Outlast
Phase-change material originally developed for NASA. Absorbs, stores, and releases heat to regulate body temperature. Used as a coating or fiber additive.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with outlast
We don't have any garments containing outlast in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from outlast. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same outlast feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent durability (70) and comfort (78) for office wear
Good warmth (65) for cold weather
Good comfort (78) and care ease (60) for casual wear
Good moisture wicking (60) and durability (70) for weather protection
Good durability (70) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Active temperature regulation
- ✓ Prevents overheating and chilling
- ✓ NASA-developed technology
- ✓ Comfortable in variable conditions
Cons
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Effectiveness diminishes with washing
- ✗ Not eco-friendly
- ✗ Usually blended, not standalone
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+12 vs Outlast · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+11 vs Outlast · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+10 vs Outlast · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Phase-change materials — avoid extreme heat in care
• Machine washable — follow garment label
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — hot water degrades the phase-change microcapsules
- • Tumble dry on low heat only — high heat damages the temperature-regulating PCM coating
- • Avoid fabric softener — it coats the fibers and blocks the phase-change technology from working
- • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals which break down the PCM microcapsules
- • Follow manufacturer guidelines closely — Outlast is usually blended and care depends on the base fabric
- • Store flat or hung; the PCM technology is in the fiber structure and is not affected by storage method
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact