Meridian Form Portugal: Trail Running Programme Comparison Test
Meridian Form is a Portugal-based brand whose trail running programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new moisture-wicking polyester single jersey against the fabric Meridian Form used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for trail running programme.
Meridian Form: Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey in use during long off-road efforts on mixed terrain
Evaluation background
The programme covers trail shorts, technical tees and light shells, used for long off-road efforts on mixed terrain. The environment is mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes and the requirement written into the brief was abrasion resistance with fast drying after stream crossings. 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 | 150 GSM |
| Width | 170 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 Meridian Form team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes. 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 Trail Running Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.8 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.6 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.5 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.7 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.4 / 5 |
“The report gave us numbers we could put in front of our retail partners without any argument.” — Meridian Form Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Portugal
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 Meridian Form 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.
