SAMPLE TYPES
A prototype to confirm fit, measurements, and silhouette. Adjust freely before locking the pattern.
The final sign-off piece is the exact fabric, color, and decoration, matching what the bulk order will look like.
Between the fit sample and the pre-production sample, some details get their own test piece. Which ones you’ll see depends on the product.
| Approval | What it proves | Where you’ll meet it |
|---|---|---|
| Lab-dip | Your Pantone color, dyed on the real fabric | Custom colors, matched sets |
| Print strike-off | Ink color, placement, and opacity on your fabric color | Graphic tees, coach jacket backs |
| Embroidery strike-off | Stitch density, thread color, and puff height | Snapbacks, embroidered hoodies |
| Chenille strike-off | Letter shape, pile, and felt color | Varsity jackets |
| Wash shade sample | The exact faded color after washing | Dad hats, acid-wash hoodies |
| Dyed reference piece | Palette, technique, and intensity for hand-dyed runs | Tie-dye tees |
WHAT TO EXPECT
From approved tech pack to sample in hand.
Itrate on fit and detail until it’s right.
Sample fee quoted upfront, often credit toward bulk.
No tech pack? We’ll help you build on first.
Most styles sample in 7-10 days per round. A few need longer because of an extra process, and the reason is always the same: something has to be proven before bulk.
| Product | Per sampling round | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most hoodies, tees, bottoms, and sets | 7-10 days | Standard cut, sew, and decoration |
| Caps and beanies | 7-12 days to pre-production | Embroidery or knit setup, then the sample cap |
| Acid-wash hoodies, color-block hoodies, and sublimation tees | 10-14 days | A wash, extra panels, or a print has to be run and approved |
| Leather varsity jackets | 10-15 days | Hide sourcing for the sleeves and panels |
| Puffer jackets | 14-21 days to pre-production | Fill and quilting are locked in the sample |
When the sample arrives
A sample only protects you if you test it properly. This is the checklist we’d use ourselves.
Wear it on a real body
Ideally on someone your size range is built around. For a jacket, wear it over the layer it’ll go on top of.
Measure it against your spec
Chest, length and sleeve at minimum, flat on a table, and note any gaps.
Wash it once
Follow the care label, then measure again. This is how you catch shrinkage before your customer does.
Look at the decoration up close
Stretch a print gently, run a finger over embroidery, and check the edges.
Check it in daylight
Shop lights flatter color. Hold it next to your reference or the other half of a set.
Send your notes with photos
Written changes plus photos turn into a precise next round, not a guess.
Why physical?
| Question | A digital mockup | A physical sample |
|---|---|---|
| How does it feel? | No answer | Hand feel and weight, in your hands |
| How does it hang? | An idealized drape | The real drape on a real body |
| Is the color right? | Depends on your screen | Dyed on the actual fabric |
| How does the print sit? | Flat and perfect | On knit, over seams, when stretched |
| Will it shrink? | No answer | Wash it and measure |
A sample costs a small fee and takes a week or so. A bulk run with a sleeve that’s too short or a color that’s off costs the whole order and the launch date with it. The sample is the cheapest place to find a mistake.
The sample fee
The sample fee is on your itemized quote before any work starts. No surprise invoices.
On orders of 100 pieces or more, the sample fee comes off your bulk invoice.
Your approved pattern and specs stay on file, so reorders go straight into production without a new sample.
SAMPLING FAQ
It depends on the style, fabric, and decoration. The sample fee is shown upfront on your itemized quote, before any work starts.
Yes, on orders of 100 pieces or more. The fee comes off your bulk invoice.
As many as it takes to get it right. Each round takes 7-10 days on most styles, and most styles are signed off within one or two rounds.
Yes. Send a garment you like. We copy its pattern, then adjust it to your specs in the fit sample. That’s the first stage of cut-and-sew.
No. Once a style is approved, its pattern, colors, and labels stay on file, so a reorder goes straight into production.
Send your notes and photos, and we’ll make another round. Nothing goes into bulk until you approve the pre-production sample.