Before Slam, fleece was mainly used to make plush toys
The date was 19 December, 1979. The temperatures were particularly harsh that winter, particularly for anyone taking part in a yachting regatta. Wool is a great fabric, but not at sea: it takes just one wave to drench it completely and hours for it to dry afterwards. Hours of damp and cold to which any yachtsman or yachtswoman is accustomed, but would happily do without. That is how four young yachting enthusiasts came up with a garment made of a material that was virtually unknown in the yachting world and had been used more for cuddly toys than for clothing until then: Thermal Fleece, commonly known as “pile”.