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2023 Polartec Apex Award Winners Announced
Planet Earth, (November 6th, 2023) – Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, is excited to announce the winners of the 2023 Polartec Apex Awards. The annual design awards celebrate the brands and designers who embody the ethos, Made To Go Beyond. The winning garments ‒ selected from hundreds of entries designed to enhance the lives of those who wear them ‒ exemplify the pinnacle of durability and functionality across sport, lifestyle, and performance categories. The Polartec Apex Awards spotlight innovative designs that look beyond the existing and create authentic products. The 2023 winners are:
2022 Polartec Apex Award Winners Announced
Spartanburg, SC (November 28, 2022) – Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, is excited to announce the winners of the 2022 Polartec Apex Award. The annual design award celebrates the brands and designers that push the boundaries to turn Polartec fabric technologies into inspiring products. The winning garments - selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec fabrics - exemplify the pinnacle of form and functionality across sport, lifestyle, and performance categories. The winners of this year’s Polartec Apex Award highlight design solutions that emphasize versatility, sustainability, and convert classic traditions into modern concepts. The 2022 Polartec Apex Design Award winners are: Berghaus MTN Guide MW Hoody – The MTN Guide MW Hoody is a performance mid-layer that manages the delicate balance of warmth, breathability, and moisture. By using different weights of Polartec® Power Grid™, the garment removes the bulk for a better fit and increased breathability in high heat areas. The addition of an innovative Polartec® Power Wool™ internal neck gaiter provides custom-tuned warmth that can be easily used with the hood up, down, or tuck it out of the way when not needed. Due to Polartec Power Wool’s unique bi-component construction, combining the properties of both natural and synthetic fibers, you get the ultimate in next-to-skin fabric performance. Judges’ Verdict: Berghaus was thoughtful in its use of multiple Polartec® fabrics, both in terms of genre and weight. Element x Millet – MXE – P EDGE FLEECE LTD PO and MXE – P FLEECE LTD PANT – An incredible convergence of design, inspiration, and upcycling innovation blends seamlessly between vintage Millet styling curated with deadstock Polartec® 200 Series Recycled Fleece and Element’s artistic touch blends in this cozy collection. Millet and Element’s teams breathed new life into leftover fabrics, creating a unique color-blocked look while providing unparalleled comfort and warmth. With greater resiliency, lightweight warmth and fast dry times, Polartec fleece remains the industry standard for outerwear performance since its inception in 1981. Judges Verdict: We loved the sustainability story through Element and Millet’s use of discarded fabrics. Haglöfs L.I.M Z|T Sync 1 Mid Hood & L.I.M Z|T Sync 2 Mid Jacket – Built for super rugged conditions, the L.I.M Series Z|T is a truly synchronized layering system challenging the common perception of expedition gear. The versatile new approach to layering elevates the “less is more” wisdom, utilizing a combination of Polartec® Alpha®, Power Air™, and Power Dry® technologies. Through meticulous design and a selection of innovative Polartec fabrics, the pieces supply outstanding functionality when worn individually, but true ingenuity shines when they are combined, producing an average of 30% lower humidity within the layering system compared to that of conventional systems, according to Haglöfs. The result: reducing the feeling of being too hot or too cold and keeping body temperature stable through a wide range of activities and intensities. Judges’ Verdict: Haglöfs delivered an innovative concept made possible through the multiple use of Polartec® fabrics. Houdini Pace Flow Houdi – Constructed of Polartec® Power Dry® - a superiorly advanced next-to-skin moisture management fabric - the super versatile Pace Flow Houdi offers high insulation, low weight and exceptional breathability. The open mesh fabric allows air to flow through and vent out any excess heat or moisture and when used in a layering system, will encapsulate a powerful layer of warm air - akin to the new generation of Polartec® Power Air™ fabrics - that provides an exceptional level of insulation and thermal efficiency to create the perfect microclimate for high pace activities. Judges’ Verdict: Houdini is known for its strong sustainability credentials and has delivered outstanding results with this new, recycled Polartec® technology.Indyeva Toga – An ideal blend of style and performance, this modern designed fleece tunic featuring Polartec® Thermal Pro® for core body warmth is highly durable and pill resistant. With technical fiber compositions that maintain a soft texture and air pockets for thermoregulation and breathability, Thermal Pro® advances fleece fashion with premium yarns for a cozy, resilient, and stylish finish. The thin and soft Toga tunic can be worn as an