Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand known for sustainable and cutting-edge textile technologies, is celebrating 13 years of Polartec Alpha, the pioneering active insulation knit that transformed thermal regulation in technical apparel. The brand’s new “Alpha Rewind” campaign revisits the history and impact of a fabric that redefined performance standards across outdoor, sports, and fashion markets.

First developed to meet the demands of start-stop activity in extreme conditions, Polartec Alpha introduced a new category of insulation—one that balances warmth, breathability and lightness. Unlike traditional insulations that trap heat and moisture, Alpha’s unique lofted fibre structure and mesh core enable dynamic temperature regulation, offering warmth when needed and rapid moisture release during exertion.

This original active insulation remains a benchmark for thermal regulation, favoured by mountaineers, trail runners, skiers, and technical fashion designers. Its versatility has only grown, now available in multiple weights and configurations, including versions with natural wool for enhanced comfort and thermoregulation. Alpha’s applications range from midlayers and insulated jackets to minimalist, next-to-skin garments.

Key performance attributes include high breathability, rapid drying, full compressibility, and a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. These features make Alpha ideal for high-output activities and unpredictable climates, ensuring it performs in motion without adding bulk or compromising comfort.

“Polartec Alpha has consistently outperformed expectations for over a decade,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company. “It revolutionised insulation by offering breathable warmth during high-intensity use, setting a new standard across outdoor, military and fashion applications.”

Polartec Alpha continues to influence performance wear by blending functional innovation with technical design. As the campaign suggests, it remains the original active insulation - and a material that truly moves with you.

www.polartec.com