Breathable puffy fabric from Polartec will be in fall 2013 collections
11/02/2013
According to the company, Polartec Alpha will be the first-ever breathable puffy fabric to come to market. “It’s an entirely new class of fabric technology,” it has said, “offering over 300 performance fabrics, from lightweight next-to-skin, to insulation, to extreme weather-protection fabrics.”
Rather than working as a vapour barrier, Alpha works as a lightweight, quick-drying insulation that allows air exchange for breathability and comfort in “more dynamic” situations. Unlike down or existing synthetic insulation, it is a stable layer allowing for the use of more open and breathable fabrics on the outer and inner layers of puffy-style garments. Classic puffy garments usually require high-density woven layers that create a vapour barrier. Although they work well in static conditions, these classic puffy garments trap moisture inside the garment during most forms of activity.
In addition to high levels of breathability and moisture vapour transport, Alpha maintains insulation values while wet and offers faster dry times than existing puffy-style fabrics. Highly compressible, it also provides inherent wind resistance and warmth without weight.
Polartec Alpha jackets, vests and hoodies will become available to consumers fall 2013 in the collections of brands including 66º North, Eddie Bauer, Eider, Mammut, Marmot, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Ternua, Terry Cycle, The North Face, Trangoworld, Vaude and Westcomb.
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