Pro Performance Line: Tested Durability & Technical Fabrics Developed with LMA
The Athleisure Basics Pro Performance Line
In 2025, performance apparel buyers expect more than just style. They demand durability, verified fabric performance, and credible sustainability. At Athleisure Basics, we deliver exactly that through a deep, ongoing partnership with LMA, one of Portugal’s most advanced technical textile innovators with its own in-house laboratory.
The result is our Pro Performance Line — activewear and athleisure built for long-lasting durability, superior stretch recovery, sweat management, and startup-friendly development. Whether you are a fitness startup, an established streetwear brand, or an association like the Australian National Bodybuilding Association (ANB) that we proudly supply, Pro Performance ensures your apparel competes with the world’s best.
LMA: Our Co-Innovation Partner
We don’t merely “source” fabric. We co-develop and test fabrics together with LMA inside their own laboratory. LMA’s Alitecno® platform integrates R&D, quality control, and production, and the company is uniquely capable in Europe of working across every major textile structure (circular knits, warp knits, woven technical fabrics).
- In-house lab testing: continuous verification of stretch recovery, abrasion resistance, moisture management, and dimensional stability.
- Sector expertise: we select top fabrics from LMA’s Fashion Active Wear and Comfort / Travel / Yoga Wear divisions.
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, OCS, GRS, ISO 9001 — supporting performance with sustainability and traceability.
Watch: How LMA develops and tests advanced performance fabrics.
Fabrics Chosen for Pro Performance
Pro Performance garments use LMA’s top-tier materials engineered for movement, structure, and longevity. A representative example is an 87% polyamide / 13% elastane circular knit delivering high elastic recovery, robust abrasion resistance, and smooth moisture transport.
- Moisture-wicking & breathability: keeps athletes dry under load.
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Stretch recovery: maintains fit and shape after repeated wear and washing.
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Abrasion resistance: reduced pilling and surface wear in high-friction areas.
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Softer hand feel with structure: comfort without the “sag” effect
- Eco-certified options: OEKO-TEX®, GOTS/OCS organic pathways, and GRS recycled inputs.
Looking for premium cotton-based streetwear pieces to complement your performance line? Explore our Oversized Hoodie (Made in Portugal) and our Activewear Collection.
How We Test: The “Lab Talk” Explained
Martindale Abrasion
The Martindale test rubs fabric against a standard abrasive surface under controlled pressure. The count (e.g., 30,000 or 50,000 rubs) indicates how long a fabric resists visible wear. Higher numbers generally mean better surface durability and lower risk of pilling in real life.
Stretch & Recovery (Elastic Fatigue)
Fabrics are cyclically stretched and relaxed, then washed and re-tested. We measure percent recovery after set cycles and after laundering. Strong elastane content combined with a stable knit architecture improves shape retention and reduces “bagging out.”
Moisture Management
We evaluate wicking speed (horizontal spread) and drying time under controlled humidity and airflow. Good wicking + faster evaporation improves comfort and perceived cooling during training sessions.
GSM & Dimensional Stability
GSM (grams per square meter) influences drape and perceived quality. Mid-to-heavy GSM provides more structure for oversized and gym silhouettes. We also monitor post-wash shrinkage and torque to maintain fit consistency across sizes.
Benchmark Results: Pro Performance vs. Category Average
Test | Pro Performance (AB + LMA) | Category Average |
---|---|---|
Stretch Recovery (after 100 wash cycles) | ≈ 95% retention | ≈ 82% retention |
Abrasion Resistance (Martindale) | 50,000 rubs before wear | ≈ 30,000 rubs |
Moisture Wicking (time to dry) | < 6 minutes | > 10 minutes |
Shrinkage After Wash | < 3% | ≈ 7–10% |
Notes: Results represent typical outcomes for our selected LMA fabrics in controlled tests and are provided for guidance. Fabric choice and construction vary by style.
Construction That Outlasts
- Reinforced seams at stress points (underarms, waistbands, collars).
- Bar-tacking at high-tension areas.
- Flatlock stitching for strength with low-friction comfort.
- Pre-shrunk treatments for fit consistency and dimensional stability.
For a deep dive on materials and finishing options, see: Customizable Blanks – Streetwear & Gymwear and our strategy article Low MOQ in Portugal – Your Brand’s Secret Weapon.
Trusted by Athletes & Associations
We are proud suppliers to the Australian National Bodybuilding Association (ANB). Our Pro Performance fabrics support high-stress use — stage, training, and intensive prep — where durability and recovery truly matter.
We also help startups scale: from pilot batches to repeat runs, brands report reduced returns due to pilling/shrinkage and improved customer feedback on comfort and longevity.
Sustainability Without Compromise
- OEKO-TEX® chemical safety.
- GOTS/OCS certified organic pathways.
- GRS recycled content options.
- ISO 9001 quality management frameworks.
Explore our stance on materials and partners in: Sustainable Fashion in 2025.
Independent Test Data at Your Fingertips
Our claims are verified through independent laboratory testing conducted in partnership with LMA. We document:
- Stretch recovery across 100+ wash cycles
- Martindale abrasion resistance
- Wicking speed & drying time
- Shrinkage and pilling resistance
- Comparisons to category benchmarks
Download the Full Lab Test Report (Whitepaper)
See how Pro Performance stacks up against category benchmarks with verified lab results from LMA’s in-house testing and third-party certifications.
*We respect your privacy. Your email will only be used to deliver the requested report.
FAQs
Durability & Testing
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How do you test Pro Performance fabrics?
With LMA’s in-house lab plus independent testing of stretch recovery, abrasion, moisture, and dimensional stability. -
Do Pro Performance garments come with a warranty?
Yes — 12 months against seam failures, abnormal shrinkage, or pilling. -
How do Pro Performance fabrics compare to big performance brands?
Benchmark tests indicate equal or better results in key metrics like recovery and wicking (fabric dependent). -
Can I request lab data?
Yes — brand partners can receive the Whitepaper results on request.
Fabrics & Partnership with LMA
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Who is LMA?
LMA (Leandro Manuel Araújo, S.A.) is a leading Portuguese technical textile producer with in-house labs and global certifications. -
Do you co-develop fabrics with LMA?
Yes. We collaborate closely with LMA to refine fabric performance for our Pro Performance line. -
Which LMA sectors supply your fabrics?
Fashion Active Wear and Comfort / Travel / Yoga Wear. -
Are the fabrics sustainable?
Yes — with OEKO-TEX®, GOTS/OCS, GRS, and ISO 9001 pathways available.
Orders & Timelines
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What’s the MOQ for Pro Performance?
300 pcs per style & color. -
Can I mix Pro Performance with standard blanks?
Yes — many brands combine lines for range depth. -
Do you provide samples?
Yes — sampling is available prior to production. -
What’s the production time?
Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on customization and fabrics.
Get a Pro Performance Quote
Durability meets innovation. With Athleisure Basics’ Pro Performance Line — co-developed with LMA — you don’t have to choose between premium performance and production flexibility. Tell us about your line and we’ll recommend the right fabric + construction package for your brand.
About the Author

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