TEMPERATURE REGULATING FABRIC – OUTLAST® THERMO-TECHNOLOGY REDUCES SWEAT PRODUCTION
Outlast is a specialist in proactive heat management for textile materials. The Heidenheim company uses a technology originally developed by NASA. The temperature regulating fabrics can be used in many different areas and products to add value in functionality and comfort for the customers – by using natural wax and the laws of physics.
Up to 48% less sweating thanks to Outlast®* temperature regulating fabrics
Microencapsulated natural wax can be applied to almost any textile material thanks to various procedures developed by Outlast. These capsules can capture and store body heat, forming a natural heat buffer. Overheating and the start of sweat production can thus be efficiently avoided. Conventional heat management systems try to channel the sweat that develops and wick it away from the body.
Outlast® temperature regulating materials start working even before the moisture is created. In this way, the amount of sweat can be significantly reduced. Independent studies confirm a reduction of up to 48%*. And the highlight: If the body temperature falls again, for example due to reduced physical activity, the natural wax in the temperature regulating material clothing releases the stored heat again. Despite fluctuating external temperatures, the user can thus always enjoy a wonderfully balanced climate.
* Tests for various final applications such as clothing, shoes, and helmets conducted by C. Russ – INSIDE CLIMATE, an independent test laboratory in Munich (THG AreaView – SleepView). Details on request.
What is temperature regulating material?
Our temperature regulating fabric was originally developed by NASA and used in space gloves, offering the astronauts protection from the extreme temperature fluctuations in space. Since then, we have successfully adapted and improved the original technology and made it accessible for other areas of use – because the thermal conductivity of fabrics is something we can benefit from in more than just space clothing.
Our thermal technology
The Outlast® thermo-technology usually utilizes the user’s body heat. This heat liquefies the microencapsulated wax, thereby preventing a further increase in temperature, as the thermal energy is used in the process of changing the wax’s physical state. Thus, the temperature regulating fabric is able to significantly reduce the user’s heat peak, resulting in improved comfort and the reduction of sweat formation by up to 48%.
And this process works both ways. As the body cools, the wax goes back to its solid state and thereby releases heat. The result: Our temperature regulating insulation fabric permanently achieves a comfortable temperature, regardless of changing external temperatures and influences.
Temperature regulating fabric for clothing
Our temperature regulating fabric/material can be used in different kinds of clothing. Whether it is used in footwear, in jackets or gloves – it will be feeling just right. By adding the temperature regulating, insulated fabric to your products, you offer your customers an increase in value regarding both functionality and comfort.
Read more about the advantages of including temperature regulating fabric in footwear and apparel.
Other areas of use for temperature regulating fabric
If you buy temperature regulating fabric, you can use it in more than just clothing. There are thousands of products that benefit from the use of temperature regulating reflective fabric. Bedding, seating and medical technology are only a few examples of the areas of use. It can be implemented anywhere where heat and moisture management is required to prevent excessive sweating, keep a stable temperature, and, at the same time, increase comfort, adding additional value to your products for your customers. Can your products also benefit from the implementation of temperature regulating fabric? Please do not hesitate to contact us! We love a challenge and will work out a way for your products and customers to benefit from the unique Outlast® thermo-technology.
Feel the Outlast® difference! A small selection of the advantages of temperature regulating fabric:
- Better sleep: A balanced temperature promotes deeper sleeping behavior
- In shoes: Less blister formation and odor development due to reduced moisture
- For athletes: Reduced energy consumption and an excellent fluid balance thanks to reduced sweating
- More comfort for all kinds of textiles (“feel-good clothing”)
- Better concentration and higher performance in all textile areas of occupational health and safety
- Improved functionality in all orthopedic “next to skin” products
- In leisure: By wearing functional clothing equipped with Outlast®, the risk of a cold is significantly reduced when hiking, gardening, or during any other leisure activity
“Even after over ten years at Outlast, I still love the ‘wow effect’ when customers feel the ‘Outlast® difference’ for the first time by touching our products.”
Dirk Keunen, Sales Director
The big picture at a glance
The company, originally founded in the USA, is now managed from Germany. The majority of the Outlast value creation chain also takes place in Germany and other European countries and in the USA. For instance, the AERSULATE® materials and our products for the bedding industry are predominantly “Made in Germany”. Sustainability, quality, customer service, and innovation are unshakable pillars of the Outlast philosophy.
Find out more about Outlast, our philosophy and the sustainability of our temperature regulating fabrics.
Tailored to your needs
We will be happy to provide you with individual, no-obligation advice. Create the basis for tomorrow’s success today and contact us!
Case study: Walero racing underwear
I founded Walero in 2014 to find a solution to the problem of racing drivers constantly overheating. I race myself and know what it’s like to battle against the extreme temperatures (often far over 50°C [122°F]) in the cockpit while you are fighting for victory at high speed just a few centimeters away from other drivers. At the same time, you’re encompassed by protective equipment such as a Nomex racing suit, a base layer, and a helmet, and you are firmly strapped into a racing seat. Needless to say, heat stress represents a major problem and impairs cognitive function, reaction time, and condition.
I wanted a solution that is part of our everyday equipment instead of having to use heavy and expensive air conditioning systems that could cost you a loss of speed from tapping into the power. Racing drivers must wear extensive PPE due to the risk of fire. Outlast offers the perfect solution: We were able to combine the Outlast® thermo-technology with the outstanding flame retardant called Protal to make a high-performance, technically impressive woven fabric that is both entrancingly soft and comfortable.
This resulted in an excellent technical solution that allowed us to successfully enter the motorsport market. The performance advantages that we achieve by using the Outlast® thermo-technology in our clothing helped us quickly begin to sell around the world.
These benefits were confirmed in tests that we performed at Cranfield University. The tests showed a significant reduction in heart rate, breathing, and core temperature as well as a massive reduction in sweat by 40% compared to another standard Nomex base layer for motorsport. What is good for space is also good for motorsport!
We intend to expand the use of Outlast® thermo-technology to other markets and are looking forward to the future.
Fiona James, Founder & CEO, Walero Ltd, UK
