Trailhead Union Finland: Medical Compression and Recovery Wear Laboratory Test Report
Trailhead Union is a Finland-based brand whose medical compression and recovery wear is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the compression warp knit supplied to Trailhead Union for its medical compression and recovery wear. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Trailhead Union: Compression Warp Knit in use during recovery wear worn for long periods
Evaluation background
The programme covers recovery tights, sleeves and support tops, used for recovery wear worn for long periods. The environment is continuous graduated pressure against the skin and the requirement written into the brief was measured compression with skin-safe materials. 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 | 230 GSM |
| Width | 170 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 Trailhead Union 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 medical compression and recovery wear 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 recovery wear worn for long periods.
Test records and inspection notes for the Medical Compression and Recovery Wear
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 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 Trailhead Union 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.
