In a bid to enhance outdoor performance while prioritizing sustainability, The North Face has introduced two groundbreaking fabric innovations: DOTKNIT™ and FUTUREFLEECE™. These new materials are designed to support athletes in high-altitude environments and extreme weather conditions.
Addressing Mountain Moisture with DOTKNIT™
DOTKNIT™ technology was developed as a solution to combat hypothermia caused by trapped moisture at high altitudes. According to Parker, a representative from The North Face, athletes often manage their sweat rates to avoid the risks associated with moisture accumulation. The DOTKNIT™ fabric is a lightweight, double-knit material featuring textured dots that effectively pulls moisture away from the skin, facilitating evaporation and preventing hypothermia.
Crafted with a unique yarn selection, the inner polyester strands are hydrophobic while the outer strands are hydrophilic. This construction ensures that moisture is efficiently transported from the skin to the exterior of the fabric. The strategic arrangement of threads and designed holes in the knit enhances airflow, further promoting sweat evaporation. As a result, DOTKNIT™ garments, typically worn as a first layer, keep athletes drier and warmer during high-aerobic activities in cold weather.
Testing conducted by The North Face confirms that DOTKNIT™ actively transfers moisture away from the body, distinguishing it from standard baselayers. The company employs rigorous evaluations for one-way moisture transfer, evaporative resistance, and air permeability to ensure their fabrics meet the specific needs of athletes.
FUTUREFLEECE™: Regulating Temperature with Innovative Design
Alongside DOTKNIT™, The North Face has introduced FUTUREFLEECE™, a fabric designed to regulate body temperature effectively. This material features a grid pattern that alternates between looped yarns and flat knit regions, allowing it to trap heat in high zones while maintaining optimal warmth-to-weight efficiency.
FUTUREFLEECE™ can be layered over a baselayer, such as DOTKNIT™, or worn next to the skin in frigid conditions. The unique construction eliminates the need for brushing, reducing weight while increasing air permeability and insulation. Cannon, another representative of The North Face, emphasized that the fabric’s innovative octagonal “octa-yarn”—featuring a hollow core and an eight-fin surface structure—maximizes warmth without adding unnecessary weight.
The North Face rigorously tests FUTUREFLEECE™ for thermal resistance using advanced lab equipment, confirming that it offers one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios among textiles evaluated. The Summit Series will feature this fabric in various products, including quarter-zip crew necks and full-zip sweatshirts.
A Sustainable Future
Both DOTKNIT™ and FUTUREFLEECE™ fabrics are designed with sustainability in mind. The North Face integrates circular design principles to minimize environmental impact. DOTKNIT™ is made from recycled polyester and meets the company’s EXPLORATION WITHOUT COMPROMISE™ criteria. FUTUREFLEECE™, which currently contains 37% recycled content, aims to transition to 100% recycled materials in future seasons, aligning with The North Face’s sustainability goals.
The North Face remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and performance as core priorities. By advancing material technology and employing responsible design practices, the company aims to inspire outdoor enthusiasts while protecting the environment. With a legacy of discovery and a focus on sustainable growth, The North Face is poised to lead in creating products that not only perform but also preserve the planet for generations to come.
