Garment Sampling and Bulk Production
Use the sample to check fit, materials and construction. Record the approved version and confirm quantities, quality requirements and scheduling before bulk production.
Stage overview
Develop and approve samples, then organise bulk production to the confirmed specification.
What you provide
- Confirmed development brief, measurements, materials and artwork.
- Consolidated sample feedback and the approved revision version.
- Order quantities by colour and size, target delivery date and packing requirements.
How we work
- Make and review samples for fit, measurements, materials and construction.
- Record revisions and obtain approval of the sample, size set and written specification.
- Confirm MOQ and schedule for the specific style before production.
- Organise cutting, sewing and finishing; reconfirm specification changes before implementation.
Make the first sample answer the right questions
The first sample makes the design tangible. Check the silhouette, balance, movement and construction against the brief, then review the measurements and details that matter to your customer. Evaluate the whole garment as well as individual numbers.
Confirm which materials were used. If a substitute fabric or trim was agreed for the first sample, separate the conclusions you can draw from those that still depend on production materials. Fit approval should not be treated as final approval of an untested fabric, colour or decorated area.
- Measure from the agreed points using the same method as the specification.
- Review movement, proportions, seams, pockets and closure details.
- Check artwork, labels and trims that are included at this stage.
Outcome: a documented review that distinguishes approved details from revisions and pending approvals.
Keep revisions clear and versioned
A useful revision note identifies the current result, the desired result and the exact area to change. Mark photographs or the measurement chart and collect comments from your team into one list. Conflicting instructions in separate messages can lead to a sample that solves one problem while creating another.
Review how a change affects the rest of the garment. Increasing body width, changing fabric stretch or moving a seam can affect fit and construction elsewhere. Record the updated specification and decide which changes require another sample before approval.
- Identify the sample date or version being reviewed.
- Give each revision a location, measurement or annotated reference.
- Confirm that accepted changes are reflected in the current specification.
Outcome: one approved version that the buyer and production team can both identify, with no unresolved revision list.
Confirm the production start conditions
Sample approval is one part of production release. Also confirm the final fabric and trims, colours, quantity by size, decoration, label content and packing instructions. Agree the price scope, production schedule and any inspection or testing arrangements before the order proceeds.
The schedule depends on the confirmed scope and material availability. Distinguish sampling time, bulk production time and transport time when planning a launch. If the garment or material changes after approval, review the revised work and timing before implementing the change.
- Reference: approved sample and current written specification.
- Order: colour and size breakdown, commercial terms and material approvals.
- Controls: agreed inspection scope and packing requirements.
Next step: carry the approved reference into quality inspection so checks measure the order you approved.
Sample approval and the production clock
Prepare the sample brief
Send measurements, fabric and colour references, artwork and quantities. Request a written sample quotation stating the fee, courier cost, revision scope and estimated dispatch date. Ask whether any sample charge can be credited against a bulk order.
Record approval
Review fit, fabric, colour, logo placement, labels and packing. Record revisions against a dated specification and identify the approved sample before authorising bulk production.
Confirm when timing starts
Ask for separate sample, material preparation, bulk production and transport schedules. Agree the start conditions, such as sample approval, material confirmation and receipt of the agreed payment. Changes to colours, quantities or specifications require a revised schedule.
What you receive
- Approved sample and written production specification.
- An agreed production plan and inspection checkpoints for the order.
Next stage
Finished goods move into quality inspection against the approved sample and order requirements. Unapproved changes do not go directly into production.