Trailhead Union Norway: Triathlon Programme Laboratory Test Report
Trailhead Union is a Norway-based brand whose triathlon programme is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the chlorine-resistant swim knit supplied to Trailhead Union for its triathlon programme. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Trailhead Union: Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit in use during swim, bike and run in a single event
Evaluation background
The programme covers trisuits, shorts and transition layers, used for swim, bike and run in a single event. The environment is transitions between water, wind and road and the requirement written into the brief was one fabric that performs wet and dry without chafe. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit |
| Composition | PBT / polyester / elastane |
| Weight | 210 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | holds elasticity and colour through pool exposure |
| Target | less than 15% modulus loss after 100 pool hours |
| Test method | ISO 105-E03 |
| Additional note | sunscreen and chlorine tested together |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
Samples and conditioning
Three bulk lots were sampled at random and conditioned for 24 hours before testing. Results are reported as the worst of the three, which is the number a brand should plan around.
Test methods
The primary method was ISO 105-E03, supported by dimensional change to AATCC 135, pilling to ISO 12945-2 and colour fastness to ISO 105-C06.
Evaluation session with the Trailhead Union team
Results
The fabric reached less than 15% modulus loss after 100 pool hours, with sunscreen and chlorine tested together. All supporting tests passed the agreed limits, and the report carries the lot numbers so the results can be reproduced.
Interpretation
Numbers only matter against the use case. For triathlon programme the relevant result is that the fabric keeps holds elasticity and colour through pool exposure after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during swim, bike and run in a single event.
Test records and inspection notes for the Triathlon Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Primary function | 4.5 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.7 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.4 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.6 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.5 / 5 |
“Development was transparent from the first sample and bulk matched the approval exactly.” — Trailhead Union Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Norway
Verdict and recommendation
The bulk fabric met every agreed target. The lot is released and we recommend repeating the same test set on each future delivery of the chlorine-resistant swim knit. For Trailhead Union the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 105-E03 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
