Polartec Announces 2021 Apex Design Award Winners

By
Bruce Christian
-

Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announced the winners of its 2021 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec.

This year’s Polartec Apex Awards campaign centers the importance of versatility and functionality for today’s consumer, brought to life by a creative campaign featuring photography of all the winning products under the theme “Mountain to Bar and Back Again.”

Recognizing the best in garment design and fabric innovation, it’s the freedom to play and perform in the same solution that makes many of this year’s winners stand out from the crowd. The models in the campaign have been fashioned as characters representing each winning brand’s product.

The winners are:

  • 66°North – KrĂ­a Neoshell Power Fill Parka – The KrĂ­a NeoShell Power Fill Parka uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec Power Fill, the first 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec NeoShell, the most breathable waterproof fabric.
  • ABSNT – theROBE – The ABSNT Robe is designed for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec Power Air. An update to the award-winning fabric technology, this style of Polartec Power Air is 100 percent recyclable and 25 percent lighter than the initial product.
  • And Wander – alpha AIR T – And Wander continues to showcase the design versatility of Polartec Alpha with the alpha AIR T. Polartec Alpha active insulation offers a combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability.
  • Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series – The Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series draws inspiration from how a climber or skier would layer in accordance with weather conditions to introduce the first non-flame-resistant Polartec workwear collection for the “athletes of work.”
  • Haglöfs – High Loft Wool Jacket – Haglöfs uses the performance of natural fibers to their benefit in the High Loft Wool Jacket. As a long-time Polartec innovation partner, Haglöfs embraced an evolution of Polartec High Loft lightweight insulation made with merino wool for its natural thermo regulation and comfort on the shoulders and torso.
  • Hikerkind – Midlayer_01 – Hikerkind is a women’s outdoor gear and New York City hiking club creating apparel with a new perspective that redefines the hiker archetype. For the brand’s initial product, Hikerkind selected Polartec Power Air, the award-winning future fleece technology specifically designed to reduce microfiber shedding.
  • Moncler – Grenoble Collection – Softshell Jacket, Softshell Pants – Moncler’s Grenoble Collection combines high-end fashion with performance technologies to create truly luxurious outdoor wear. Polartec NeoShell, a breathable waterproof fabric, powers this elevated look from top-to-bottom.
  • Nike ACG – Men’s AOP Wolf Tree Hoodie, Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Half Zip, Men’s and Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Pant – Nike’s outdoor-inspired sub-label, ACG (All Conditions Gear), looks to the creators of technical fleece to deliver a premium apparel collection. Nike ACG uses Polartec Classic 200 fleece made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester with a unique all-over print to design tops and bottoms for men and women.
  • Norrøna falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood – The falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood is Norrøna’s most breathable and quick-drying mid-layer, using a hybrid of Polartec Alpha and Polartec Power Grid Polartec Alpha active insulation is perfect for high-intensity outdoor adventures in cold conditions, as the fabric is engineered for advanced breathability and thermoregulation.
  • Orvis – PRO Sun Hoodie – The PRO Sun Hoodie is the first-ever sun hoodie made from Polartec Power Grid, created for optimal temperature regulation and versatile performance. Polartec Power Grid fabric technologies are defined by their patented bi-component knit grid construction for excellent moisture management and breathability
  • A.M. Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat – Australian fashion brand, Perks and Mini, designed this unique unisex coat with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec Thermal Pro shearling fleece.
  • Sportful – Total Comfort Jacket – The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket uses a hybrid of Polartec thermo regulating fabrics, Polartec Alpha Direct and Polartec NeoShell , to set a new standard for winter cycling. In the interior, Polartec Alpha Direct active insulation regulates core body temperatures for advanced breathability, made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core.

Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of its winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. A “People’s Choice” winner will be named via voting on Polartec social media over the coming weeks.