How Should Wash and Wear Testing Be Planned for a New Activewear Style?

How Should Wash and Wear Testing Be Planned for a New Activewear Style?

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TESTING

Plan wash and wear testing around the product, its intended use, and its care instructions.

Wash and wear testing should be defined according to the garment’s intended activity, fabric, construction, branding method, performance claims, and care instructions. Set the test plan before approval so results can be assessed against clear requirements.

Define the test protocol

  • Washing and drying method
  • Number of test cycles
  • Sample size and colors to be tested
  • Measurements to record before and after washing
  • Performance properties to evaluate
  • Pass/fail criteria for each requirement

Select relevant performance checks

  • Dimensional stability and shrinkage
  • Colorfastness and shade change
  • Pilling and surface appearance
  • Stretch, recovery, seam, and elastic performance
  • Print or logo durability
  • Garment-specific fit and function checks

Leggings may require squat-proof opacity and waistband stability checks.

Sports bras may require support, pad movement, and comfort checks.

All styles should be assessed for comfort and fit after repeated wear.

Use wear testing to complement laboratory checks

Wear testing can identify real-use issues such as restricted movement, chafing, rolling, slipping, support loss, or discomfort that may not appear through laboratory checks alone.

Test according to the intended care method

Wash testing should follow the intended care instructions so results reflect how customers are expected to maintain the garment. Final acceptance criteria should be agreed for the specific style rather than assumed from another product.

At Call The STYLE, relevant wash and wear checks can be agreed during product development and reviewed before the final bulk specification is approved.

Discuss your activewear test plan