Outlast® technology can be easily compared to an ice cube in a glass of water. When the ice cube melts (i.e., changes its phase from solid to liquid), it absorbs heat and cools the water, keeping the drink at the desired temperature longer. Outlast® phase-change materials work in the same way, but are usually encapsulated to be permanently enclosed and protected in a polymer shell. We refer to these encapsulated phase-change materials as Thermocules™.

The encapsulation process makes Thermocules™ exceptionally durable for many applications; the microcapsules are either applied as a finish (to fabrics and finished textiles) or directly incorporated (into fibers). The ability to absorb, store, and release heat allows any product containing Outlast® technology to continuously regulate skin temperature. If the skin overheats, heat is absorbed; if the skin cools, the stored heat is released back.

Outlast® technology doesn't work through a wicking effect, which simply "regulates" moisture by transporting sweat that has already formed away from the skin. Outlast® technology works proactively much earlier and ensures that so much sweat doesn't have to be produced in the first place, since sweat production is already reduced. That's the secret and represents a fundamental difference.