The first synthetic fleece was developed in the early 1980s by Polartec, a brand of Milliken & Company. The goal at the time was to create a lighter and more functional alternative to heavy wool. The result quickly caught on: fleece became the standard for lightweight warmth, high breathability, and quick-drying comfort. Over the years, numerous iconic products based on the material have been created. These include Patagonia's fleece sweater, which contributed significantly to the popularity of fleece. An important development step followed in 1993 with the first fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. 

Today, Polartec continues to work on materials with longer life, reduced fiber shedding, and lower environmental impact. To mark its 45th anniversary, the company teamed up with Chinese outdoor brand Pelliot to host an event in Milan, where it opened its studio and archives to partners and industry representatives. At the same time, the brand is increasingly focusing on new growth markets, particularly in Asia.