How to review a garment sample before production

Review against an agreed reference

A garment sample turns drawings, fabric choices and construction details into something you can inspect and wear. Before giving feedback, identify what the sample is intended to confirm: fit, workmanship, materials, print placement or the overall design.

Some development samples use substitute fabrics or trims. Record those substitutions so that an early sample is not mistaken for approval of every production detail.

Check measurements and fit separately

Measure the garment using the points and methods in your specification. Note the sample size, units and agreed tolerances. A measurement discrepancy is easier to resolve when both teams can see exactly where and how it was measured.

Then review fit on the intended wearer or a suitable fit model. Look at balance, ease, garment length and movement. For knitwear, consider stretch and recovery as well as how the garment sits at rest.

Look closely at construction

• Check that seams lie as intended and that stitching is secure and consistent.
• Review the neckline, cuffs, hems, pockets and waistband against the agreed design.
• Check matching parts for symmetry and review where bulk or tension affects appearance.
• Inspect any print or embroidery for position, scale and execution.

Describe the outcome you need when raising a construction issue. A marked photograph often communicates a concern more clearly than a comment such as “improve the quality”.

Confirm materials and finishing details

Compare fabric hand feel, colour, weight and stretch with the approved material reference. Check trims, labels, artwork and packaging where they are part of the sample review.

If wash performance matters to your specification, agree how it will be assessed. Document any required checks for shrinkage, colour change, twisting or print appearance. A visual review of one sample does not establish compliance with all testing requirements.

Send one consolidated set of comments

Bring feedback from design, fit and sourcing into one version before sending it to the manufacturer. Give each comment a location, an observation and the change requested.

• Identify the style, sample size, sample version and review date.
• Attach clear photographs with the relevant area marked.
• Separate changes that are essential from questions or optional improvements.
• Ask the manufacturer to flag any effect on materials, cost or timing.

For example, “shorten the body by 2 cm from the current sample and retain the existing hem construction” is more actionable than “make it shorter”. The appropriate change depends on your own garment and fit requirements.

Record what is approved and what is still open

Approval should identify the sample and the specification version it relates to. List any agreed exceptions and decide whether a revised sample is needed before production can proceed.

Keep the approved sample, specification and final comments together as a reference for production. Avoid treating an informal message as approval of details that have not yet been reviewed.

To prepare the information for your first sample, read our production brief guide. You can also explore our manufacturing capabilities or discuss a sample project with the Jiajia team.