outer layer or an insulating intermediate layer under a shell without added bulk. Judges’ Verdict: Indyeva’s unique application of Polartec® fabric also features attention to detail and undeniable style. KUIU Wind Pro Fleece Full Zip – Dead quiet, low-sheen, and highly wind resistant, the first-of-its-kind printed Polartec® Wind Pro® fleece hunting jacket is versatile as an early-season outer layer or as a late-season mid-layer that achieves high-level protection without a noisy windproof membrane, ensuring unrestricted breathability for maximum comfort. Engineered with a compact knit surface structure for up to 4x greater wind resistance than regular synthetic fleece, Wind Pro adds brawn to deflect the elements while still maintaining soft comfort and lightweight warmth. Judges’ Verdict: Kuiu presented us with a challenge that led to innovative results for both brands. Moncler Grenoble Peyrus Hooded Jacket & Shorts – Designed for an active lifestyle in a retro inspired mountaineering silhouette, this ripstop hooded jacket & shorts are made with a wind-proof lining and hydrophobic Polartec® Alpha® that regulates warmth and provides exceptional breathability. Alpha continuously releases excess body heat before it builds - an adaptive quality that is made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. This active insulation resists all moisture, is incredibly fast drying, and highly compressible, making it the ideal piece for on and off the mountain. Judges’ Verdict: Moncler Grenoble’s Peyrus Hooded Jacket and Shorts offer technical excellence for outdoor adventures with their exceptional breathability. Nonnative Dweller Cardigan Poly Fleece – Reimagining the esteemed cardigan silhouette as a high performing technical garment, utilizing Polartec® Alpha® Direct fabric providing warmth while continuously releasing excess body temperature to maintain comfort and coziness. Alpha Direct active insulation technology allows for direct contact with skin and other fabric layers due to the refining of the shape and size of its lofted fibers - this new design ability not only increases breathability performance but expands versatile style options. Japanese label, Nonnative, has gained a following for its fresh takes on traditional American workwear, upgrading them with contemporary fabrications to blend practicality and style - an approach that gained attention through this inventive utilization of Alpha Direct. Judges’ Verdict: Nonnative’s cardigan is on-trend and features high performance fabric – the perfect combination. Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer – Designed for cyclists, this innovative midlayer featuring Polartec® Alpha® Direct fabric transfers moisture with breakaway speed, keeping riders dry and comfortable throughout a wide temperature range in an extremely lightweight, packable, insulative, and thermoregulating garment with unparalleled breathability and drying times. By refining the shape and size of its lofted fibers, Alpha® Direct active insulation continuously releases excess body heat before it builds to cause saturation and discomfort, and being hydrophobic, it resists moisture and dries incredibly fast for unparalleled performance and versatility. Judges’ Verdict: We were impressed by Pearl Izumi’s focus on versatility through clever use of fabric for year-round appeal. Santini Alpha Pack Vest – A revolutionary new garment designed for gravel cyclists seeking protection from cold and wind, the pack vest combines a unique version of Polartec® Alpha® with Wool for superb moisture management properties and natural thermoregulation. Alpha active insulation is engineered for consistent warmth while allowing for greater breathability and fast drying during activity, and maintains a highly packable, low-weight structure - all critical benefits for year-round, all-weather cyclists. Judges’ Verdict: Santini has successfully adopted this new Polartec® technology to create an on-trend garment for gravel cyclists around the world. SCARPA Ribelle Run Kalibra G – Applied for the first time to a trail running shoe, Polartec® Windbloc® provides water resistant, breathable, and comfortable protection for seriously gnarly conditions in the Ribelle Run Kalibra G trail shoe. Designed for mixed terrain and extreme conditions, the shoe’s gaiter is constructed of a unique Polartec polyurethane membrane that defends against the harshest elements of wind, water, and cold temperatures, while still allowing moisture vapor to permeate outside for maximum comfort and breathability. Judges’ Verdict: Scarpa’s developed an impressive trail running shoe. A world-first and genius pairing of Polartec® technology for high performance. Thrudark Centurion Alpine Jacket – A versatile technical softshell jacket incorporating a unique combination of two Polartec powered fabrics and one enhancing technology. Designed as a midlayer for advanced technical pursuits, the Centurion Alpine Jacket is forged with Polartec® Hardface® technology, fused at the fiber level to increase abrasion resistance and water repellency without compromising breathability. In addition to the resilient exterior, it also