Kestrel Sport New Zealand: Yoga and Pilates Studio Programme Comparison Test
Kestrel Sport is a New Zealand-based brand whose yoga and pilates studio programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new moisture-wicking polyester single jersey against the fabric Kestrel Sport used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for yoga and pilates studio programme.
Kestrel Sport: Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey in use during mat-based studio sessions and long holds
Evaluation background
The programme covers leggings, crop tops and studio shorts, used for mat-based studio sessions and long holds. The environment is warm, humid studios with sustained low-load stretch and the requirement written into the brief was a soft hand with full coverage through every pose. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey |
| Composition | 88% polyester / 12% spandex |
| Weight | 170 GSM |
| Width | 175 cm |
| Primary function | moves sweat to the outer face so it can evaporate |
| Target | moisture management class 4-5 |
| Test method | AATCC 195 |
| Additional note | one-way transport index above 300 |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached moisture management class 4-5 against AATCC 195, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during warm, humid studios with sustained low-load stretch. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Yoga and Pilates Studio Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.7 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.4 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.8 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.6 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 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 New Zealand
Verdict and recommendation
The new moisture-wicking polyester single jersey outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Kestrel Sport the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue AATCC 195 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
