2024 Polartec Apex Awards Winners Announced

December 4, 2024

Polartec celebrates the creativity, originality and design philosophies of those brands willing to break barriers while pushing boundaries… because going beyond is just a starting point

Planet Earth, (December 4, 2024) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand and premium creator of innovative textile solutions for future thinking, sustainably-driven brands, is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Polartec Apex Awards, the annual design contest that celebrates the brands and designers who embody the ethos, Made to Go Beyond.

By awarding cleverly authentic sport, performance and lifestyle concepts, Polartec brings its commitment to People, Products and the Planet to a full circle. Guided by a shared desire to push the envelope, the winning designs reflect an “inside out” approach—where thoughtfully crafted gear supports people’s well-being, fueling growth and resilience. By enhancing lives from within, these garments empower everyone to thrive outdoors, driving a cycle of impact that connects personal performance with planetary care.

The 2024 winners have been selected from hundreds of entries based on their creative approach, the ability to address and overcome challenges, and the degree to which they successfully blend high-performance, aesthetics and functionality across sports, lifestyle, and performance categories. The 2024 winners are:

Direct Alpine – Alpha T-Shirt

Anyone facing winter head-on will quickly see that Direct Alpine’s Alpha T-Shirt for men is an absolute game changer. Crafted with Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, it effortlessly adapts to the body’s needs, balancing warmth and breathability with next-to-skin comfort. From the moment you put it on to the end of your mountaineering adventure, this anatomically fitted t-shirt is ready to stand up to nature’s most challenging tests. With reinforced shoulders to prevent wear and tear and fitted thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place (and your hands warm), Direct Alpine proves that versatility and high performance can go hand-in-hand.

“The Alpha T-Shirt was created in response to our customers’ demand for products belonging to the so-called fast and hike collection. For potential customers, every extra gram matters, and the product’s maximum functionality is crucial. We wanted to create a product that weighs next to nothing, takes up minimal space in a backpack, and at the same time provides excellent thermal comfort. Polartec® Alpha™ material is outstanding for this purpose, offering warmth at a low weight. We then reinforced high-stress areas with stronger material, and the product was complete.” – Development Department

ThruDark – Wraith Bomber Jacket

Blending urban style with tactical prowess, the Wraith Bomber Jacket brings a sense of purpose to heading out. Featuring Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, which was originally created for the US Special Forces, it effortlessly keeps you fresh and comfortable when you’re moving fast and delivers warmth when you’re not. Built for the outdoors yet perfect for city life, the Wraith seamlessly transitions both –making it as dependable on bustling streets as it is on rugged trails.

“The use of Polartec® Alpha™ gives a technical, performance edge to what is a classic, everyday style. This considered blend of form and function creates our Wraith Bomber Jacket. A garment that can take the role of a soft shell in dynamic outdoor pursuits but can also double up as urban wear for day-to-day life. Not only pushing but blurring the boundaries between performance and lifestyle wear.” – Louis Tinsley, ThruDark co-founder

SANTINI – MAGIC PACKABLE WATERPROOF UNISEX JACKET

Welcome to a whole new paradigm in breathable waterproof fabrics. Designed to keep pace with your every move, this lightweight, fully non-PFAS stowable jacket is made of 100% recycled & recyclable Polartec® Power Shield™ RPM shell fabric to provide all-day protection without the risk of overheating, making it a true high-performance shield. Fully thermo-sealed and exceptionally resilient, it’s built to withstand the elements while folding neatly into its own back pocket for ultimate portability. Thoughtfully designed for cycling, it ensures discreet functionality without compromising on style. For those who live to be outdoors, rain or shine, the Magic Jacket redefines freedom and functionality.

“The core idea behind our Magic jacket was to develop a lightweight, multi-season, multi-purpose membrane garment that brought a clear message to the market regarding the importance of sustainability. The key technical aspects of Polartec® Power Shield™ RPM, enabled us to create a product that has class leading breathability – a critical aspect in relation to the high output activity of cycling, while utilizing post-consumer recycled material that offered full water-proof protection.” – Fergus Niland, Creative Director Santini SMS

GOBIK – SUBZERO BLACK Bib Tights

The Subzero Bib Tight by Gobik is designed to excel outdoors, delivering endurance and comfort for winter’s toughest rides. Featuring Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro made with Biolon™ nylon and a non-PFAS DWR & membrane construction, the pants provide advanced weather protection while the premium padding and antibacterial graphene threads ensure comfort over long distances. The fabric’s 48% plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50%. With reflective details for visibility and an adjustable fit around the ankle, they’re made to embrace the coldest days, pushing the boundaries of where and when you can ride.

