From breathable insulation to performance layers, the annual APEX Awards recognize innovation in apparel and outerwear designed with fabrics and materials from the brand Polartec. The 2017 winners take wearable design to a new height. (See full details at the Polartec APEX Awards page.)
Adidas Terrex Agravic Jacket
Hybrid construction creates a new kind of wind jacket. The outer layer is a durable Pertex Quantum fabric, while the front is insulated with Polartec Alpha for lightweight, breathable warmth.
Designer: Tim Maud
Material: Polartec Alpha
Arc'teryx Nyara Wrap
With “the appearance of a premium sweatshirt,” the Nyara is made of soft Polartec fleece. It works as a casual layering piece or light technical activities where style counts.
Designer: Edita Hadravska
Material: Polartec Thermal Pro
Blackyak Combat Shirt
A hybrid mid-layer, this shirt was developed for use during intense activity, training and expeditions. It’s built using a combination of Polartec fleece and Cordura materials for breathability, warmth, wicking, and abrasion-resistance in the field.
Designer: David Randall
Material: Polartec Power Grid
Fox Racing Attack Pro Jersey
The body-cooling properties of Polartec Delta fabric serve as the base for this bike-centric top. Cordura is incorporated for abrasion resistance on the sleeves.
Designer: Jake Theno
Material: Polartec Delta
Mountain Hardwear Atherm Hooded Jacket
Weather-resistance and a temperature-regulating breathable design make the Atherm a versatile top. The brand incorporates three different Polartec materials to build a wear-anywhere jacket.
Designers: Dave Mertes, Steve Adams
Material: Polartec Alpha and High Loft
Norrøna lofoten Alpha Jacket
Stretchy cuffs, a goggle wipe, and other features come standard on this made-for-mountains piece. But its use of multiple Polartec materials result in a unique insulated jacket with breathable, air-permeable characteristics and a weather-resistant face.
Designer: Norrøna RD&D department
Material: Polartec Power Shield Pro and Alpha
Oiselle Flyout Line
A tank, short-sleeve and long-sleeve top create a line Oiselle calls ” HoverFit.” That name is a nod toward the Polartec Delta used, a cooling fabric with a special fiber and yarn construction made to enhance the body’s natural evaporative cooling process.
Designer: Nelle Horsley
Material: Polartec Delta
P1G-Tac FRS Delta
Designed for use with body armor, the made-for-military (and law enforcement) FRS-DELTA helps manage moisture in hot conditions while increasing airflow to reduce friction against skin. Shoulder pads and material on the back to protect against body armor and backpacks make this a niche piece for the tactical crowd.
Designers: 281Z Development Group
Material: Polartec Delta
Taylor Stitch Hawkins Jacket
A new knit version of NeoShell fabric was employed on this handsome, versatile jacket. It’s waterproof, breathable, stretchy, and classic-looking anywear outdoors.
Designer: Nick Kemp
Material: Polartec NeoShell
Burton Minturn Hooded Full-Zip Fleece
Made to fit under a snowboard jacket (or worn alone), this midweight fleece layer was built for the slopes. It has a shearling finish, low-profile side and underam panels, and a helmet-compatible hood.
Material: Polartec Thermal Pro
Citera Neocity-65 Jkt
NeoShell is known as a highly breathable and waterproof fabric. Citera found the fabric suitable for activity, and also a “desirable material for more casual usage with its soft touch” and a modern, urban aesthetic.
Designer: Naoki Ei
Material: Polartec NeoShell