includes Polartec® Power Stretch® for ease of movement and Polartec® Power Air ™, capturing air to retain body heat in cool environments. Designed as the ultimate all-mountain piece, the Jacket is perfectly suited for a diverse range of outdoor disciplines. Judges’ Verdict: ThruDark’s tried and tested Centurion Alpine Jacket uses multiple, sustainable Polartec fabrics to create a jacket that will withstand extreme use.Every Apex Awards winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. The Apex Awards also feature a “People’s Choice” contender - voted on by the public via Polartec social media platforms - and will be announced in the coming weeks. About Polartec® Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing the original PolarFleece in 1981, Polartec engineers continue to advance the science of fabric by creating problem solving technologies that improve the user experience. Polartec fabrics offer a wide range of functionality, including lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, and enhanced durability. Polartec products are used by performance, lifestyle, and workwear brands from around the world, the U.S. Military and allied militaries, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Polartec Announces 2021 Apex Design Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - November 9, 2021 - Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2021 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec. This year’s Polartec Apex Awards campaign centers the importance of versatility and functionality for today’s consumer, brought to life by a creative campaign featuring photography of all the winning products under the theme “Mountain to Bar and Back Again.” Recognizing the very best in garment design and fabric innovation, it's the freedom to play and perform in the same solution that makes many of this year’s winners stand out from the crowd. The models in the campaign have been fashioned as characters representing each winning brand’s product. The winners are: 66°North - Kría Neoshell® Power Fill Parka - The Kría NeoShell Power Fill Parka uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec® Power Fill™, the first 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric. Polartec® Power Fill™ provides lightweight warmth and compressible insulation made of proprietary hollow fibers bonded together to eliminate cold spots. Polartec® NeoShell® is not only the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, but it's also stretchy and lightweight, enabling unprecedented comfort in a waterproof fabric. The resulting design from the harsh, colder weather experts at 66°North in Iceland updates one of their original jacket designs with these technologies, creating a cold-weather parka that performs for everything from extreme weather outdoor pursuits, to everyday life. ABSNT - theROBE - The ABSNT Robe is designed for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec® Power Air™. An update to the award-winning fabric technology, this style of Polartec® Power Air™ is 100 percent recyclable and 25 percent lighter than the initial product. Power Air is the first fabric technology engineered to minimize microfiber shedding, with an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, capturing warmth and preventing microfibers from shedding at least five times less than other premium mid-layer fabrics. ABSNT’s unique position of designing premium and mindful product that they feel are ABS(e)NT from the marketplace makes Polartec a perfect fit for their introductory product. The product will release in 2022. Nike ACG - Therma-FIT “Wolf Tree” Allover Print Women’s ½-Zip Top, Women’s Pants, Men’s Pullover Top and Men’s Pants from Nike ACG Holiday 2021 Collection - Nike’s outdoor-inspired sub-label, ACG (All Conditions Gear), looks to the creators of technical fleece to deliver a premium apparel collection. Nike ACG uses Polartec® Classic 200 fleece made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester with a unique all-over print to design tops and bottoms for men and women. The resilient construction of Polartec Classic fleece technology creates air pockets for insulation, making it lightweight, warm, and fast-drying, with maximum durability. Nike ACG’s designs with Polartec equip you for streets and trails. And Wander - alpha AIR T - And Wander continues to showcase the design versatility of Polartec® Alpha® with the alpha AIR T. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation offers a rare combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability. A fabric technology originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha regulates thermal comfort in dynamic conditions due to its exceptional breathability. The Japanese outdoor brand uses a minimalist, fashion-oriented design but draws inspiration from the outdoor technical world with performance fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® meets the And Wander ethos of making beautiful, lightweight, and functional clothing. Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series - The Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series draws inspiration from how a climber or skier would layer in accordance with weather conditions to introduce the first non-flame-resistant Polartec workwear collection for the “athletes of work.” The collection employs a set of Polartec fabric technologies to create a unique thermoregulating layering system. For the base layer, Ariat chose Polartec® Power Grid™, the original grid fabric engineered to maximize warmth, breathability, wicking action, and compressibility, while minimizing weight and bulk. For the mid-layer, Ariat selected Polartec® Power Stretch® technical fleece for durable stretch and recovery, and treated it with Polartec® Hardface® for added protection, abrasion resistance and water repellency. For the outermost layer, Ariat used Polartec® Power Fill™, made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, to insulate in the coldest/harshest conditions. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind advanced clothing system using a breadth of Polartec fabric technologies to maximize thermoregulation and protection for the various conditions that workers face. Haglöfs - High Loft Wool Jacket - Haglöfs uses the performance of natural fibers to their benefit in the High Loft Wool Jacket. As a long-time Polartec innovation partner, Haglöfs embraced an evolution of Polartec® High Loft™ lightweight insulation made with merino wool for its natural thermoregulation and comfort on the shoulders and torso. And to add further natural performance, the arms and sides are engineered with Polartec® Power Wool™ for increased stretch and range of motion, with a brushed grid fleece wool interior and a smooth jersey face synthetic exterior to retain wool’s natural properties, while increasing its performance. The result is a cold-weather layer that uses Polartec’s natural solutions for advanced thermal comfort, enabling Haglöfs to maintain sustainable performance. Hikerkind - Midlayer_01 - Hikerkind is a women’s outdoor gear and New York City hiking club creating apparel with a new perspective that redefines the hiker archetype. For the brand’s initial product, Hikerkind selected Polartec® Power Air™, the award-winning future fleece technology specifically designed to reduce microfiber shedding. Featuring an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, Power Air provides advanced thermal efficiency while shedding 80% less microfibers compared to premium fleece. The Midlayer_01 is warm, yet lightweight and breathable, with four-way stretch and a soft hand feel, and looks as natural in an upscale boutique as on the trail. The bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified Polartec fabric is made in the USA and the garment is constructed in NYC, with 100% curbside-recyclable packaging. The Midlayer_01 (complete with a matching scrunchie made from upcycled Polartec® Power Air™) encapsulates Hikerkind’s ethos of conscious creation and reducing overall waste. Moncler - Grenoble Collection - Softshell Jacket, Softshell Pants - Moncler’s Grenoble Collection combines high-end fashion with performance technologies to create truly luxurious outdoor wear. Polartec® NeoShell®, the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric, powers this elevated look from top-to-bottom. With an air-permeable membrane, NeoShell is the first fabric to combine the superior breathability, ventilation, and stretch of a softshell with the waterproof performance of a hard shell. Moncler uses NeoShell in a unique tracksuit silhouette for versatile performance and comfort for any activity from mountain to city. The collection will release in January 2022. Norrøna falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood - The falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood is Norrøna’s most breathable and quick-drying mid-layer, using a hybrid of Polartec® Alpha® and Polartec® Power Grid™ fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation is perfect for high-intensity outdoor adventures in cold conditions, as the fabric is engineered for advanced breathability and thermoregulation. Polartec® Power Grid™ technical fleece is strategically placed under the arms and down the sides to optimize range of motion, promote moisture-wicking, and decrease overall fabric mass. With this piece, the Scandinavian outdoor brand designed a durable and lightweight mid-layer that performs throughout cold mountain conditions. Orvis - PRO Sun Hoodie - The PRO Sun Hoodie is the first-ever sun hoodie made from Polartec® Power Grid™, created for optimal temperature regulation and versatile performance. Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric technologies are defined by their patented bi-component knit grid construction for excellent moisture management and breathability. Orvis chose a thin, non-fleecey version of Power Grid with inherent sun protection (UPF50+), making it a truly smart application of this lightweight grid fabric. Originally designed for fly fishing, the PRO Sun Hoodie makes for an optimal moisture wicking base layer foundation for all activities in all conditions. P.A.M. Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat - Australian fashion brand, Perks and Mini, designed this truly unique unisex coat with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec® Thermal Pro® shearling Fleece. This particular iteration of Polartec® Thermal Pro® is a warm yet lightweight performance fleece delivering the comfort and look of wool shearling, with the dramatically improved performance and durability of technical fleece. Known for their interesting prints and patterns, P.A.M. was able to take advantage of Polartec® Shearling Fleece’s design versatility by creating a truly fashionable coat with vibrant flowers all over, referencing this premium quality fabric in their own style. Sportful - Total Comfort Jacket - The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket uses a hybrid of Polartec thermoregulating fabrics, Polartec® Alpha® Direct and Polartec® NeoShell®, to set a new standard for winter cycling. In the interior, Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation regulates core body temperatures for advanced breathability, made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. Polartec® NeoShell® is the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, providing dynamic air exchange, comfortable stretch, and weather protection, allowing Alpha’s breathability to excel for aerobic pursuits. The Total Comfort Jacket combines two of Polartec’s most innovative fabric technologies to enable unprecedented comfort and performance in cold-weather activities. Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. A “People’s Choice” winner will be named via voting on Polartec social media over the coming weeks. About Polartec® Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing the original PolarFleece in 1981, Polartec engineers continue to advance the science of fabric by creating problem solving technologies that improve the user experience. Polartec fabrics offer a wide range of functionality, including lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, and enhanced durability. Polartec products are used by performance, lifestyle, and workwear brands from around the world, the U.S. Military and allied militaries, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Polartec Announces 2020 Apex Design Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - November 9, 2020 - Polartec, the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2020 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec.The winners are:66 North Sudureyri NeoShell Coat - cut from soft, stretchy, durable Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric technology. The fabric was chosen because it provides full waterproof protection with outstanding breathability that prevents moisture build-up inside. The coat comes with two front pockets and a two-colored belt which can be used to cinch the waist or worn loose. Burton women’s [ak] Baker Hi-Loft Pants - made from a hybrid construction of ultra soft and compressible Polartec® High Loft® fleece, and stretchy, sweat-wicking, contouring Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™ fabric, this undergarment is designed for the coldest days. High Loft is ultra soft and full of stretch while keeping a low profile for a seriously warm, comfy fit during cold, stormy riding.Griffin Reversible Bomber Jacket - made from soft, warm Polartec® Thermal Pro® fleece with a sherpa aesthetic, this reversible bomber jacket features mesh front pockets and Woolrich Buffalo Check wool. The particular Thermal Pro fleece was selected for its richness in texture, warmth without weight, and reversibility. Gulch Inceptor Insulated Vest - made from highly breathable, fast-drying and compressible Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation, the Inceptor is a hunting vest designed to provide optimal thermoregulation, eliminating the need to shed or add layers during start-stop activity.Indygena Pecora - made of Polartec® Shearling fleece for its warmth and breathable comfort, providing efficiency and versatility in cold conditions, this is a pullover designed to be worn in any circumstances. Karpos Miage Jacket - primarily made with 90g Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation, which Karpos has printed on––and Power Stretch Hardface fleece on the under arms, side panels and hem for improved fit––the Miage is designed to incorporate the best technology, research, fabrics, fit and performance for ski mountaineering. K-Way Cloto Skirt / Atropo Pant / Claude Jacket / Andersen Pant / Hans Crew Neck - made of Polartec® Thermal Pro® fleece to transform classic garments with a technologically advanced, high performance fabric, the new K-Way R&D collection is technology meets haute couture in a limited edition of unique pieces, handcrafted in Italy. October’s Very Own OVO Polartec® Power Stretch Zip Hoodie / Pant / Balaclava - made of warm, comfortable Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™ fleece with four-way stretch and abrasion resistance, these pieces can be paired together for a completely cozy suit, or worn separately for added temperature regulation as needed. prAna men’s Tri Thermal Threads Overshirt - made of Polartec® Thermal Pro®, this overshirt uses the advanced fleece technology to deliver a healthy dose of warmth, without the weight. On the outside of the fabric, densely knitted yarn creates a classic heather sweater look, while inside a soft velour finish adds extra coziness. Santini Official UCI Rainbow Casual Jacket - as official producer of UCI race-wear and merchandise, Santini chose to use next-generation Polartec® Power Air™ fabric to create a premium fleece product that was both performance oriented and ecologically friendly. Power Air provides extraordinary warmth and comfort with recycled yarn which is knit in an award-winning construction that dramatically reduces the shedding of microfibers. Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Cardigan / Pullover / Shirt / Pants - made with Polartec® Alpha® insulation for lightweight, breathable warmth, these are the most iconic Snow Peak apparel items. Taking advantage of the flexibility of Alpha, these minimal designs are designed for maximum comfort. Supreme Polartec® Overalls - Supreme chose Polartec® 200 Series fleece for its functionality, employing it in a classic overall silhouette. Resilient, lightweight and warm, Polartec classic fleece is the original technical fleece, trusted for nearly 40 years. Xenith Under the Lights Polartec® Delta™ Short Sleeve - made with Polartec® Delta™ cooling fabric––which uses a unique composition and texture to disperse perspiration, reduce cling and increase airflow for evaporative cooling––this is an ultimate top for grueling workouts where sweat is inevitable and there is no room for distractions.
Polartec Announces 2019 APEX Design Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - September 17, 2019 - Polartec, the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2019 Polartec Apex Awards, an annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabrics. The winning products were selected based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec fabric technologies.The winners are: 66°North x Ganni Kria NeoShell Jacket, a collaboration merging Iclandic technical know-how with Danish style, referencing 66°North’s first outdoor performance jacket from the 90s, with Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric 8Js Jackie Blazer, a technical reinterpretation of the classic menswear style from the emerging motorsports-inspired Italian fashion label, constructed from highly breathable and water resistant Polartec® Power Shield® Pro soft shell, with breathable military-grade Polartec® Alpha® insulation Bally Super Smash Techno Jacket, a masterpiece of three Polartec technologies––Polartec® NeoShell® breathable waterproof exterior, military-grade Polartec® Alpha® insulation, and cozy Polartec micro fleece lining––from the Swiss fashion brand Burton Mine77 Power Air Top and Power Air Pants, a versatile top and bottom combo employing new Polartec® Power Air™ fabric which encapsulates air to regulate body heat while minimizing fiber shedding, part of Jake Burton’s Mine77 signature product collection Crazy Idea T-Shirt Delta Woman, a technical shirt from the Italian ski touring company,designed for summer training, with Polartec® Delta™ cooling fabric Diadora x LC23 N9000 H Leo Colacicco, an innovative version of Diadora’s original running shoe, with a striking Polartec® Thermal Pro® shearling fleece upper and nubuck details Dudley Stephens Ashford Poncho, an elevated poncho silhouette with a stand-up collar and flattering cut, wearable over the shoulders or zipped for indoor-outdoor versatility, made of a Polartec® Thermal Pro® fleece with a curly pile aesthetic Fusalp Monza Combinasion, a Formula 1-inspired ski suit made of breathable military-grade Polartec® Alpha® insulation for a combination of thermoregulation,lightweight free movement and slenderness from the French ski apparel brand Giro Emerge, Jackson, Range, Union, Vue and Zone MIPS, premium snow helmets lined with Polartec® Power Grid® fabric for ultimate fit, moisture management and temperature regulation Globe Polartec Crew, a crewneck sweater with a complex design featuring a unique patchwork construction of Polartec® 300 series shearling fleeces from the Australian skate and surf brand LC23 Coat Thermal Pro, a smart trench coat made of a Polartec® Thermal Pro® fleece with a sweater knit aesthetic, from the emerging Italian fashion label NOBULL Soft Shell Jacket, a versatile full-zip hooded jacket made of highly breathable and water-resistant Polartec® Power Shield® Pro fabric for comfort throughout a wide range of conditions and activity levels, from the athletic training brand Santini Adapt Bib Tight, Alpha Baselayer, Alpha Under-Gloves and Vega Multi Jacket, advanced cold weather cycling solutions including a bib tight made of a new compression version of Polartec® Power Wool™, baselayers and under-gloves made of naked Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation, and a jacket made of Polartec® Power Shield® Pro, all providing exceptional breathability, moisture management and thermoregulation for complete thermal balance in diverse climatic conditions from the Italian cycling brand Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and art of apparel. The winning