Polartec

What Polartec does

Polartec, LLC is a B2B performance textile technology company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Milliken & Company, headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts. The company designs, manufactures, and licenses technical fabric platforms to apparel brand partners across outdoor, cycling, tactical, workwear, hunting, motorsport, and athletic segments. With corporate roots tracing to Malden Mills (founded 1906) and the Polartec brand established in 1981 with the invention of synthetic performance fleece, the company has built a 45-year heritage as the recognized pioneer in technical pile fabrics. Polartec serves 19+ named brand partners including Patagonia, Mammut, Castelli, Hoka, 66°North, Santini, Dainese, Beretta, Haglöfs, and Norrøna through direct B2B relationships.

Polartec's product portfolio spans four fabric categories with 15+ proprietary platforms: base layers (Delta, Power Dry, Power Grid, Power Stretch, Power Wool), insulation (Alpha, High Loft, Power Air, Power Fill, Thermal Pro, Fleece Series), weather protection (AirCore, Power Shield Pro/RPM, Wind Pro, Windbloc), and flame-resistant variants. Underlying technologies include bi-component knit constructions, plant-based Biolon nylon membranes (48% plant-based content, up to 50% lower carbon footprint), PFAS-free water repellency, and Shed Less technology (up to 85% reduction in microfiber shedding). Manufacturing is conducted at US facilities in Hudson, NH and Cleveland, TN, with European operations based in Milan. Innovation has been validated through R&D 100 Awards in 2012 (NeoShell) and 2024 (Power Shield Pro) and the ISPO Award 2025 Gold (AirCore).

Revenue is generated through two primary streams: fabric technology licensing and royalties paid by brand partners for access to proprietary fabric trademarks and specifications, and direct bulk fabric sales priced by volume under multi-year B2B contracts. Distribution is handled through a dedicated Partner Portal providing technical specifications, Color Lab, Fabric Console, and 3D Fabric Files. The company markets through ISPO trade shows, sustainability communications, the #MadeInPolartec social co-marketing program, and direct field sales to apparel brands. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed.

Name

Polartec

Legal name

Polartec, LLC

Website

https://polartec.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Polartec is a B2B performance textile technology company and Milliken & Company subsidiary that designs, manufactures, and licenses proprietary fabric platforms to outdoor, cycling, tactical, and athletic apparel brand partners globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technical Textiles

NAICS

Knit Fabric Mills (313240), Fabric Coating Mills (31332), Apparel Knitting Mills (3151)

SIC

Knitting Mills (2250), Knit Outerwear Mills (2253), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Coated & Laminated Industrial Fabrics (Tarpaulins/Awnings/Inflatables/Architectural Membranes) (IMAOADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Thermal Underwear & Base Layers (CRAAAIAG), Knitwear & Sweaters Manufacturers (CRAAAAAJ)

Keywords

• Performance fabrics
• Technical textiles
• Fleece fabric
• Outdoor apparel materials
• Weather protection fabrics

Headquarters

HQ city

Andover

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fabric Technology Licensing: Polartec licenses its proprietary fabric technologies to apparel brand partners. Brands pay for access to use Polartec fabrics in their products, receiving technical specifications, marketing support (Made in Polartec branding), and quality assurance.
2. Bulk Fabric Sales: Direct bulk sales of technical textiles to manufacturing partners and brand partners who incorporate Polartec fabrics into their finished garments. Revenue generated through volume-based pricing of fabric yardage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Polartec develops and manufactures proprietary performance fabric technologies for apparel brand partners. The company offers an extensive portfolio of 15+ fabric platforms covering base layers (Delta, Power Dry, Power Grid, Power Stretch, Power Wool), insulation (Alpha, Fleece Series, High Loft, Power Air, Power Fill, Thermal Pro, Wind Pro), weather protection (AirCore, Power Shield Pro, Power Shield RPM, Windbloc), and flame resistant fabrics, selling directly to outdoor, cycling, tactical, military, and workwear apparel brands.

