Kestrel Sport Finland: Ski and Snowboard Base Layers Laboratory Test Report
Kestrel Sport is a Finland-based brand whose ski and snowboard base layers is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the compression warp knit supplied to Kestrel Sport for its ski and snowboard base layers. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Kestrel Sport: Compression Warp Knit in use during long days on the mountain
Evaluation background
The programme covers base layer tops, leggings and neck gaiters, used for long days on the mountain. The environment is cold air with high exertion and sudden stops and the requirement written into the brief was warmth without bulk and no clamminess on the lift. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Compression Warp Knit |
| Composition | 72% nylon / 28% spandex |
| Weight | 240 GSM |
| Width | 175 cm |
| Primary function | delivers graduated support that stays measurable over time |
| Target | recovery above 92% after repeated extension |
| Test method | ASTM D2594 |
| Additional note | power held in the 18-25 N band |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Compression Warp 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 ASTM D2594, supported by dimensional change to AATCC 135, pilling to ISO 12945-2 and colour fastness to ISO 105-C06.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Results
The fabric reached recovery above 92% after repeated extension, with power held in the 18-25 N band. 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 ski and snowboard base layers the relevant result is that the fabric keeps delivers graduated support that stays measurable over time after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during long days on the mountain.
Test records and inspection notes for the Ski and Snowboard Base Layers
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Primary function | 4.7 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.4 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.8 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.6 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.5 / 5 |
“Fifty washes later the fabric still performs. That is what convinced our buying team.” — Kestrel Sport Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Finland
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 compression warp knit. For Kestrel Sport the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ASTM D2594 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
