Apparel doesn’t ship from a one-shot quote. You need proto, fit, PP, and TOP samples, with revisions, lab dips, and trim cards in between. We run the loop so your first production order isn’t your first fit check.
Why a sample motion matters
Cutting 500 units on the wrong fabric weight costs more than the PO itself. A real sample loop pays for itself in the units you don't scrap.
A factory's portfolio photo tells you nothing about how your specific tech pack will be cut, sewn, and finished by their line.
Pattern grading, ease, drop, sleeve length. Every dimension shifts when the pattern moves to a new factory. You need an approved fit sample on file.
The four stages
Four samples, each with a job. Skip any of them and the cost shows up on the production floor, usually as units you can’t ship.
The first physical interpretation of your tech pack. Pattern, seams, and construction approach are real. Fabric and trims are placeholders. The goal is to confirm the factory understands the build, not to evaluate aesthetics.
Same factory, now in your actual fabric, in graded base size. You comment on fit; the factory revises. Usually two to three rounds. Approved fit sample becomes the reference for grading the rest of the size run. Skipped for headwear, accessories, and most hard-goods where there is no fit grading.
Pre-production sample. Final fabric, final trims, final construction, final packaging. This is the unit your production order ships against. PP sample approval triggers the deposit and the cut date.
Top-of-production. A unit pulled straight off the line during the bulk run. Confirms that what's shipping matches what was approved at PP. Goods don't leave the factory floor without sign-off.
Around the samples
Color matching against your reference (Pantone, swatch, or hex). Multiple rounds until the dyer hits your shade in your fabric.
Buttons, zippers, labels, hangtags, drawcords. Sourced, photographed, approved. Sealed cards stay at the factory.
For prints, weaves, and knits with new yarn. A small woven or knitted swatch approved before bulk fabric is committed.
Optional live or recorded fittings on real bodies (fit model or hired participant) before signing off the fit sample.
Who does what
You handle the design decisions. We handle the coordination. The factory handles the make. Everyone sees the same thread.
Revisions
No more screenshot-and-WhatsApp. Fit comments, lab-dip pass-fails, trim choices, all marked up on the platform with the photo or sample they refer to. The factory sees exactly what to change. You see exactly what they changed.
Sleeve runs 1.5cm short at the cuff. Drop hem 0.75cm in the back panel.
Confirmed. Adjusting pattern and re-cutting. Photos by Thu.
Lab dip approved separately. Trim card pending. Chase by Mon.
A realistic timeline
We right-size the loop to what you’re making. A blank cap with embroidery doesn’t need three fit rounds. A tailored jacket does. Here’s what to expect by category.
Caps, beanies, bags, small leather goods
Proto → PP → TOP
No fit grading. Decoration approval (embroidery, print, hardware) replaces the fit loop.
Sunglasses, hard cases, drinkware
Proto → PP → TOP
Tooling availability dominates. Lead time depends on whether your factory has the frame or mold already.
Tees, hoodies, knitwear, woven tops, outerwear
Proto → Fit (2–3 rounds) → PP → TOP
Full loop. Fit rounds and lab dips add the most variance.
The full loop
For accessories and hard goods, drop the Fit row and total runs 4 to 8 weeks instead. We’ll give you a realistic schedule before kickoff, not a hopeful one.
The brand. Sample costs are quoted up front by the factory and invoiced to you directly. StitchGrid doesn't take a margin on samples, only on production.
Two to three rounds for a standard garment. Complex construction (tailoring, technical outerwear) can run four to five. We'll flag early if the round count starts to drift.
After two failed rounds on the same comment, we escalate. If the factory can't hit the spec, we re-route the program to another factory on the shortlist. Your tech pack and learnings come with you.
Strongly recommended. We can help build one if you don't have one yet, typically a 1- to 2-week effort from a reference garment or sketch.
Sometimes, if you've worked with a factory before or have a confirmed graded pattern. For first-PO with a new factory, we don't recommend it.
Built into the loop on request. We can coordinate wash testing, abrasion testing, and field testing with brand-provided or sourced testers between fit and PP.
Sample with us
Post a production job. We’ll bring back factories ready to start the loop within the week.