Polartec, LLC announces the winners of its annual Polartec APEX Awards, recognizing the finest Polartec-based products available to consumers fall 2015 and spring 2016. Judges selected winners based on the style, function, workmanship, and overall design of garments with the most innovative and appropriate uses of Polartec fabrics.
Over 90 apparel and accessory brands from around the world submitted their most innovative products. Judges selected 13 winners this year – seven from North America and six from Europe and Asia. Winning garments consisted of those that smartly employ multiple Polartec fabrics, from lightweight next-to-skin layers made of printed Polartec Power Stretch®, to breathable “puffy” products for active warmth using Polartec Alpha® insulation, to fully waterproof garments that maintain high breathability with Polartec NeoShell®. These winning garments are being recognized following close collaborative development with Polartec as an innovative solutions provider.
The European and Asian winners are:
- adidas terrex Skyclimb Top – Polartec® Power Grid™, Polartec® Alpha®: using Polartec® Alpha® and Polartec® Power Grid™, this long-sleeved top has been designed for use as a base or mid-layer to be worn during fast-paced, stop-go mountain sports activities.
- Crazy Idea Jacket Neo Again Man – Polartec® NeoShell®, Polartec® Alpha®: this fully-taped jacket uses a 2 layer Polartec® NeoShell® outer coupled with coloured Polartec® Alpha® 120g insulation throughout. The Crazy Idea Neo Again jacket marks the next generation in ski touring apparel offering the most breathable, waterproof combination for stop-go-activities. Features include a peaked hood and laser detailing.
- Dynafit Mezzalama PTC Alpha Jacket and Pant – Polartec® Alpha®: this ski touring duo use highly breathable Polartec® Alpha® for effective climate control during stop-go activities. Designed for high-level athletes, the Dynafit Mezzalama PTC outfit is perfect for long distance ski touring races.
- PING Stand Collar Packable 2-Way Jacket – Polartec® NeoShell®: in this, the first golfing jacket to use Polartec® NeoShell®, golfers can benefit from the most breathable waterproof protection on the market. With removable sleeves and zip-off hood the PING Stand Collar Packable 2-way Jacket can cope with whatever the elements throw at it.
- Rip Curl The Quest Anti Polar Shirt – Polartec® Thermal Pro®: featuring in Rip Curl’s surfwear collection, this urban-styled shirt offers warmth-without-weight thanks to Polartec® Thermal Pro® used throughout. Key details include two chest pockets and urban leather detailing.Sportful Fiandre Extreme
- Sportful Fiandre Extreme Neoshell Jacket – Polartec® NeoShell®: Sportful’s Fiandre cycling jacket has been designed to excel in very cool or cold conditions from rain to shine. Highly breathable, stretch-fit with full waterproof protection, the Fiandre offers protection from the elements in temperatures of 10° and lower. Features include three rear pockets and full reflectivity for night riding.
This year is the 17th annual Polartec APEX Awards, and to celebrate the design team efforts, Polartec representatives will hand-deliver the Awards during OutDoor Friedrichshafen this July. Winning garments will be displayed on Polartec booth (A1 – 305). Successful brands receive sales support with custom hangtags and marketing materials, and cross-promotional support to generate awareness and ultimately drive sales of these standout products.
INFO: Polartec