Bluearbor Athletics Norway: Golf Resort Collection Laboratory Test Report
Bluearbor Athletics is a Norway-based brand whose golf resort collection is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the upf 50+ sun protection knit supplied to Bluearbor Athletics for its golf resort collection. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Bluearbor Athletics: UPF 50+ Sun Protection Knit in use during four to five hour rounds in open terrain
Evaluation background
The programme covers polo shirts, trousers and light layers, used for four to five hour rounds in open terrain. The environment is prolonged sun exposure at low exertion and the requirement written into the brief was UV protection with a premium hand for resort retail. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | UPF 50+ Sun Protection Knit |
| Composition | polyester spandex with UV absorber |
| Weight | 190 GSM |
| Width | 165 cm |
| Primary function | blocks ultraviolet radiation during outdoor sessions |
| Target | UPF above 50 with UVA transmission below 5% |
| Test method | AATCC 183 |
| Additional note | protection retained when wet |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
UPF 50+ Sun Protection 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 AATCC 183, 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 UPF above 50 with UVA transmission below 5%, with protection retained when wet. 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 golf resort collection the relevant result is that the fabric keeps blocks ultraviolet radiation during outdoor sessions after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during four to five hour rounds in open terrain.
Test records and inspection notes for the Golf Resort Collection
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Primary function | 4.6 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.8 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.3 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.5 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.6 / 5 |
“This is the first season with no comfort complaints in this category.” — Bluearbor Athletics 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 upf 50+ sun protection knit. For Bluearbor Athletics the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue AATCC 183 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
