In most outdoor wardrobes, fleece is the go-to. Since its invention in 1981 by the then Malden Mills, it has graced hills and high street and is worn by hikers and the fashion crowd the world over. Its appeal?  It works so well. It’s warm, breathable, soft, comfortable, lightweight, fast drying and lasts. It’s quite simply changed how we dress for the outdoors.  Malden Mills assumed the Polartec brand name 30 years ago. This year Polartec celebrates 30 years of innovation, indeed it’s been Peaking since ‘91.

But first of all, let’s have a look at what we were wearing 40 years ago! Here are some old ads that we came across while digging through the archives …