Product overview

Polartec is a textile technology company and the original creator of performance fleece, offering a comprehensive portfolio of fabric technologies organized into four main categories: Base Layers (Delta, Power Dry, Power Grid, Power Stretch, Power Stretch Pro, Power Wool), Insulation (Alpha, Fleece Series, High Loft, Power Air, Power Fill, Thermal Pro, Wind Pro), Weather Protection (AirCore, Power Shield Pro, Power Shield RPM, Windbloc), and Flame Resistant (Power Dry FR, Power Grid FR, Thermal Pro FR, Wind Pro FR, Power Stretch FR). The company also provides a Partner Portal with tools including Color Lab, Fabric Console, and 3D Fabric Files for brand partners. Key innovations include Biolon plant-based nylon in Power Shield Pro (reducing carbon footprint by 50%), AirCore breathable non-PFAS weather protection, and Shed Less technology (reducing microfiber shedding by 85%).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Delta™ Patented evaporative cooling fabric technology for hot conditions, providing moisture management and temperature regulation. Designed for apparel brands serving warm-weather performance segments.
• Power Dry™ Next-to-skin perspiration management fabric designed for performance activities, featuring bi-component knit construction for moisture wicking. Used by performance apparel brands.
• Power Grid™ Lightweight fabric with patented geometric construction featuring open air channels that improve breathability and reduce fabric mass, designed for movement-oriented apparel.
• Power Stretch™ Dynamic stretch and recovery knit technology offering four-way stretch and next-to-skin comfort, designed for performance apparel.
• Power Stretch™ Pro Premium dynamic stretch and recovery knit technology for elite performance, made with post-consumer recycled nylon for durability.
• Power Wool™ Versatile bi-component wool knit combining natural Merino wool with synthetic fibers for comfort, moisture management, and temperature regulation.
• Alpha™ Adaptive knit technology providing active insulation that regulates temperature during high and low activity, designed for changing conditions.
• Fleece Series The benchmark for soft fleece, originally invented in 1981 and made from recycled plastic bottles. Provides lightweight warmth, breathability, and quick-drying properties.
• High Loft™ Elevated fleece made lighter and loftier, offering exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio for cold outdoor conditions.
• Power Air™ Thermal insulation featuring innovative construction that reduces fiber shedding while maintaining warmth and breathability, incorporating Shed Less Technology.
• Power Fill™ Synthetic insulation providing lightweight warmth with excellent packability, designed for freezing outdoor conditions.
• Thermal Pro™ Evolution of the original fleece offering versatile warmth with improved durability and reduced environmental impact.
• Wind Pro™ Advanced weather protection fleece providing four times more wind resistance than regular fleece, with durable water-repellent outer face.
• AirCore™ Active wind and moisture protection featuring the first truly breathable laminate that keeps users dry from the inside out, featuring 0.4-1.0 CFM airflow and MVTR over 25,000 g/m2/24hr. 100% non-PFAS and made with recycled materials.
• Power Shield™ Pro Expedition-grade waterproof technology with Biolon plant-based nylon membrane. Provides 20,000mm water resistance and 20,000g/m2/24hr breathability. Non-PFAS, with 48% plant-based content reducing carbon footprint by up to 50%.
• Power Shield™ RPM Revolutionary two-layer stretch fabric for wet outdoors with non-PFAS DWR treatment and 100% recycled polyester. Provides 10,000mm waterproofing and 30,000g/m2/24hr breathability.
• Windbloc™ Wind protection fabric with unique polyurethane membrane technology providing maximum wind and moisture resistance while maintaining breathability and stretch.
• Power Dry™ FR Flame resistant next-to-skin perspiration management fabric, made to protect during performance activities.
• Power Grid™ FR Lightweight flame resistant fabric with geometric construction, made for movement in protective apparel applications.
• Thermal Pro™ FR Advanced flame resistant certified fleece, designed to face wind and provide protection.
• Wind Pro™ FR

