The Science
Phase Change Material.
Not a gimmick. Physics.
PCM was developed by NASA in the 1980s to protect astronauts from extreme temperature swings in space. The same principle now works inside every fibre of the Sten One.
PCM microcapsules inside the Sten One fabric — cross-section visualization. Each capsule is smaller than a human hair.
Magnified 400×
Absorption
When your body temperature rises above 28–32°C — walking to the tee, finishing a swing — PCM microcapsules absorb the excess heat as they melt from solid to liquid.
Result
You feel cooler than you are
Storage
Thermal energy is stored as latent heat inside the capsules — held in suspension. Your perceived temperature stabilises while the PCM holds the energy in reserve.
Result
Temperature swings are buffered
Release
When your skin cools — waiting between shots, standing in wind — the PCM solidifies and releases stored warmth back to your skin. The cycle repeats automatically, all round.
Result
You feel warmer than the air
Traditional base layer
- ✗ Passive insulation only
- ✗ Traps heat when you warm up
- ✗ No response to body temperature
Sten One — PCM
- ✓ Active thermal buffering
- ✓ Responds to your body in real time
- ✓ Adapts across all 18 holes
