Polartec Definitions

What is Polartec?  Is it fleece?  Why is it better than non-brand fleece?  Monod Sports in Banff, Alberta, understands that our customers want the latest and best outdoor active wear technologies available to them, but we also know that all the terms can be confusing.  Here is a history of Polartec, and the different types of fabrics made by Polartec, to make it a bit easier!

In 1981, Polartec invented the modern polyester fleece, which is also known as Synchilla by the clothing company Patagonia.  Over the years, Polartec has evolved different types of fleece fabric, including different weights of Polartec (100, 200, 300) as well as Sherling fleece and velour fleece; the technology also improved to reduce "pilling" and increase wind resistance and breath-ability.   Today, Polartec continues to strive toward producing a better fleece product with hard-face technology, water and wind resistance, and recyclable products.

Polartec fabrics are used in sleeping bags, clothing and footwear, so you will see the terms used in almost every category on www.monodsports.com.  We've included terms which are commonly used. 

Polartec® Classic is the original Polartec fleece; it comes in different weights (Polartec 100, Polartec 200, and Polartec 300).  It is breathable, durable and a great insulating piece to own.

Polartec® Power Dry® fabrics are meant to keep you dry when you sweat, which makes it ideal for runners, skiers and other aerobic sports conducted in cooler weather.  It features a patented bi-component knit construction that uses 2 different yarns on each side of the fabric.  That in turn creates two different surfaces on each side of the fabric:  one pulls moisture away from the skin and the other dries quickly.

Polartec® Power Shield®: A tightly woven nylon exterior face laminated to an inner insulation layer. Between is a breathable, discontinuous membrane that transports moisture away from the body. It is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) to shed rain and snow.

Polartec® Power Shield® O2 (High Loft): Designed as an insulating fleece layer with a smooth outer face, the high-loft fleece inner holds in body heat and the smooth outer face has excellent breathe-through properties for active use.  the outer layer is pill resistant and layers easily.  It is finished with a Durable Water Repellent finish (DWR) to shed moisture.

Polartec® Power Stretch® is a 4-way stretch fabric that allows for excellent athletic movement and good breathability to maintain comfort levels.  It comes with Hardface technology for long-lasting abrasion resistance.

Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabrics are the most visually dynamic and technically advanced of the Polartec® insulation fabrics. Available in a variety of unique surface textures and patterns, many of which are designed to enhance performance, Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabrics are great styling options for virtually every end use. New high loft versions have achieved the highest warmth to weight ratios of any fabric Polartec® has ever offered. Other versions have the look of traditional wool with all the performance benefits of fleece.

Polartec® Thermal Pro® Cobble fabric is a mid-weight fleece textile featuring a unique cobbled outer texture and a low pile velour inner surface.  It has excellent warmth to weight and moisture management properties.  Comes with a durable water repellent finish.

Polartec® WindPro®:  high wind-resistance polyester fleece (4 times the wind resistance of normal fleece) that wicks moisture, is highly breathable and dries quickly.

Definitions courtesy of Polartec, copyright 2010