Sample Section in Garment Industry:
Garment sample section is an essential part of the overall product development process in garment manufacturing. It plays an important role in visualizing the final product and ensuring that the design, fit, and quality meet buyer expectations. Garment samples are inevitably important and are developed tested before starting the bulk production, because the buyers generally places the order after they are satisfied with the quality of the samples. Therefore, the garment sample section not only ensures quality assurance but also determines the ability of an exporter to secure orders, making it a cornerstone of the apparel manufacturing process.
The details attached with the garments sample:
- Reference No. / Style No.
- Color
- Fabric composition
- Wash type
- Size
- Trims & accessories details
- Quality
- Sample type
- Description etc.
Objective of Garment Sample Making:
- To allow the buyer to judge the production capabilities of the manufacturer.
- To provide a means for making revisions in the bulk production process.
- To let the manufacturer estimate the thread and fabric consumption, and develop cost quotations.
Types of Garment Sample Making:
Different types of sample make according to different buyer. Its depends on Buyer demands. Different types sampling name and their purpose are given below –
- Proto Sample
- Fit sample
- Sales man sample
- Size-set sample
- Pre-Production sample
- Top of production sample
- Shipment sample
- Counter sample etc.
All types of garment sample are briefly described below:
1. Proto Sample:
It is made to communicate the design of a style or a line or to present garment structured. Here fabric and fit is not considered only check the styling according to tech pack.
2. Fit Sample:
Fit sample is being tested on live model or dress form to verify garments fit and fall.
3. Sales man Sample:
It is made to put on display in the retail showroom. It is displayed for assessing Customer’s feedback and according to customer feedback buyer’s forecast demand of a particular style. Here original fabrics and trims are used.
4. Size-Set Sample:
The purpose of the sample is to check the fit of the garment of different size. Buyer may specify the size range or ask for all sizes sample.
5. Pre-Production Sample:
Buyer wants pre-production sample to be made in actual production line. So that operators aware what they go to make.
6. Top of Production Sample:
Production pieces are sent to buyer as top sample. Buyers ask this sample to check whether factory is following PP Sample or not.
7. Shipment Sample:
When style is being finished and packed for shipment 2-3 finished and packed pieces with all packing details are sent to the buyer to give knowledge what is being sent to the buyer through shipment.
8. Counter Sample:
Generally all type of sample sent to buyers, taken same copy at the factory for future reference id called counter sample.
Importance of the Garment Sample Section:
- Design Validation: The sample section helps validate the design concept by physically creating and testing the garment.
- Quality Control: The sample section is responsible for ensuring that the design meets quality standards in terms of fit, construction, fabric behavior, and finishing.
- Cost Estimation: The creation of accurate samples helps estimate production costs, including material and labor.
- Production Consistency: The sample section ensures that the garment specifications are clear and well-documented, facilitating consistency in mass production.
Working Process of Garment Sample Room:
The sample room in the apparel industry is a crucial area for garment development, where prototypes samples of new garment designs are created, tested, and evaluated before mass production. Here’s an overview of the sample room process:
Production process of sample room in garment industry are denoted below:
1. Design Development and Receive Tech Pack:
Designers create the initial garment concepts, based on trends, customer requirements, or seasonal collections. Sample section first receives tack pack from the merchandiser so that they can take initiative to make sample. Fabrics and trims are chosen according to the design.
2. CAD and Pattern Making:
A pattern maker uses the design and tech pack to create the first patterns of the garment. Sample section inform Pattern or CAD section to make required pattern or grading pattern for sample development. These patterns are the blueprints for each garment component. After the base size is created, the pattern is graded to other sizes.
3. Sample Creation:
After make pattern or manually cut fabrics for sample making, sample is make according to buyer’s requirements.
4. Fabric and Trims Sourcing:
The sample room team receives the fabrics, trims and accessories that are also selected based on the design specifications.
4. Fit Testing and Evaluation:
The fit of the garment is thoroughly assessed by designers and sometimes the client. This process includes checking size accuracy, proportions, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. If any issues are found during the fitting process (e.g., tightness, length, or shape), modifications are made to the pattern and the sample is re-sewn.
5. Approval Gain and Revisions:
Make Sample sends to buyer for approval, if not gain approval, sample section has to re-make sample based on corrective comments. The cost of production is also estimated based on the materials and labor needed.
6. Final Samples:
After revisions and approval, a final pre-production sample is created. In some cases, the pre-production sample is used as a sales sample for showcasing to buyers, stores, or customers before the bulk production begins.
7. Production Preparation:
The approved sample is used to set the production timeline, final costing, and material orders.
8. Feedback Loop:
The production team regularly checks that the garments produced in bulk match the sample in quality, style, and construction. If any issues are found during the manufacturing process may require further adjustments in the sample room, ensuring the final product meets the desired standards.
Throughout this process, communication between designers, technicians, pattern makers, and the production team is essential to ensure the accuracy and quality of the garment before it enters mass production.
Conclusion:
Sample room process is a crucial aspect of the garment industry, bridging the gap between design concepts and bulk production. Each process ensures that the final product aligns with the buyer’s expectations, making the sample room process a vital component of garment manufacturing. Ultimately, a well-executed sample room process is the foundation for successful bulk production and long-term business relationships in the competitive apparel industry.
Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.
