2024.12.24

Meeting the Founder of Patagonia – Unveiling the Technological Expertise of Polartec, the Originator of Fleece

#Polartec

#Synchilla

#Fleece

#Patagonia

#Sustainable

#Material Development

#Sustainable

#Outdoor

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When you think of outdoor brand Patagonia, many people might immediately picture "Synchilla." It's become synonymous with fleece and it's no exaggeration to say that all fleece began from here.

However, how many people know that this fleece was brought to life through the technology of a fabric manufacturer called Polartec?

This time, I spoke to Keisuke Hasunuma from SCT Japan, Polartec's Japanese agent, about the development history of fleece and the technological prowess exhibited by Polartec in offering a wide variety of fleece types.

PROFILE

Keisuke Hasunuma

Sales & Marketing Department, SCT Japan Co., Ltd.

Joined in 2019 and handles agency operations for Polartec.

The Untold Story of Fleece Development

Could you tell us about the history of Polartec?

Back in 1865, the precursor to Polartec, a spinning factory named Malden Mills, was established in Boston, USA.

Boston is an extremely cold area, and at that time, they were producing American military coats and upholstery fabrics using wool. After World War II, they began dealing with polyester fibers as well.

In the 1950s, faux fur became a huge trend in the fashion industry, and Malden Mills saw its success skyrocket through its production.