PFAS in Cycling Gear: Safe Bike Clothing and Equipment

If you are working to cut PFAS out of your home, your cycling kit probably is not on the list yet. It should be. Water-repellent jerseys, rain jackets, and treated shorts can all carry PFAS-based coatings, and they sit against your skin for hours at a time. Fortunately, swapping them out is not complicated once you know what to look for.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS free camping gear and PFAS free diapers.

The Health Case for Avoiding PFAS in Cycling Jersey Shorts

A 2023 review in eBioMedicine pulled together evidence that PFAS exposure is linked to thyroid disruption, immune system changes, and developmental concerns in children. Your body accumulates these chemicals faster than it can clear them. So any product you can switch to a PFAS-free version, including cycling gear you wear for long rides, chips away at that total load.

What to Look for When Shopping for PFAS-Free Cycling Gear

Marketing labels will not tell you much here. “Water-repellent” or “stain-guard” on a jersey or jacket usually means a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, and most DWR formulas still use PFAS. The reliable shortcut is to look for third-party certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and bluesign both restrict PFAS. If a product has one of those labels, you are in good shape. If it does not, ask the brand directly whether their treatment is fluorine-free. More cycling companies are making the switch than you might expect. You can also search the PFAS Free Life Database for verified products across cycling and other categories.

Top PFAS-Free Cycling Jersey and Shorts Options to Try

Here is what to reach for when you are ready to replace your current kit:

1. Untreated natural fibers such as merino wool blends and organic cotton, which provide moisture management without chemical treatments
2. Certified cycling apparel bearing OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or bluesign certification, both of which restrict PFAS
3. Brands with transparent chemical policies that confirm fluorine-free DWR treatments on their outerwear and cycling rain gear

If you need a rain layer, take a look at the Helly Hansen Impertech Rain Jacket and Bib. It is a popular pick among riders looking to ditch PFAS without giving up weather protection.

Practical Steps to Minimize PFAS Exposure from Cycling Gear

You do not have to overhaul your entire gear closet in a weekend. Small swaps add up. For your cycling kit specifically:

• Replace cycling gear with fluorine-based coatings as it wears out, rather than all at once
• Wash new cycling jerseys and shorts before your first ride to reduce surface chemical residues
• Choose cycling rain jackets with fluorine-free DWR treatments instead of traditional PFAS-based waterproofing
• Look beyond your bike gear too: check our PFAS free food storage bags guide and PFAS free cookware guide for the kitchen

Every swap counts, and the PFAS Free Life Database can help you figure out what to tackle next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all cycling jerseys and shorts contain PFAS?

No, not all cycling jerseys and shorts contain PFAS. However, many cycling products marketed as water-resistant or stain-resistant have historically used PFAS-based DWR treatments. The safest approach is to look for third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or bluesign, or to contact the manufacturer directly about their chemical policy.

What health risks are linked to PFAS in cycling gear?

PFAS exposure from consumer products has been associated with several health concerns, including elevated cholesterol, immune system disruption, hormone interference, and in some cases increased cancer risk. Children and pregnant women are considered especially vulnerable. The good news is that reducing exposure through product swaps can lower your body burden over time, as PFAS do eventually clear from the body when exposure stops.

Are PFAS-free cycling gear alternatives effective?

Yes, PFAS-free cycling alternatives have improved significantly in recent years. Merino wool blends, organic cotton, and untreated synthetic fibers perform well for base layers and jerseys. For water-resistant cycling outerwear, fluorine-free DWR treatments have become widely available and hold up well in typical riding conditions. Many cyclists find the alternatives work just as well once they make the switch.