Types of Garment Samples

Garment manufacturing is a complicated process that includes several stages. And sampling is one of them. Samples are meant to attract the attention of the audience. With a sample in hand, customers are more likely to make the purchase of the referring product.

Author John Cary
AUTHOR
JANUARY 13, 2023

There are different kinds of garments sample containing additional information like reference number, color detailing, sizing, fabric information, fitting, artwork details, design or embroidery, and other components like zippers, buttons, and collars. So, these are the number of things that are observed through a different number of samples.


There are different kinds of garments sample containing additional information like reference number, color detailing, sizing, fabric information, fitting, artwork details, design or embroidery, and other components like zippers, buttons, and collars. So, these are the number of things that are observed through a different number of samples.


What do clothing sample makers do?



The primary job of the clothing sample makers is to cut, sew, and assemble the clothing sample or prototype and make it a fully finished product. Using their hands and machines, the clothing sample makers collect client's requirements information, specifications, and sizing needs and then create the clothing samples for clients.


Before moving to bulk production, the sample production unit in the clothing sample is responsible for manufacturing and testing the product by creating a sample. Moreover, you can also check a number of things like garments, sizing, colors, patterns, style, and fabrics by manufacturing a sample product before you start with the bulk production of a clothing line.


In garment sampling, different types of samples vary according to the need of brands and clients. When we are talking about the samples, it depends on the manufacturer and the sample type they want. This blog outlines all kinds of samples manufacturers create that customers might ask for.


Different types of garment samples



Here are the types of samples in the garment industry that brands expect when they are doing business with you. The clothing manufacturing process has several stages; the brand might require different samples to analyze a number of things.


Here are different types of garment sampling


  • Original sample


    This sample is the type of sample given to the manufacturer by the brand or client as the reference or used as a counter sample.


  • Proto sample


    The word proto refers to "first," so these proto samples are developed at the initial stages of product development. These samples are created from the manufacturer's end and delivered to the brand or client to check the design and style of the sample.


    In this type of sampling, substitute fabric and trims are used instead of the original material in case they are unavailable. The sample is manufactured based on the tech pack provided to them. So, it's critical to mention all the details in the tech pack.


    Most clothing sample makers also offer tech pack design services like us. We are a one-stop shop for brands looking for sample-making and bulk manufacturing of their clothing lines.


  • Fit sample


    As the name says, the primary purpose of the fit sample is to check if the clothes fit and are constructed according to the size requirements. These samples are delivered to the brand to check if the pieces are coming accurately over the dummy models.


    For male garments, the Medium size is sent, and for females, the Small size is sent. This sample is made on the measurement based on the sizing provided by the brand or client's end. In this type of sampling, it's advised to use the original fabric, but substitute fabric can be used if that's not available.


  • Size set sample


    The size set samples are developed after the approval of the fit sample. The size set samples are based on the patterns used on the approved sample. All the other sample sizes are graded here in the size set sampling, and the patterns are developed for different sizes based on the approved sample.


    1 piece of this sample is delivered to the brand, and the manufacturer keeps the one piece. The manufacturer can't start the cutting before the approval of the size set.


    In this type of sampling, the product in all sizes is delivered to the brand to ensure the brand or client that the manufacturer can manufacture all the dimensions according to the requirements. Moreover, these sample sizes can also be created along with the GPT samples.


  • Salesman sample (SMS)


    The salesman samples are delivered to the brand shop to showcase the product to the customer and get reviews. The brands delivered the sample to the salesman in the physical store to receive customer feedback on the sample.


    These samples are often used for the promotion and marketing of the product. It's critical to be in the exact fabric requirements, sizing, measurements, shades, colors, and accessories. More quantities are required in this type of sampling, such as 200-250 pcs.


    The main objective of these samples is to check the requirements and get customer feedback.


  • Photoshoot sample


    The brand requires these types of samples with a large-scale network throughout the country or globally. These photoshoot samples are used to create catalogs that include all the information about the sizing guides, styling, assortments, range, and prices.


    The photo shoot samples are taken over the models for advertising and make-ring purposes. These photos are printed over billboards, magazines, and broachers for customer awareness. Product photography is also done using these samples, and these product images are used on e-commerce websites and other platforms.


  • Pre-production sample


    The pre-production samples are developed using the actual fabric in which the clothes are meant to be manufactured. This is the main stage for the brand to decide if the garment should be accepted or rejected for bulk manufacturing. As this is the final step of sampling, it must be in the actual fabric, accessories, and trims.


    In case of rejection, the brand should highlight the changes they want over the product, and the revision phase starts. The sample approved in the pre-production phase is used as a reference for bulk production.


    Bulk manufacturing can't be started without the approval of the pre-production sample.


  • Top of Production Sample (TOP)


    After the approval of the pre-production sample, the company starts the bulk quantity production. The TOP samples are picked randomly from bulk manufacturing, and these samples are selected for inspection. The TOP samples are of utmost importance to achieve a quality certification for the whole manufacturing line.


    If the TOP sample fails in the quality or performance check, the manufacturer must ensure that the standards reach the defined quality standards and resume manufacturing.


  • Garment Performance Test Sample (GST)


    In GPT, the samples are picked randomly to check the performance and durability of the clothes. A various number of tests are run over the garment. This test includes chemical and physical testing to check the product's performance and durability.


    The GPT sample is made up of using the actual fabrics as defined by the brand. A number of tests are taken in this phase, including shrinkage, seam performance, color fastness check, and sample durability.


