Back in ’80s, Polartec invented the soft but durable fleece that now graces everything from coats to pants to blankets, and more! And as we’ve seen, it stands the test of time!
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It was 18 years ago when my girlfriend bought the blanket, a thin ply of synthetic fleece made by Polartec and branded as a Patagonia product. It was sold at REI and made for camping or everyday use where wrap-around warmth was required.
The girlfriend is now my wife, and the blanket is still going strong. Through almost two decades of use, on trips, at home, with dogs, with kids, and always kicking around, the Polartec fabric that comprises this blanket just will not quit.
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Invented more than 30 years ago, Polartec synthetic fleece is widely used in the performance-apparel world. The Massachusetts-based brand has a process that takes knit polyester yarns and “raises piled fibers for precise shearing into sheets of soft fabric,” according to the official company explanation.
The result is a fuzzy, breathable, durable, and amazingly warm fabric that is used in everything from base layers to jackets. Bedding, blankets, and other household items are commonly made of the material, too.
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