“Designing cycling gear isn’t just about protection, it’s about enhancing every ride regardless of the weather. Our garments need to handle the demands of performance riding while keeping you comfortable and dry, which is where our partnership with Polartec comes in. With Polartec by our side, we create gear that empowers every rider to go beyond their limits and fully embrace the journey, rain or shine.” – Gobik Design Team

OBERMEYER – Women’s Explorer Tech Henley

Obermeyer’s Explorer Tech Henley from the Off Grid Collection lets you beat the cold with style, making it an ideal midlayer for just about anything. Infused with the warmth of Polartec® Power Air™, an innovative technology that encapsulates air within a smooth shell to deliver reliable insulation while reducing shedding and microfiber pollution, the Explorer Tech Henley merges multi-season functionality with a sleek urban aesthetic. Wear it alone or layered, this versatile Tech Crew is the essential companion for anyone who wants to explore without limits.

“The Women’s Explorer Tech Henley was designed as part of the layering system in the Off-Grid collection. We wanted layering pieces that had a strong sustainability and durability story; so, Polartec® Power Air™ was a great material choice for its low-shed properties, while encapsulating air and providing sustainable warmth when out in nature. This overall concept pairs back to our new material story within the Off-Grid outerwear collection, made of our very own BlueThread™.” – Siobhan Phillips, Obermeyer Director of Merchandising

FORLOH – Women’s Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest

FORLOH’s Raider Vest for women is designed for multifaceted versatility in any outdoor setting. A perfectly adaptable layering piece, it combines rugged functionality with incredibly soft Polartec® 200 fleece with proprietary Shed Less™ technology to drastically reduce microfiber shedding without compromising the performance, comfort or durability of the fleece fabric. Engineered for everything from high-altitude hikes to wandering the city streets, its durable ripstop overlays deliver added resilience and its ample, secure pockets let you easily store all your essentials, making the Raider Vest an everyday staple. If tackling diverse environments in comfort sounds too good to be true, think again. This is a vest you can count on to adapt to whatever the day may hold.

“FORLOH wanted to create a mid-layer that would work well on its own and that could be worn under a jacket as a functional thermal regulating layering piece. Utilizing a mixture of low-profile construction finishes and comfort-enhancing paneling, we were able to create this unique fan favorite. We chose Polartec® 200 Series fleece with Shed Less™ technology to give our customers an amazing and timeless piece that resists fiber fragment shedding during home laundering. In this way, the Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest keeps our customers warm, dry and comfortable with less impact on our oceans and waterways.” – Augie Vergara Director of Product at FORLOH

INDYEVA – Lampaat Vest

This lightweight, multi-season sleeveless jacket is made of retro-looking Polartec® Thermal Pro™ shearling fleece and pairs heat retention and freedom of movement with an oh-so-comfy vibe. Taffeta pocket inserts add a distinctive look, while the indulgently soft fleece provides warmth without the bulk. Versatile enough for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, this jacket seamlessly blends modern style with practical performance, making it a go-to layer for life on the move.

“We are thrilled that our latest design has won an award for innovation in outdoor fashion! At Indyeva, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries with classic outdoor materials, transforming them into something unexpected and unique. This achievement highlights the strength of our brand in combining tradition with bold, forward-thinking design.” – Stéphanie Noël, Co-Founder, Vice-President of Design

SATISFY RUNNING – GhostFleece™ AD Light Half-Zip

SATISFY Running’s GhostFleece™ AD Half-Zip harnesses the advanced thermoregulation of Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation to keep runners warm, dry, and fully in sync during dynamic movement. Engineered with thumb loops, gusseted underarms, and a seamless design, it offers a truly friction-free running experience. And by ensuring that nothing stands in the way when you chase the elements, it helps empower your quest to push the boundaries. The GhostFleece™ doesn’t just keep up, it fuels your run with inside-out performance to inspire every step of the journey.

“The GhostFleece™ AD series redefines performance wear with Polartec’s Alpha® Direct fabric—an advanced insulation technology originally engineered for tactical applications where warmth, weight, and mobility are critical. By adapting this military-grade fabric, SATISFY brings elite-level functionality to the world of running and endurance sports.” – SATISFY Design Team

MILLET – Women’s Softshell jacket RUTOR XCS AIR

Engineered for high-intensity ski touring, Millet’s Rutor XCS Air jacket combines stretch and durability in a lightweight shell. Its strategic use of the new Polartec® Power Dry™ mesh fabric technology wicks away moisture, delivering optimal comfort during the most intense alpine challenges. Designed for adventurers who live for high-altitude action, its hybrid construction seamlessly adapts to the body’s needs on rugged mountain slopes, delivering warmth to rapid alpine ascents without weighing you down.

