Waterproofness

Waterproofness is a technology that ensures rain drops don’t penetrate a material. This is achieved using high-performance fabrics. The basis is a water-repellent DWR finish on the surface, with polyurethane lamination or coating on the bottom. Waterproofness is indicated as WP: water column in millimetres. According to the relevant ISO standard, a material can be labelled ‘waterproof’ if it has a water column tolerance of 1300 mm. The combination of multiple methods improves fabric functionality. Materials with this technology are suitable for wet environments, and designed for sports in adverse weather conditions

Breathability

Breathability is a material property that ensures the transmission of body perspiration as water vapour from the body to the surface of a worn material. A high level of breathability can be achieved using functional underwear in combination with waterproof membranes. Such are especially designed for motion-intensive sports. While water molecules do not penetrate the material from above, water vapour can cross the membrane to the surface from below. Breathability values are indicated as MVP (g/m2/24h), or material resistance as RET (m2.Pa/W). The values are considered indicative.

Windproofness

Windproofness prevents air flow from penetrating the material, which would otherwise expel hot air from around the body, cooling it. This is usually achieved through tightly woven materials with a highly functional weave, or through lamination – coating. Windproofness technology has versatile uses, and is suitable for various year-round weather conditions. It is used in combination with other material properties, especially for outdoor activities, trekking, extreme sports, as well as leisure walks.

Laser cutting

This technology uses functional and aesthetic material processing. The practical aspect is reduced weight, since there is no need to edge material cut in this way. Laser-cut elements are more demanding in terms of technological processing and time. However, they are more durable and their functionality underlines the products’ technical nature. Their use is universal and can be found in categories such as outdoor, trekking, extreme sports, and skiing.

Taped seams

Taping ensures that the seams are also waterproof. The taping of critical parts, such as the shoulders and back, is used in models designed for less demanding conditions. The technology involves applying special tape using heat and pressure. Taped stitching is used for sports in adverse weather conditions, such as skiing and hiking.

Reinforced parts

It is applied in places with predicted increased levels of abrasion or damage. The reinforcement is achieved by using technical fabrics such as Cordura® or Kevlar® to increase product durability. The materials used increase quality without restricting functional properties. These are most often used in mountaineering, skiing, and alpine skiing.

Shaped parts

Shaped parts are used for extremely stressed parts of clothing. To improve wear comfort, technical cuts are used that eliminate fabric resistance during demanding physical activities. Technical textiles can be used to increase product durability. Usage is versatile, including outdoor activities, skiing, and hiking.

Elastic materials

For functional elastic clothing, several material options are available. The material can be flexible in all directions (4-way) or two directions (2-way). It is used as support material for highly strained parts, and to create whole units. This helps a garment adapt to movements during more challenging activities, which increases wearer comfort. The material can be used in outdoor sports, trekking, cycling, and running.

Antibacterial treatment

This is a technical material finish that suppresses the formation of odour caused by multiplying bacteria. Without antibacterial treatment, the amount of bacteria in a fabric tends to increase. This technology is found in materials for outdoor and running activities.

Anti-pilling

After a certain period of wear, pills form on fabric surfaces, especially polyester. Special material treatment reduces the deterioration rate of the upper layer during excessive stress and friction. This extends the life and functionality of fabrics. It is mostly applied to materials intended for outdoor and running activities.

Lamination and coating

The lamination or coating ensures the transmission of internal moisture as water vapour to the surface, while preventing water from penetrating the material. Technically this is achieved with a highly porous material that is mainly used in three-layer softshells. The waterproofness of these materials is expressed as mm/H20 and breathability g/m2/24h. Materials with this technology provide protection against soaking and internal moisture, especially in extreme weather conditions when skiing and trekking.

Softshell 3-layers WIND BREAKER

Three-layer softshell fabrics are among materials with this label. The external layer consists of woven nylon or polyester with a waterproof finish. Underneath is a lamination or coating that ensures the transmission of water vapour to the surface, and prevents water from leaking in. The last internal layer is soft. This combination of materials ensures waterproofness, breathability, windproofness, and elasticity, with excellent mechanical resilience. Such clothing is light, pleasant to the touch, and sufficiently heat-insulating. These comprehensive qualities make it ideal for adverse weather conditions.

YKK® zippers

Reliable YKK® zippers have long been part of almost all our products. We rely on the brand’s proven quality, which is known worldwide for its unparalleled durability and perfect form. We use zippers with various degrees of waterproofness to complement our clothing range’s overall functionality. Zippers are an integral style component that aesthetically complete garments.

Synthetic down

Natural down still has the best insulation and compression properties. Synthetic fibre imitation of down copies its structure and profile. It is also called 3D fibre. It is a consistent thermal insulation layer that protects against body heat loss. Advantages include simple maintenance, fibre coherence, and shape memory. And the greatest benefit is that it retains insulating properties even in humid environments. This makes it a popular choice especially for cold and humid weather activities, such as skiing and alpine skiing.

Materials with UV protection

Material with this property can absorb dangerous solar radiation. This technology involves a special weaving method for fabric and chemical treatment. This combination provides skin with sufficient protection from dangerous radiation. Materials with UV protection are designed for everyday use, and are suitable for sports in direct sunlight.
Materials

NORTHPOLAR fleece

A synthetic low-weight knit that is very tightly woven and cut short. NORTHPOLAR fleece is a soft, pliable material that also retains characteristic fleece properties at low temperatures. It has excellent heat-insulating properties. Both sides of the knit have an anti-pilling treatment that increases durability. It is suitable for casual wear and outdoor sports.
CORDURA® fabric

Cordura® is synonymous with strength and durability in the world of textile fabrics. It is made from special nylon fibres, extremely resistant to abrasion and tearing. These properties are achieved by the hot-moulding of nylon fibres. Cordura® is used as upper material on strained parts of clothing, such as the knees, shoulders, and seats.
Pure cotton

Pure cotton is 100% cotton processed with the latest technology and used mainly for the production of knitted fabrics. The benefits of the material include high breathability, softness, absorbency, and wear comfort. Recyclability is one of the main advantages of cotton. It is designed for everyday wear.