Quantifiable outcome

• 45 years of continuous innovation in performance fleece technology
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature16 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• PatagoniaflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLeading outdoor apparel brand licensing Polartec fabrics for use in their outdoor apparel products. Patagonia has long been associated with Polartec as a sustainability-conscious brand partner.
• MammutflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSwiss outdoor gear brand incorporating Polartec technical fabrics into their extreme weather apparel lines.
• HokacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRunning footwear and apparel brand using Polartec materials in their performance apparel offerings.
• CastelliflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPremium Italian cycling apparel brand using Polartec performance fabrics across their cycling jacket and apparel lines.
• 66°NorthflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIcelandic premium outdoor apparel brand using Polartec insulation in their cold-weather and extreme condition garments.
• TracksmithcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRunning apparel brand featuring Polartec technical fabrics in their premium training and racing apparel.
• SantinicoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerItalian cycling apparel brand using Polartec fabrics in their performance cycling garments.
• MAAPcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAustralian premium cycling apparel brand incorporating Polartec technical fabrics in their products.
• HaglöfscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSwedish outdoor apparel brand using Polartec weather protection and insulation fabrics in their products.
• NorrønacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNorwegian outdoor apparel brand featuring Polartec technical fabrics across their sustainable outdoor clothing lines.
• HoudinicoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSwedish sustainable outdoor apparel brand using Polartec fabrics aligned with their environmental values.
• VuoricoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAthletic apparel brand using Polartec performance fabrics in their workout and training apparel.
• ThruDarkcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTactical and outdoor apparel brand for military and law enforcement using Polartec technical fabrics.
• NW AlpineminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAmerican climbing apparel brand incorporating Polartec fabrics in their technical climbing garments.
• VelociominorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPremium cycling apparel brand using Polartec technical fabrics in their endurance cycling apparel.
• SportfulcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerItalian cycling and sport apparel brand featuring Polartec fabrics in their performance garments.
• DainesecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerItalian cycling and motorsport protective apparel brand using Polartec fabrics in their technical garments.
• O'NeillcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOutdoor and surf apparel brand using Polartec fabrics in their water sport and outdoor apparel lines.
• BerettacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerItalian hunting, fishing, and outdoor apparel brand using Polartec technical fabrics in their products.
• Milliken & CompanyflagshipOthersPolartec is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Milliken & Company, a diversified industrial manufacturer. Milliken acquired Polartec to expand their technical textile capabilities.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Teijin: Japanese chemical and fiber producer with technical textile offerings including high-performance aramids and performance fabrics. Competes broadly with Polartec in advanced technical textiles, with significantly larger scale and R&D resources.
• Toray Industries: Japanese global textile and chemicals conglomerate producing performance fibers and fabrics (including Entrant, Dermizax) for outdoor, sports, and apparel applications. Broader scale and product breadth than Polartec but overlapping in performance fabric supply to apparel brands.
• Hyosung TNC: Korean textile manufacturer producing performance fibers and fabrics (including creora spandex and recycled nylon) used across activewear and outdoor apparel. Comparable B2B fabric supplier model with broader fiber focus and global manufacturing footprint.
• 3M (Thinsulate): Diversified industrial conglomerate whose Thinsulate insulation is widely used in outdoor and workwear apparel. Competes with Polartec in apparel insulation and weather protection but operates as part of a much larger, multi-segment industrial business.

Direct peers

• Schoeller Textil: Swiss-based technical textile manufacturer producing performance fabrics (e.g., softshells, stretch, weather protection) for premium outdoor and sportswear brands. Closely comparable B2B model with similar specialty fabric platforms and European brand partner base.
• Invista (Cordura): Performance fiber and fabric business including the Cordura brand for durable technical textiles used in outdoor, tactical, and active apparel. Comparable B2B supplier model serving similar apparel end markets with branded performance fabrics.
• Sympatex Technologies: German manufacturer of recycled, PFAS-free waterproof-breathable membranes and laminates for apparel brands. Direct competitor in the weather protection category with strong sustainability positioning comparable to Polartec's Power Shield Pro and AirCore.
• Pertex (Mitsui Chemicals): Technical fabric brand specializing in lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant textiles for outdoor and active apparel. Operates a similar B2B fabric licensing model supplying premium apparel brands, overlapping with Polartec in insulation and weather protection categories.
• PrimaLoft: US-based manufacturer of synthetic insulation and performance fabrics serving outdoor, fashion, and home markets through B2B partnerships with apparel brands. Direct overlap with Polartec's insulation portfolio (Power Fill, Alpha, Thermal Pro) and similar sustainability messaging.
• W. L. Gore & Associates: Private manufacturer of Gore-Tex and other technical fabrics, supplying weatherproof-breathable textiles to outdoor, cycling, and tactical apparel brands on a B2B licensing model. Gore is the most established direct competitor to Polartec in weather protection and active insulation fabrics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/polartec
• Facebookfacebook.com/polartec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polartec

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Polartec