  • Shipment sample/ showroom sample/ warehouse sample


    The shipment sample is required after the checking and final inspection of the TOP sample and when the product is entirely manufactured, packed, and ready for shipment. Some of the garments from the final manufacturing products are picked randomly and sent to the customers as shipment samples.


    The primary objective of shipment samples to the customers is to assure the brand or client that the quality assurance department thoroughly checks all the products and that quality is maintained.


Should I hire a sample maker for my clothing line?



When it comes to starting a clothing line, it is always better to hire a clothing sample maker so that you have an idea about how your clothing line will look in bulk production. Moreover, if you plan to create fewer articles or run a micro-production, then a clothing sample maker might get the job done for you, saving you a good amount of money.


Also, It’s good when you are rolling out a new clothing line and trying out a new clothing manufacturer. You can ask the sample maker to create a clothing sample for your clothing line to have trial pieces and check if the clothing sample is perfect as per your needs or if you need changes. Moreover, you can get the clothing sample, ask your customers, and collect reviews, and then you can further products based on those customer reviews and feedback.


What are the benefits of working with a clothing sample maker?



Here are some of the benefits of working with a professional clothing sample maker.


  • You can get multiple jobs in one place


    You can test several number of clothing line samples from one clothing sample maker. The clothing sample makers work on a standard approach of the first production (pattern making), flat sketching, line sheet design, and pattern making and offer other services too.


    So you can get multiple jobs done under one roof if you are working with professional clothing sample makers.


  • Turnaround times are lower


    The clothing sample maker provides a shorter turnaround time that helps you make a quick decision. The clothing sample maker can create around 50 samples in less time for your brand so that you can collect and distribute the sample of clothing lines across your company and run a survey to collect customer reviews.


  • Lower costs


    The clothing sample maker offers a lower cost for producing the clothing line sample. So it’s an excellent way to get your product line manufactured and tested in the market without spending thousands of dollars on a clothing line. Moreover, you can get an additional discount from the sample maker if you get bulk production of your clothing line from them.


How to Find a Sample Sewer Garment?




With such a big industry, tons of sample makers work in the market, and you will find yourself troubled when finding suitable clothing manufacturers. There are factors based on which you should choose a clothing sample maker for your brand.

Key Factors You Should Consider When Choosing the Right Clothing Sample Manufacturer for Your Brand


Are they working & delivering the same clothing line that you want?


Manufacturers work in a diversified range of clothing lines. So if you are choosing the clothing manufacturers for the first time, you need to ensure that the manufacturer you are working with is pro-efficient at manufacturing that particular clothing line.


You can ask them for samples and similar clothing lines related to your projects. By looking over the sample, you will have an idea of whether the manufacturer is reliable or not.


What are their Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)?




The minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the minimum order quantity that you can order from a clothing manufacturer. For some, it’s 50, 100, 500, or it can be more. By analyzing the MOQ of the clothing manufacturer, you can contact and work with them accordingly.


What is the production process that you’ll need?

When it comes to clothes manufacturers, there are different processes and approaches to manufacturing the clothing line. And each clothing line works with another system. You might need to pay more if you need a complete start-to-finishing services package known as the FPP. Or you can take another approach. You can go with the CMT process if you have everything ready just to manufacture the clothing line. The first process mentioned is the best for the brands starting as it helps them cover everything from start to end.


What are their work ethics?

Target clothing manufacturer who aims to grow. Any business is of no good if it doesn’t grow. So if you are working with an innovative manufacturer keen to develop, it benefits your brand. Suppose you are diversifying into different clothing brands or clothing lines in the future. In that case, you must ensure that the clothing manufacturer you are working with can handle your orders and complete your needs.


How do they provide samples?

By seeing the work samples, you can know what the end product will look like. Instead of ordering directly and waiting for the end bulk production product to discover errors, you can ask the manufacturer to create a sample product based on your requirements. You can cross-check check number of things like fabric, designs, styles, stitching, sleeves, fitting, inside seams, collars, and more.


Are they domestic clothing manufacturers or international/ overseas manufacturers?




As the definition elaborates, domestic clothing manufacturers are the one who is within your country, while international or overseas clothing manufacturers’ works abroad. There are several advantages for both domestic and overseas manufacturers.


Advantages of Domestic manufacturers

  • Faster shipping times.

  • Cheaper cost

  • Easy clear communication

  • High manufacturing quality

  • No taxes or tariffs

Disadvantages

  • Higher manufacturing costs

  • Fewer number choices

  • Low-quality of manufacturing

Advantages of Overseas manufacturers

  • Lower costs of manufacturing

  • Higher quality

  • The diversified range of manufacturing

  • Skilled labors

  • Easy sourcing of fabrics

  • Specialized manufacturers

Disadvantages of overseas manufacturers

  • High price for transportation or shipping

  • Extended supply chain

  • It might delay the order

  • Lack of control

  • It takes more time to reach to you

To help you spot the right clothing sample maker, we have written a blog on how to spot the best clothing sample maker. The blog also lets you know about the advantages you get while working with a clothing manufacturer. Be sure to check it out.


Author John Cary

About the author:

John Cary is a keen fashion blogger who primarily provides detailed guides and advice about anything that comes under fashion. He has worked closely in the fashion industry, which enhances his experience and makes him more passionate about the fashion industry. When it comes to clothing and fashion John Cary makes absolute sense.