Polartec® ALPHA®

Polartec® ALPHA® was originally developed for the US Army Special Forces. This heat-insulating layer is considered cutting-edge technology. It features excellent breathability, extremely low weight, quick drying, and easy maintenance compared with down. Clothing with a Polartec® Alpha® insulating layer actively regulates body temperature, rendering additional layers of clothing and change of clothes unnecessary. Polartec® ALPHA®’s benefits make it ideally suited for outdoor sports in extremely cold and wet conditions.

Polartec® Power Dry®

Thanks to a two-component design, Polartec® Power Dry® transmits even more body moisture as water vapour. The light weight, fast drying, and easy care set it apart from other materials. These properties it retains throughout its lifetime. Power Dry® is designed for running, trekking, and numerous outdoor sports in cold as well as hot weather.

Polartec® Power Grid™

Polartec® Power Grid™ challenges the limits of technical underwear even further. The fabric’s patented grid-shaped design distinguishes this material. The light weight, increased efficiency of evaporation, and breathability of channels that absorb and diffuse vapour at touch points are ideal qualities for running, trekking, and outdoor sports.
Polartec® Power Shield®

Polartec® Power Shield® has been developed to introduce versatility and durability to the softshell fabrics line. It is a dense multi-component fabric that provides an excellent functional balance between thermal insulation, weather protection, and breathability. The fabric is elastic, comfortable to the touch, and durable. It ensures comfort in chilly skiing and hiking conditions.

Polartec® Power Stretch Pro™

Polartec® Power Stretch Pro™ is designed so the lower layer provides the maximum range of motion during strenuous sports activities. The reinforced elastic threads on the outer surface provide better overall elasticity in all four directions. This unique design allows durability and longevity to be increased, without compromising breathability or comfort. It is ideal for activities such as running, trekking, and other outdoor sports.

Polartec® Thermal Pro®

Polartec® Thermal Pro® has been developed to introduce a wider range of styles and functionalities in the category of synthetic materials, such as fleece. Improving individual parameters has resulted in a unique fabric that enhances thermal effectiveness whilst retaining low weight. Synthetic fleece is always stylish and will remain a popular insulating fabric. It is perfect for everyday wear, while its functionality also makes it ideal for outdoor sports.

Polartec® Windbloc®

Polartec® Windbloc® is designed to provide 100% protection against wind and maximum protection from adverse weather conditions which can take you by surprise anywhere at any time. The breathable microporous laminate between the outer layer and the inner fibre creates a balance between the insulating and thermoregulating properties. Its outer layer is polished and durable, whilst also being comfortable and adaptable. Polartec® Windbloc® is a flexible material ideal for outdoor sports where the weather can change rapidly.

Polartec® Wind Pro®

Polartec® Wind Pro® fleece technology material has been developed to withstand the effects of strong winds. Adjusting the structural bonds through denser knitting has resulted in a new fleece that significantly reduces wind penetration. It has a high coefficient of thermal insulation, breathability, and higher wind resistance, and it also resists all forms of moisture. Its comfort and easy care make it suitable for daily wear and ideal for outdoor sports.

Polartec® Classic

In 1981 Polartec® changed dressing style by introducing a synthetic fleece material. Compared to traditional technical polyester fibre Polartec® represented a significant innovation in knitted structure - with a more versatile and durable surface. Over three decades later synthetic fleece remains the standard thermal insulation material. It continues to be popular because of its field-tested durability, insulation qualities, and short drying time. It is suitable for daily use as well as sports activities.

Merino fibre

MERINO is a natural fiber processed from a specific type of sheep's wool. It stands for 100% renewability, and in a way it's a perfect material for the production of clothing for physically demanding activities. The natural softness of the fiber and its bumpy surface are synthetically impossible to imitate. The resulting material with its asymmetric structure retains heat, can absorb a lot of moisture and if necessary prevent its chilling, and is hypoallergenic and simultaneously anti-bacterial. Clothing containing MERINO fiber is valued by runners, hikers, climbers, and also skiers thanks to its complex thermal-regulating features, amazing permeability and elasticity. Combining it with synthetic fibers helps achieve the higher resistance of the material.

PrimaLoft® Materials

PrimaLoft® belongs among the absolute peak of heat-insulating synthetic fiber producers. PrimaLoft® products are, thanks to its properties, the closest to down. Ultra smooth non-absorbent fiber is the basis for the connection of unique heat-insulating properties and its low weight. The material effectively protects from heat leakages and at the same time blocks the outdoor chill. Unlike down, it retains its volume even in wet conditions and loses almost nothing from its thermal features. The compressive ability of the material and extreme breathability provide comfort in physically demanding activities in cold and wet conditions. The thread dries quickly and does not require special care.
Primaloft® is constantly innovating and offering new materials such as Insulation Eco containing recycled fibers, Insulation down Blend - connection with down, or Insulation Active as the elastic insulation with extreme breathability.
The PrimaLoft® brand has been awarded with the environmental valuation bluesign award.