by Treas Manning

Power Stretch by Polartec isn’t new, it’s a time tested fabric and Marmot’s stylish Half Zip Power Stretch top is the number one choice when it comes to layering pieces. Though Marmot Power Stretch is not officially considered a baselayer many of our staff and customers wear it next to skin, especially in our climate. In colder conditions many wear it as a second layer.

A couple of years ago Marmot updated the design of the Power Stretch Half Zip, adding detail stitching and a zipper chest pocket. As a buyer, at first I was concerned because the new features increased the cost of the garment, but I found that the old favorite only gained in popularity. Marmot’s Power Stretch Half Zip has such a strong classic look that many are starting to wear it as a street piece with jeans and not solely as a technical baselayer or second layer. But technical it is; with a moisture wicking fleece on the inside and a smooth finish exterior that spreads the moister across the surface for quick drying. The smooth outer finish of Power Stretch eliminates binding when worn under a ski jacket, giving the skier freedom of movement.

Watching buying trends I’ve learned that skiers and those that live in the mountains tend to buy multiple pieces in a variety of colors. So that’s the way I stock them and continue to reorder on a weekly basis. Marmot’s great styling and Polartec’s soft, comfortable, highly technical Power Stretch has become the standard of those that work, play and live in the mountains.