Kestrel Sport Portugal: Industrial Workwear and Uniforms Comparison Test
Kestrel Sport is a Portugal-based brand whose industrial workwear and uniforms is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new bonded softshell knit against the fabric Kestrel Sport used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for industrial workwear and uniforms.
Kestrel Sport: Bonded Softshell Knit in use during long shifts in active physical roles
Evaluation background
The programme covers work shirts, trousers and fleece layers, used for long shifts in active physical roles. The environment is abrasive surfaces and industrial washing at high temperature and the requirement written into the brief was durability with easy care across a large size range. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Bonded Softshell Knit |
| Composition | polyester face bonded to a TPU membrane |
| Weight | 320 GSM |
| Width | 160 cm |
| Primary function | blocks wind while still allowing vapour to escape |
| Target | water vapour resistance below 6 m2Pa/W |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | bond strength above 15 N after washing |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Bonded Softshell 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 water vapour resistance below 6 m2Pa/W against ISO 11092, 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 abrasive surfaces and industrial washing at high temperature. 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 Industrial Workwear and Uniforms
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.9 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.5 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.6 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.3 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.7 / 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 Portugal
Verdict and recommendation
The new bonded softshell knit 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 ISO 11092 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
