Bluearbor Athletics Sweden: Ski and Snowboard Base Layers Laboratory Test Report
Bluearbor Athletics is a Sweden-based brand whose ski and snowboard base layers is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the brushed thermal knit supplied to Bluearbor Athletics for its ski and snowboard base layers. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Bluearbor Athletics: Brushed Thermal 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 | Brushed Thermal Knit |
| Composition | 92% polyester / 8% spandex, brushed back |
| Weight | 310 GSM |
| Width | 175 cm |
| Primary function | traps warm air without adding weight |
| Target | thermal resistance above 0.08 m2K/W |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | warmth held after 30 washes |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Brushed Thermal 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 11092, supported by dimensional change to AATCC 135, pilling to ISO 12945-2 and colour fastness to ISO 105-C06.
Evaluation session with the Bluearbor Athletics team
Results
The fabric reached thermal resistance above 0.08 m2K/W, with warmth held after 30 washes. 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 traps warm air without adding weight 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 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.9 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.5 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.7 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.3 / 5 |
“This is the first season with no comfort complaints in this category.” — Bluearbor Athletics Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Sweden
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 brushed thermal knit. For Bluearbor Athletics the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 11092 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
