(Lawrence, Mass.) - Polartec, LLC, the developer, manufacturer and marketer of Polartec® performance fabrics, announces the North American APEX Award winners for 2012. This prestigious honor goes to the finest Polartec-based garments that will be available to consumers in the fall of 2012. A panel of judges selected the winners based on the style, function, workmanship, and fit of the garments as well as the most innovative and appropriate uses of Polartec® fabrics in the designs.

Out of the dozens of garments submitted, the judges selected 12 North American APEX winners ranging from thermal-mapped insulation layers, to high-tech flame resistant workwear, to the latest and most innovative extreme weather protection garments and accessories. And the winners are:

• Armada Rotor Power Dry H.E. Hoody - Polartec® Power Dry® High Efficiency™
• Bulwark FR Hoody, FR Fleece Jacket - Polartec® Thermal FR®
• Cabela's Power Stretch Liner Glove - Polartec® Power Stretch®
• Cabela's Thermal Zone Stand Hunter Baselayer - Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft with Polygiene®
• Marmot Armageddon Glove - Polartec® Thermal Pro®
• The North Face Polar Hooded Jacket - Polartec® Thermal Pro®, Polartec® Power Shield® High Loft²
• Outdoor Research Lodestar Jacket & Pant - Polartec® Power Shield® Pro, Polartec® Power Shield® High Loft²
• Patagonia Alpine Guide Jacket & Pant - Polartec® Power Shield® Stretch Woven
• Timberland Premium Waterproof Winter Explorer Boot - Polartec® Thermal Pro®
• True North Dragon Shield™ FR Softshell Jacket - Polartec® Power Shield FR®
• Westcomb Fuse LT Jacket & Shift Hoody - Polartec® NeoShell®
• Whites Thermal Fusion - Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro

To view a social media release complete with product images, click here: http://www.pitchengine.com/polartecllc/polartec-announces-2012-north-american-apex-award-winners

In addition to a Tiffany crystal award and bragging rights for a year, manufacturers can participate in a custom hangtag program promoting the winning garments at the consumer level. Polartec® also provides additional marketing support through product placement with media and events. Past winners can testify that the Polartec APEX Award drives sell-through.

About Polartec, LLC

Polartec, LLC is the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of Polartec® performance fabrics. Polartec® products range from lightweight wicking base layers, to insulation layers, to extreme weather protection and are utilized by the best clothing brands in the world. For more information, visit polartec.com