designers are being recognized with aMalden statue, an industry award unlike any other.About PolartecPolartec is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing modern technical fleece in 1981, the engineers at Polartec continue to advance the science of fabric, creating fabric technologies that solve problems and improve the way products are designed and used. Polartec products range from lightweight wicking and cooling fabrics, to insulation and weather protection textiles, and are utilized by leading consumer brands, the U.S. Military and other global militaries, flame resistance, workwear, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Polartec Announces 2018 Apex Design Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - December 5, 2018 - Polartec, the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2018 Polartec Apex Awards, an annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabrics. The winning products were selected based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec fabric technologies.The winners are:Bight Gear Swelter Jacket, an insulating parka for cold conditions made from 100g Polartec® Power Fill™ insulation (also available in men’s) Bonne Gueule Blouson Épais Laine Cardée, a clean and versatile jacket made of Polartec® Alpha® insulation, with a Jules Tournier fabric lining, and a wool exterior Burton women’s [ak]® Turbine Quarter Zip Fleece and Pant, a cozy fleece outfit made of Polartec® High Loft™ fleece, originally designed for the U.S.A. Olympic Snowboarding uniforms Crazy Idea Skinny Woman Suit, a ski mountaineering racing suit made of Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric Crye Precision G4 Hot Weather Combat Shirt, a light, breathable combat shirt made of Polartec® Power Dry® fabric, available winter 2019 Dainese Flexagon PL Waistcoat, a winter sports back protector vest made of Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric Filson NeoShell® Reliance Jacket, a practical jacket made from breathable waterproof Polartec® NeoShell® fabric LC23 Polartec Down Jacket, a reversible jacket with Polartec® Classic fleece on the intended exterior Rag & Bone Fleece Tactic Jacket, a cozy, protective hooded jacket made of Polartec® Windbloc® softshell with a plush High Loft™ lining Reusch Jérémie Heitz Promodel, freeride ski gloves designed with breathable Polartec® Alpha® insulation for outstanding grip and tactility Rhone Delta Pique Polo, a versatile polo shirt made of Polartec® Delta™ cooling fabric Santini Vega Xtreme, a high performance cold weather cycling jacket made of protective Polartec® Windbloc® fabric with breathable Alpha® insulation Sportful R&D Intensity Jacket, a cool weather cycling jacket designed for intense riding, made with breathable Polartec® Alpha® insulation Todd Snyder + Champion Sherpa Tipped Sweatshirt, a sweatshirt inspired by Champion’s iconic design, made from a Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric with a shearling aestheticEvery winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, and the winning designers are being recognized with a Malden statue, an industry award unlike any other.About PolartecPolartec is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing modern technical fleece in 1981, the engineers at Polartec continue to advance the science of fabric, creating fabric technologies that solve problems and improve the way products are designed and used. Polartec products range from lightweight wicking and cooling fabrics, to insulation and weather protection textiles, and are utilized by leading consumer brands, the U.S. Military and other global militaries, flame resistance, workwear, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Polartec Announces 2017 Apex Design Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - November 14, 2017 - Polartec, the premium provider of innovative textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2017 Polartec Apex Awards, an annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabrics, and the designers behind them. The winning products were selected based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec fabric technologies.The winners are:Adidas Terrex Agravic Alpha Hooded Shield Jacket, a women’s outdoor jacket made with Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Tim Maud Arc’teryx Nyara Wrap, a fleece wrap layer made from Polartec® Thermal Pro® fleece, designed by Edita Hadravska (available spring 2018) Blackyak Combat Shirt, a hybrid shirt made from Polartec® Power Grid® fleece, designed by David Randall Burton Minturn Hooded Full-Zip Fleece, a midweight fleece layer made from Polartec® Classic shearling fleece (available fall 2018) Citera Neocity-65 Jkt, a practical M65-style jacket made from Polartec® NeoShell® breathable waterproof fabric, designed by Naoki Ei Fox Racing Attack Pro Jersey, an advanced mountain bike jersey made from Polartec® Delta® cooling fabric, designed by Jake Theno (available spring 2018) Mountain Hardwear Atherm Hooded Jacket, an ultimate breathable insulation piece, made from an extraordinary combination of Polartec® Alpha® Direct, Polartec® Alpha®, and Polartec® High