Kestrel Sport Sweden: Dance and Movement Studio Comparison Test
Kestrel Sport is a Sweden-based brand whose dance and movement studio 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 dance and movement studio.
Kestrel Sport: Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey 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 | Moisture-Wicking Polyester Single Jersey |
| Composition | 88% polyester / 12% spandex |
| Weight | 170 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 Kestrel Sport team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during close body contact with high movement range. 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 Dance and Movement Studio
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.8 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.6 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.5 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.7 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.4 / 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 Sweden
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.
