Performance gauge for fabric and cushioning material

An athletic garment that provides for monitoring fabric degradation, comprising:

• a garment body having a compressive fabric, the garment body configured to conform to a portion of the wearer, the garment body having an initial elasticity;
• and
• a performance gauge secured to the compressive fabric of the garment body, the performance gauge having:
• a first plurality of microcapsules, each microcapsule of the first plurality of microcapsules having (a) a first outer shell encompassing a first inner volume and (b) a substance for color indication that is contained within said first inner volume, such that said substance can escape the first inner volume upon rupture of the first outer shell, such that the first plurality of microcapsules progressively rupture 1) as the elasticity of the garment body reduces from the initial elasticity, and 2) when subject to high temperature and/or exposure to detergent, sweat, or water, such that the progressive rupturing of the first plurality of microcapsules indicate progressive fabric degradation.

An athletic garment that provides for monitoring fabric degradation, comprising:

• a garment body having a compressive fabric, the garment body configured to conform to a portion of the wearer, the garment body having an initial elasticity;
• and
• a performance gauge secured to the compressive fabric of the garment body, the performance gauge having:
• a first plurality of microcapsules, each microcapsule of the first plurality of microcapsules having (a) a first outer shell encompassing a first inner volume, and (b) a dye that is contained within said first inner volume, such that said dye can escape the first inner volume upon rupture of the first outer shell, and
• a second plurality of microcapsules, each microcapsule of the second plurality of microcapsules having (a) a second outer shell encompassing a second inner volume, and (b) a co-reactant that is contained within said second inner volume, such that said co-reactant can escape the second inner volume upon rupture of said second outer shell, and said co-reactant will activate with the dye upon contact therewith, to produce color indication, the first and second plurality of microcapsules configured to progressively rupture as the elasticity of the garment body reduces from the initial elasticity, so as to indicate progressive fabric degradation.