Polartec fleece is a synthetic pile material that has become a replacement for wool in sportswear

Because Polartec fleece is a lightweight, breathable substitute for traditional wool, it has completely changed the sportswear industry. Created as a synthetic pile material, it provides numerous advantages, including warmth and moisture-wicking, similar to wool, but with extra benefits that make it perfect for active lives.

The fact that this fabric keeps you warm without adding bulk makes it especially popular with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Polartec fleece dries faster than wool, which makes it ideal for activities where you might get wet weather. It also keeps its insulating qualities when wet, which is an important characteristic for people who spend a lot of time in erratic weather.

Polartec fleece is lauded for its comfort in addition to its usefulness. Soft against the skin, non-irritating, and simple to maintain, it’s a popular option for everything from everyday attire to high-performance equipment. When going for a stroll or hitting the trails, Polartec fleece offers the necessary warmth and coziness without adding extra weight to your load.

Feature Description
Material Polartec fleece is a synthetic fabric with a soft, warm pile.
Replacement This fabric has replaced wool in many types of sportswear.
Comfort Polartec fleece is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear during physical activities.
Maintenance Easy to care for, it dries quickly and retains its shape after washing.

Brand history

Henry Forstein launched the Polartec brand back in 1906. He established the Massachusetts-based Malden Mills, which was subsequently run by multiple generations of his family. The company’s primary areas of expertise were woolen apparel and lightweight materials.

The Malden Mills facility suffered significant damage in a fire at the end of 1995, but it was rebuilt in less than two years. Because they were stored separately, new products and equipment remained undamaged.

Malden Mills was frequently mentioned as potentially bankrupt in the 2000s, and its assets were bought out by the newly formed Polartec company in 2007. Today, a wide range of international clothing brands and all branches of the US Armed Forces are among its clientele.

Composition and properties

Plaid is made entirely of polyester. There are air pockets in the structure; they look like thickly knit wool.

The following characteristics of the material are:

  • good thermal insulation;
  • strength, wear resistance;
  • water-repellent effect;
  • hypoallergenic;
  • softness;
  • lightness;
  • high air permeability;
  • elasticity – comfort when wearing, retention of original shape;
  • no shrinkage;
  • does not retain odors;
  • easy to care for;
  • quick drying;
  • no ironing required.

The diversity of the Polartec material determines its characteristics. The elasticity and thickness of fabrics differ. Certain varieties receive antimicrobial treatment and have higher UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) values.

Crucial! The claim made by the seller that the clothing is made of Polartec is frequently merely a sales tactic. You need a license to use the material, and not many companies in Russia have one. The Malden Mills website has the list available.

Types and their application

Polartec fabric comes in a multitude of varieties. It may have two sides or just one. By wearing layers of clothing, Polartec can be categorized into three main categories:

Type of Polartec Layer Application area
Power Dry Basic Underwear for sports, universal for winter and summer
Power Stretch Basic Underwear and accessories for winter sports, fishing, mountaineering, mountain tourism
Power Grid Basic Underwear for intense exercise with increased sweating
Power Wool Basic Functional underwear, a wide range of applications
Classic Insulating outerwear and warm clothing for the middle layer;
Thermal Pro Insulating warm functional underwear;
High Loft Insulating Accessories, including gloves, hats, buffs
Wind Pro Insulating Insulating layer or top layer in damp weather with wind. Used in tourism, mountaineering, for everyday wear. There is a fire-resistant FR version
Alpha Insulating Jackets for extreme sports with high loads. There is an FR version for the military
Windbloc Outer protective Accessories, outerwear for tourists, cyclists, cross-country skiing
Power Shield Outer protective Clothing for mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, hiking. There is an FR version for the military
Power Shield Pro Outer protective Products for high-intensity loads with protection from precipitation
Neo Shell Outer protective Clothing for sports with high physical loads in adverse weather

Sportswear has been transformed by the synthetic fabric known as Polartec fleece, which provides a warm, lightweight, and moisture-wicking substitute for wool. For outdoor activities where comfort and performance are crucial, this fabric is a popular choice because it retains heat while still being breathable.

How to wash polartec

Polartec products are simple to wash. While regular soap can be used for cleaning, it is preferable to use specific, mild detergents. Bleaches are not allowed. The maximum temperature of water is 40°C.

The following circumstances allow for the use of either hand or machine washing:

  • minimum load;
  • gentle mode for synthetics;
  • do not add conditioner, fabric softener.

Crucial! Products made of Polartec should not be ironed. High temperatures should not be used for drying.

Reviews

Marina: In the USA, I purchased a Polartec jacket especially for skiing. Wet snow and wind don’t scare you when you’re wearing such clothes, and you don’t perspire. I wash by hand; an iron is not necessary. It has been in use for five or six years.

Svetlana: I purchased my child thermal underwear made of Polartec Power Stretch a few years ago. Very cozy, soft, and warm. Sweating releases the moisture outside right away, where it dries up and leaves no odor behind. Although thermal underwear was pricey, it was worth it, and my youngest son will look good in it next year.

Nadezhda: I didn’t think much of the Polartec Thermal Underwear at first, but I later realized that it was a fake the first time I had purchased one. The actual fabric is superior. My job requires me to stand outside for extended periods of time, and I’ve never frozen thanks to the incredibly warm, wicking, soft, and elastic underwear.

Polartec fleece, a lightweight and adaptable substitute for conventional wool, has completely transformed sportswear. Its special qualities, which include warmth, breathability, and the ability to wick away moisture, make it perfect for a variety of uses, from daily wear to hiking.

In addition to its performance, Polartec fleece is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and offered in a range of thicknesses and styles to meet a variety of needs. Because of these features, it’s become a well-liked option for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want comfort without compromising functionality.

Polartec fleece is a cutting-edge material that is always evolving. It strikes the ideal mix between innovation and functionality, making it a necessary fabric for sportswear and outdoor clothing.

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Dmitry Kornev

Interior designer and passionate fan of textiles. For me, fabric is not just a material, but a tool with which you can create coziness and style in any room. On this site I share my ideas and tips on how to use textiles in interior design to emphasize your individuality.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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