In the fashion and apparel industry, sample garments play a critical role in ensuring the quality, design accuracy, and production efficiency of a collection. The process involves multiple stages and types of samples to refine and perfect the final product before it reaches the market.
Stages of Sample Garment Development
- Stage 1 – Initial Samples:
- Focus on responding accurately to the design.
- Includes activities like pattern making and initial construction.
- Stage 2 – Refinement Samples:
- Finalizes the garment fit.
- Predicts production costs, order quantities, and addresses any design adjustments.
- Stage 3 – Pre-Production Samples:
- Conducted after collection approval.
- Ensures quality checks are performed before sending the product for bulk production.
Types of Sample Garments
1. Mock-Up Sample
- Made using muslin or inexpensive fabric.
- Used to test design concepts and patterns without trims.
- Created by designers or sample makers to validate initial designs.
2. Proto-Development Sample
- Developed during the production cycle.
- Aims to visualize the aesthetic appeal of the product based on the original sketch.
- Often uses alternative fabrics if the original material is unavailable.
3. Digital Garment Sample
- A 3D software-rendered garment sample.
- Allows for visualization of fit, movement, and fall without physical materials.
- Saves time and cost but requires specialized tools and expertise.
4. Fit Sample
- Ensures the garment’s fit and construction quality.
- Created using fabrics similar to the final product.
- Adjustments are made until the desired fit is achieved.
5. Size Set Sample
- Includes samples of all sizes in the range.
- Ensures consistency in fit and design across different sizes.
- Mass production starts only after approval.
6. Salesman Sample
- Used for marketing and promotional activities.
- Created using final fabrics and touches.
- Displayed in retail stores or used for buyer presentations.
7. GPT Sample (Garment Performance Test)
- Tests the garment for seam strength, color fastness, wash durability, and more.
8. Pre-Production Sample (PP Sample)
- First sample created in the actual production environment.
- Uses the final fabric, trims, and specifications.
- Bulk production begins only after approval.
9. Sealed Sample
- Approved PP sample is sealed and used as a reference for bulk production.
- Also known as a “Gold Seal” or “Red Seal” sample.
10. Top of Production (TOP) Sample
- Taken from the production line during bulk manufacturing.
- Ensures consistency with approved PP samples.
- Checked for quality and packaging.
11. Shipment Sample
- Samples from the finished and packed batch.
- Ensures that the final product matches specifications before shipment.
12. Press Sample
- Replicas of the final product used for promotional purposes.
- Often used in photoshoots or sent to media outlets.
Flowchart of Sample Garment Development
- Development Sample: Initial sample based on sketches and initial designs.
- Fit Sample: Focused on garment fit and construction quality.
- Size Set Sample: Ensures consistent sizing across all variants.
- Salesman Sample: Used for marketing and buyer presentations.
- Pre-Production Sample: First production-ready sample.
- TOP Sample: Quality checked during bulk production.
- Shipment Sample: Final checked sample before dispatch.
Conclusion
Sample garments are vital for bridging the gap between design vision and final production. By incorporating these various sample types into the production cycle, fashion brands ensure that their products meet customer expectations in terms of design, quality, and consistency.