Why Sampling Has Stages (Not Just One Sample)
A sample is not a one-off — it is a series of progressively stricter checks. Each stage answers a different question: does it fit, does it look right, will it survive a production line? Skipping a stage to save a few days is the most common cause of bulk defects. A vertically integrated cotton knitwear factory runs every stage on the same floor, so handoffs and version drift are minimized.
The Five Sampling Stages
| Stage | Answers the question | Typical qty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Tech pack review | “Can we actually make this?” — feasibility of fabric, construction and decoration before any cutting. | — |
| 2 · Proto / development sample | “Does the shape work?” — first physical build to validate silhouette and construction; often unbranded. | 1 pc |
| 3 · Fit sample | “Does it fit the size chart?” — measured against spec, worn/fitted on form, adjusted for grade. | 1 pc / size |
| 4 · Pre-production (PP) sample | “Is this exactly what bulk will be?” — sealed as the reference standard for the whole order. | 2–5 pcs |
| 5 · Size set / ship sample | “Does every size come out right?” — one of each size from the first bulk run, checked before the rest ships. | 1 pc / size |
Key point: The pre-production (PP) sample is the one that matters most for bulk consistency — it is the “golden sample” the production line matches. If you approve bulk without a sealed PP sample, you have no objective standard to reject against.
What You Send to Start Sampling
The quality of the sample is capped by the quality of the tech pack. At minimum, a factory needs:
- Flat sketch or reference photo (front/back, with callouts for pockets, seams, trims).
- Fabric spec: composition + GSM, or a swatch to match. Color as Pantone or our stock color code.
- Size chart and grade rule (S–2XL or your target market's sizing).
- Decoration file (vector for print/embroidery) with placement and dimensions.
- Construction notes: stitch type, zipper/rib spec, labeling and packaging.
How a Cotton Knitwear Factory Shortens the Loop
Because our lines are in-house, sampling does not wait on an outside workshop. Typical timing: blank-base proto in 5–7 days; styles with special processes take longer; PP sample after fit approval in another 5–7 days. The whole path to a sealed PP sample is usually under three weeks — fast enough to test a market before committing to bulk.
- Send the tech pack → we return a feasibility note and a quote (often same day).
- Proto + fit sample made and measured against your chart; you approve or request changes.
- PP sample sealed as the bulk reference; bulk is scheduled against it.
- Size-set sample pulled from first bulk run; rest ships after it passes.
FAQ
Why do I need more than one sample?
Because each stage answers a different question. One sample cannot confirm fit, look and production consistency at the same time. The five stages — tech pack review, proto, fit, pre-production and size set — each close off one category of risk before bulk begins.
What are the five sampling stages?
1) Tech pack review — can we actually make this? 2) Proto / development sample — does the shape work? 3) Fit sample — does it match the size chart? 4) Pre-production (PP) sample — is this exactly what bulk will be? 5) Size set / ship sample — does every size come out right?
What do I need to send to start sampling?
Five things: a flat sketch or reference photo (front and back, with callouts for pockets, seams and trims), fabric spec (composition plus GSM, or a swatch), a size chart and grade rule, the decoration file (vector, with placement and dimensions), and construction notes covering stitch type, zipper and rib spec, labelling and packaging.
How long does sampling take?
Because our lines are in-house, sampling does not wait on an outside workshop. A blank-base proto takes 5–7 days; styles with special processes take longer. The PP sample is then sealed as the bulk reference and bulk is scheduled against it.