Bluearbor Athletics New Zealand: Dance and Movement Studio Laboratory Test Report
Bluearbor Athletics is a New Zealand-based brand whose dance and movement studio is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the seamless circular knit supplied to Bluearbor Athletics for its dance and movement studio. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Bluearbor Athletics: Seamless Circular Knit in use during rehearsal and performance schedules
Evaluation background
The programme covers unitards, wrap tops and leggings, used for rehearsal and performance schedules. The environment is close body contact with high movement range and the requirement written into the brief was four-way stretch with a smooth, quiet surface. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Seamless Circular Knit |
| Composition | polyamide / elastane seamless |
| Weight | 240 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | removes side seams so contact points stop rubbing |
| Target | above 20000 abrasion cycles without yarn breakage |
| Test method | ASTM D4966 |
| Additional note | zoned structure knitted directly into the tube |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Seamless Circular 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 D4966, 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 above 20000 abrasion cycles without yarn breakage, with zoned structure knitted directly into the tube. 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 dance and movement studio the relevant result is that the fabric keeps removes side seams so contact points stop rubbing after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during rehearsal and performance schedules.
Test records and inspection notes for the Dance and Movement Studio
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 |
“This is the first season with no comfort complaints in this category.” — Bluearbor Athletics Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to New Zealand
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 seamless circular knit. For Bluearbor Athletics the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ASTM D4966 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
