Lumenfield Switzerland: Medical Compression and Recovery Wear Comparison Test
Lumenfield is a Switzerland-based brand whose medical compression and recovery wear is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new spacer knit against the fabric Lumenfield used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for medical compression and recovery wear.
Lumenfield: Spacer Knit in use during recovery wear worn for long periods
Evaluation background
The programme covers recovery tights, sleeves and support tops, used for recovery wear worn for long periods. The environment is continuous graduated pressure against the skin and the requirement written into the brief was measured compression with skin-safe materials. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Spacer Knit |
| Composition | 100% polyester spacer construction |
| Weight | 350 GSM |
| Width | 165 cm |
| Primary function | cushions and ventilates in a single piece of fabric |
| Target | air permeability above 200 mm/s with usable thermal resistance |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | compression set below 10% |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Spacer 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 air permeability above 200 mm/s with usable thermal resistance 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 Lumenfield team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during continuous graduated pressure against the skin. 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 Medical Compression and Recovery Wear
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.4 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.9 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.5 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.7 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.3 / 5 |
“Fifty washes later the fabric still performs. That is what convinced our buying team.” — Lumenfield Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Switzerland
Verdict and recommendation
The new spacer knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Lumenfield 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.