Loft™ insulations Norrøna lofoten Power Shield Pro Alpha Jacket, a revolutionary jacket made from a unique combination of Polartec® Power Shield® Pro breathable weather protection and Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by the Norrøna R&D department Oiselle Flyout Tank, Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve, women’s tops made from Polartec® Delta® cooling fabric, designed by Nelle Horsley P1G-Tac FRS Delta, a hot-weather field training shirt made from Polartec® Delta® cooling fabric, designed by 281Z Development Group (Konstantyn Lesnik, Oleksandr Polevara, Valery Chernenko, Artem Livushevsky) Taylor Stitch Hawkins Jacket, a classic 60/40-style jacket made from new knit Polartec® NeoShell® breathable waterproof fabric, designed by Nick KempEvery winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, and the winning designers are being recognized with a Malden statue, an industry award unlike any other, and images celebrating the Science of Fabric.About PolartecPolartec is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing modern technical fleece in 1981, the engineers at Polartec continue to advance the science of fabric, creating fabric technologies that solve problems and improve the way products are designed and used. Polartec products range from lightweight wicking and cooling fabrics, to insulation and weather protection textiles, and are utilized by leading consumer brands, the U.S. Military and other global militaries, flame resistance, workwear, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Polartec Announces 2016 Polartec APEX Award Winners
(Andover, Mass.) - July 14, 2016 - Polartec, LLC announces the winners of its annual Polartec APEX Award, a design award celebrating the finest Polartec-based products available to consumers this year, and the designers behind them. Judges selected winning designs based on skill and creativity with Polartec fabric technologies. The winners are: Altra Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell Mid, a trail shoe made of Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, designed by Steve Shorten Black Crows Corpus Jacket, a cozy fleece made of Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric, designed by Camille Kunz Eric Bompard Camionneur Polartec, a zipped pullover turtleneck sweater made of Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric, designed by Lucille Léorat DragonWear Elements Flak Jacket, flame resistant performance outerwear made of Polartec® Wind Pro® FR and Hardface™ FR fabrics, designed by Rosalie Lovett and Emelia Black Joseph Abboud Memory Coat, casual and sporty outerwear made of Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Toshiko Iijima Louis Garneau Cove Hybrid Jacket and Rocket Skirt, active insulation products made of Polartec® Alpha®, designed by the Louis Garneau Sports Design Team Molosser Apparel Aegis All-Weather Dog Jacket, a technical soft shell jacket for dogs made of Polartec® NeoShell® and Windbloc® fabrics, designed by David Wayne Cockrell and Larry Louis Herman Nike Aerolayer Vest, a golf vest made with Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Abby Swancutt, James Drew and Scott Hutsenpiller Rapha Brevet Alpha Vest, a lightweight and packable cycling vest made from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Alex Valdman and Graeme Raeburn Reebok Polartec Alpha Lightweight Warmth Vest and Jacket, lightweight running outerwear made from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Ashlie Malouin Red Fox Sleeping Bag-Backpack Alpha, an ultralight three-in-one sleeping bag / cloak / backpack combo made from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Zoya Spirina Reigning Champ Ripstop Insulated Bomber, a classic silhouette made from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, designed by Tung Vo Salewa Pedroc Alpha Jacket, a mountain training jacket made from Polartec® Alpha® Insulation, designed by Dennis Hinze “We put a lot of effort into developing the world’s most advanced fabrics,” says Gary Smith, Polartec CEO. “It is a real honor to celebrate the creativity and technical prowess applied by our partners in these 2016 APEX Award winners.” Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, and the winning designers are being recognized with a Malden statue, an industry award unlike any other. Winning products will be displayed at the Polartec booth at OutDoor Friedrichshafen July 13–16 and Outdoor Retailer August 3–6. Upcoming Polartec marketing content will feature these product stories.About Polartec Polartec is the premium provider of innovative and sustainable textile solutions. Since inventing modern technical fleece in 1981, the engineers at Polartec continue to advance the science of fabric, creating fabric technologies that solve problems and improve the way products are designed and used. Polartec products range from lightweight wicking and cooling fabrics, to insulation and weather protection textiles, and are utilized by leading consumer brands, the U.S. Military and other global militaries, flame resistance, workwear, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.