Trailhead Union Portugal: Triathlon Programme Comparison Test
Trailhead Union is a Portugal-based brand whose triathlon programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new chlorine-resistant swim knit against the fabric Trailhead Union used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for triathlon programme.
Trailhead Union: Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit in use during swim, bike and run in a single event
Evaluation background
The programme covers trisuits, shorts and transition layers, used for swim, bike and run in a single event. The environment is transitions between water, wind and road and the requirement written into the brief was one fabric that performs wet and dry without chafe. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit |
| Composition | PBT / polyester / elastane |
| Weight | 210 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | holds elasticity and colour through pool exposure |
| Target | less than 15% modulus loss after 100 pool hours |
| Test method | ISO 105-E03 |
| Additional note | sunscreen and chlorine tested together |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Chlorine-Resistant Swim Knit 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 less than 15% modulus loss after 100 pool hours against ISO 105-E03, 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 Trailhead Union team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during transitions between water, wind and road. 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 Triathlon Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.5 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.7 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.4 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.6 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 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 Portugal
Verdict and recommendation
The new chlorine-resistant swim knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Trailhead Union the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 105-E03 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