“The perfect windproof, water-repellent jacket for high-intensity ski touring. Innovatively placed Polartec® Power Dry™ active insulation inside the product provides warmth without compromising breathability.” – Evan Charbouillot – MILLET Apparel product manager

SUN DAY RED – 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket

Look no further than the 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket by Sun Day Red when rain or wind threaten your game. Designed to facilitate a full range of motion and an unrestricted swing, it’s built for performance – from its use of Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro breathable weather protection to its streamlined shape that won’t billow or bend out at the wrong moments, like when you’re lining up a putt. Perfectly suited for golf, it also offers the versatility to perform in other outdoor settings, making it a reliable choice both on and off the green. The high-performance shell fabric technology is designed for the future thinking and sustainably committed. It also provides plenty of stretch, making it easy to slip on over a polo without taking your focus off the green.

“Sun Day Red has raised the bar with a collection that truly meets the demands of the game. Crafted from three soft and lightweight layers of Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro, their award-winning half-zip jacket delivers soft, stretchy 3-Layer comfort that is also waterproof, windproof, highly breathable and quieter than other noisy, motion-restricting shells. All of which helps ensure that golfers can perform at their best rain or shine.” – The Polartec Product Team

VUORI – Aspen Shirt Jacket

The versatile indoor-outdoor vibe of Vuori’s Aspen Jacket delivers more than meets the eye. Sure, it’s the perfect blend of shirt and jacket. But with its use of Polartec® Wind Pro™ fabric technology, this jacket feels as comfortable in rugged conditions as it does when you’re cruising the beach. With a durable and water repellent exterior, Wind Pro™ makes the Aspen shirt a dependable wind resistant fleece with versatility for all weather conditions. And because it’s tailored for every environment, it lets you venture from city streets to backcountry trails in one outing.

ARITZIA – Polartec® 200 Aurora Zip-Up

Aritzia’s Aurora Zip-Up blends cozy warmth with a modern design that’s hard to beat. Featuring Polartec® 200 Series Fleece made from 100% recycled polyester and featuring Polartec® Shed Less™ technology to reduce microfiber shedding up to 85% during home laundering^[1], it delivers weightless warmth and softness with a planet-friendly peace-of-mind. With a cinchable shock cord hem and sleek zippered pockets, this zip-up hoodie just may be the perfect addition to any outfit, indoors or outdoors.

“Leveraging the longstanding relationship between our brands, the award-winning Polartec® 200 Series Aurora Zip by Aritzia benefits from our commitment to lightweight warmth and sustainability. Crafted from our sumptuously soft 100% recycled polyester fleece, it is designed to feel effortless yet perform flawlessly, keeping you cozy without holding you back.”- The Polartec R&D Team

The 2024 Polartec Apex Awards winners are forward-thinking product partners who recognize and embody Polartec’s commitment to innovation while inspiring others to go beyond.

Breaking barriers isn’t just about athletic performance – it’s about resilience in everyday challenges. These awards honor those who embody this spirit, celebrating the human drive to overcome and inspire.

This vision is at the heart of the “Inside Out” campaign concept, curated by Italian creative agency Wanderlust Vision, which explores how true progress begins within. With the Apex Awards, we don’t just recognize industry leaders—we honor the best in all of us.

Each winner has received a trophy in celebration of their winning designs, along with dedicated joint marketing support. In addition to receiving the Polartec award, the Apex Awards program also feature a “People’s Choice” contender – which will be selected by a public vote via Polartec’s website and announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contact: Abigale Youcha // abi@akimbopr.com

Visit: Polartec.com

Curated by Wanderlust Vision: Art Director Luca Ricci – Director Samuele Giudice / Tudor Laurini – Photographer Mattia Greghi – Stylist Anna Carraro – Set Designer Alina Totaro
Talent: SATISFY Running / Direct Alpine Leonardo Plebani – Aritzia / Obermeyer Giorgia Celante – Millet / Indyeva Stella Stone – Gobik Marcello Cutrona – Santini / Forloh Aurora Realini – Thrudark Lorenzo Fabbri – Sun Day Red Federico Romeo

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 synthetic 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.

1. According to AATCC 212 2021, up to 85% less fiber fragments are shed on average during home laundering, when compared to the base line fabric. ↑