IGO vs. Outlast: Temperature Regulating Thermoregulation Fabric & Smart Textile Fabric Comparison

As IGO's CMO, I break down the science of temperature regulating textiles. Discover how our high-capacity PCM fiber compares to Outlast in performance, durability, and ease of use—redefining what a top-tier thermoregulation fabric and smart textile fabric can deliver for your brand.  

Unlocking Next-Level Comfort: A CMO's Deep Dive into PCM Fabrics

In my role at IGO Textile, I spend my days exploring how advanced materials solve real-world comfort problems—especially for temperature regulating thermoregulation fabric and smart textile fabric. In the performance textile industry, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are a true game-changer for temperature regulating, as they form the backbone of any effective thermoregulation fabric. While Outlast has been a pioneer in this space, the technology has evolved significantly—especially when it comes to crafting a smart textile fabric that delivers consistent, reliable comfort.

Today, I want to pull back the curtain and offer a clear comparison. We’ll look at Outlast® technology and place it alongside IGO Textile's own Nano-scale 3D-Pack PCM Fiber. My goal is to give you the insights you need to choose the best smart textile fabric for your next product line.

Understanding Outlast: The Adaptive Temperature Specialist

First, let's be clear about what Outlast® does. From our analysis and their public materials, Outlast® primarily develops and licenses its phase change material technology —focused on enabling temperature regulating in textiles. They are a B2B technology provider whose PCMs—based on a natural wax from rapeseed oil—are integrated by other companies into coatings, foams, or fibers to create a thermoregulation fabric or smart textile fabric for diverse products —including activewear, bedding, and infant clothing.

• Core Technology: Microencapsulated, bio-based PCMs, engineered specifically for temperature regulating in textile applications.
• Business Model: Technology licensing and PCM supply, empowering manufacturers to add temperature regulating capabilities to their offerings without building the tech from scratch.
• Key Point: They enable temperature regulation in various products, from apparel to bedding, and rightly highlight their OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification for safety —a critical credential for any trusted thermoregulation fabric or smart textile fabric.

Our Solution: IGO's Integrated Fiber Engineering

At IGO Textile, we approached the challenge from a different angle. We asked: "What if the PCM wasn't just an additive, but the very core of a high-performance yarn—creating a thermoregulation fabric where this function is intrinsic, not an afterthought?" Our answer is a fundamentally integrated solution.

• Core Technology: A composite ester-based polymer PCM system, secured with our proprietary Nano-scale 3D-Pack system —optimized for long-lasting temperature regulating performance.
• The Game Changer: We produce ready-to-weave Nylon-based and Polyester-based PCM Filament Yarns. The PCM isn't coated on; it's locked inside the fiber during melt spinning, ensuring the smart textile fabric retains its temperature regulating function through washes and wear.
• The Benefit: This creates a more durable, efficient, and incredibly versatile thermoregulation fabric—one that elevates the standard of what a temperature regulating smart textile fabric can achieve.

The Data-Driven Comparison: How We Stack Up

Let's move past the marketing and look at the performance and manufacturing facts. How do these two approaches to creating a temperature regulating thermoregulation fabric compare where it matters?