What performance tests should activewear pass before production?

Performance fabrics must be verified, not assumed. A credible pre-production test plan covers:

• Moisture-wicking – AATCC 195 (moisture management) for sweat transport;
• Breathability – water-vapour transmission rate;
• Opacity – the “squat test” to prevent sheer leggings;
• Pilling – ISO 12945-2 (Martindale) after abrasion;
• Colorfastness – ISO 105 / AATCC 61 (washing) and perspiration;
• Dimensional stability – ISO 6330 laundry shrinkage.

Skipping these is the fastest route to “it looked fine in the showroom, failed on the body” returns.