What's the difference? Polartec®* vs. fleece Sure, everyone is wearing it nowadays. That's all you see, fleece, fleece, and more fleece. Every company is selling it... from Old Navy and Gap, to Kmart and Wal-Mart. But how is it different from Polartec? The simple answer is: You get what you pay for. Fleece tends to be warm and wonderful and cozy- that is until the first time you wash it, or until the first time you decide to do some serious snow playing or skiing, or anything outdoors for that matter. Polartec is also warm and wonderful the first time you wear it, and every time after that. The superior weave and quality of Polartec prevents it from "pilling" and becoming stiff the first time, or anytime for that matter, after you wash it. Ready to go outside for some serious skiing, snowboarding, snow playing, or outdoor activities? How about climbing Mt. Everest? Not a problem. Polartec is a family of high-quality products with fabrics that cover you from head to toe, inside to out. How does it work? How can it keep me warm and dry in the harshest of outdoor conditions? The first thing to remember about Polartec is that it breathes. This is important, because as you perspire, your sweat is wicked away from your body. So you have dry warmth surrounding you rather than cold perspiration that will chill you. Next, the fibers of this polyester fabric trap the heat you produce, therefore keeping your temperature regulated. The Polartec Family of fabrics made exclusively by Malden Mills. Malden Mills, the exclusive company that manufactures Polartec fleece, produces an entire family of Polartec fabrics that is designed as the ultimate climate control. There are three layers that each one of the fabrics fits into; the inner or thermal layer (the closest to your body), the middle layer, and the outer layer. The Polartec fabric Windbloc® is outer layer protection from even the harshest of climates. Not only does it boast the same high quality features of the other Polartec fabrics, but it includes a special membrane between layers of Polartec that function as a wind and rain stopper. It is specially designed so that your perspiration will pass through the membrane, but any water, from light sprinkle, to torrential downpour, will NOT pass through. The warmth and dryness this fabric provides will allow you to enjoy the outdoors for longer periods of time. The middle layer can be used as an outer layer in conditions that are not extreme. The Polartec 200 series of fleece is not windproof, not even waterproof like the Windbloc fabric, but it is water resistant. The water is very easy to brush off. This means that it is perfect for everyday use. It, like the whole family of Polartec fabrics, will not "pill" or lose it's softness, no matter how may times it is washed. This is a great feature for any everyday wear item. Many people opt to go with Polartec 200 series fleece because of the versatility of it. If it calls for wind or rain in the weather forecast, you can simply slip a nylon jacket over it, and you are set to go. How about the socks made of the Polartec 200 series fabric? How will they fit into my shoes? Believe it or not, the plush fleece of the socks will almost squish down to nothing. Wear them in your everyday shoes, in your hiking boots, your snowboard or ski boots, cowboy or riding boots it doesn't matter, they will fit! And with very soft side seams, you will hardly know that they are there. The inner most layer, the thermal layer is very important. The Polartec Powerstretch fabric is a thinner fleece that will actually stretch four ways. This is great for the extreme flexibility it provides. It is very ideal for leggings and full body suits because of the flexibility it provides, as well as the remarkable warmth it provides and the thinness of the fabric. There are many other fabrics within the Polartec family, so check them out. Just remember that if it claims to be Polartec, but does not have the tag, it can't be trusted! Don't be fooled! Buy only the best for yourself. *Polartec is a registered trademark of Malden Mills.