Polartec Celebrates 45 Years of Fleece Innovation & Evolution

February 25, 2026

Planet Earth, The Universe (February 25, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Forty-five years ago, Polartec® – a Milliken & Company brand – created the world’s first synthetic fleece, a lightweight alternative to heavy wool that revolutionized outdoor performance apparel and became a pioneering material breakthrough radically changing the industry. Recognized by Time Magazine in 1998 as one of the 100 Best Inventions of the 20^th century, Polartec fleece set a new standard in modern layering systems and today remains a backbone for warmth, breathability, and fast-drying comfort.

Polartec debuted fleece into the outdoor market with Patagonia and the launch of the now iconic Synchilla Snap-T pullover fleece in the mid 1980s. The material’s legacy continues today in best-selling products including the 66°North Tindur jacket, demonstrating fleece’s versatility from everyday casual wear to protection in extreme mountain conditions. Since its creation in 1981, Polartec has continuously advanced fleece technology, introducing the first material made from recycled plastic bottles in 1993 and evolving through ground-breaking innovations focused on durability, reduced fiber shedding, and lower-impact material choices.

Today, Polartec fleece powers performance across diverse applications and a variety of global sport, outdoor, and lifestyle brands. Highlights include Satisfy Running, who reinterpreted Polartec® Alpha™ next-to skin fleece insulation within its FuzzFleece™ AD Light Hoodie, and most recently, Polartec is honored to power the Nike ACG x United States Olympic Team jacket. Crafted with Polartec^® 100 Series Fleece and built with Polartec’s advanced knit construction to efficiently trap heat while releasing excess moisture, this technical mid-layer ensures comfort, warmth and freedom of movement at the highest level of sport. The jacket incorporates recycled fibers, reinforcing both brands’ shared commitment to responsible design. The approach aligns with Polartec’s decades‑long leadership in lower‑impact warmth solutions and Milliken’s continued advancement in material science that supports sustainability.

“From remote mountain environments to everyday city wear, Polartec fleece has set the standard for warmth‑to‑weight performance for decades,” said Ramesh Kesh, SVP and Business Manager for Milliken’s apparel business. “Seeing our fabric featured in such an iconic ACG silhouette underscores both the durability of premium fleece and its continued relevance for today’s athletes and fans alike.”

Polartec is proud to celebrate 45 years of synthetic fleece, paying homage to the one material that has continued to evolve and perform – supporting brands, athletes, and new generations of outdoor consumers around the world. For more details on Polartec fleece product launches, brand activations, and material science. visit Polartec.com.

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Polartec North American Media Contact: Abigale Youcha // Akimbo Communications // abi@akimbopr.com

About Polartec
Polartec^®, a Milliken & Company brand, are a collective of curious minds, relentless innovators and dedicated problem solvers. We look beyond the existing and we create original. If it can be made, we will make it. And if it can’t? We’ll find a way. We are the originators and inventors of fleece. Our unique unrivalled innovations continue to lead and layer the future. Complete trust and authenticity are inherent in all our products, ultimately empowering people to concentrate on their moment, their activity and their unique experience in life without distractions. Our fabrics go beyond industry standards, with lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, enhanced durability and more. 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.

©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC.