFAS-free DWR (such as wax-based or silicone-based alternatives) and carry bluesign® or similar certification. Check Wove or brand product pages for this detail.
Related reading: PFAS in Clothing: What It Is and How to Avoid It · What Brands Use PFAS in Clothing
Scan clothing with Wove before you buy. Download Wove to get an instant fiber and chemical grade on any item.
Sources
- California Legislative Information: AB 1817 (2022)
- New York State Senate: S. 4877-A
- Environmental Working Group: PFAS in Everyday Products
- NRDC: Waterproof Clothing and PFAS