Types of Samples for Completing a Garments Order
Sample: In a garments industry, the sample which is come from
buyer and it is followed for bulk production called sample.
Sampling is one of the most important processes in the
garments industry which has a vital role in attracting
buyers. Normally buyers have placed an order after
satisfying with the quality of samples. As its importance on
the garments industry, today I will discuss the different
kinds of samples used for completing a garments export
order.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAMENTS SAMPLES
Purpose of Sampling:
• To allow the buyer to judge the production capabilities of
the manufacture.
• To provide a means for making revisions in the bulk
production process.
• To let the manufacturer estimate the thread and fabric
consumption, and develop cost quotations.
Sample Types
Sample Before Confirmation Sample After Confirmation
1. Proto Sample 4. Size Set Sample
2. Fit Sample 5. Master Sample
3. Selection Sample 6. Counter or Production
Sample
7. Salesman Sample
8. Top Over Production
Sample
9.Shipment Sample
10.Photo shoot sample s
Even though, in essence, apparel production is not a very complicated process, there are stages
we need to see through carefully before garments can be sent out for production successfully.
Each and every one of these steps comes with a fair share of sample making, testing, and
adjusting.
There are several ways to go about garment sampling and it’s important to know and understand
the different kinds that exist to see which ones work best for your production needs.
Three stages of garment sampling
When creating samples with your factories, there are usually
three stages. The first set of samples correspond to the design
phase, which includes everything from the initial design to
pattern making. The second sample set is part of the evaluation
phase which is for finalizing garment fit, predict costings, order
quantities, etc.
Finally, after the collection is approved and sent to production,
you will need to check samples again to ensure quality and
consistency of the entire batch. These samples correspond to the
quality control phase. If not all, most of these samples are
essential to guarantee a top product that will not only satisfy
your customers but will help make its way in today’s highly
competitive market. Here we’ve rounded everything you need to
know to achieve sampling success!
1.Proto Sample:
o Proto sample is developed at very initial stage and
normally order is confirmed to the factory based on
proto sample.
o Proto sample is the rough interpretation of the
enquiry done to acquaint the tailors with the style.
o It is usually done on the substitute fabrics, and using
accessories, what is available and then checked on
the dress form.
o The buyer may make necessary changes pertaining to
the fit, the drape, the style details etc.
Sewing a proto sample
2. Fit Sample:
As the name suggests, fit samples are to ensure the adequate fit
and fall of the garments and they’re made in accordance with
the sizing requested by the brand. Measurements and
construction need to be accurate and correct in order to pass
the fit evaluation. The fit sample can be made of a similar
fabric as the one intended for the final design, and many
adjustments could be necessary before the desired fit is
achieved.
Constructing garments fit sample
3.Selection Sample:
4.Size Set Sample:
After the fit sample has been approved, the base pattern for
each size needs to be graded, so samples could be created for
the entire size range. Size set sampling includes three samples
of each size which are made with the fabric and finishings
intended for the final product. After this is complete, mass
production can start once the brand gives their approval to the
factories.
Graded pattern
5.Master Sample:
o These samples are almost like approval samples. They
have to be made in actual production fabric with
actual bulk trims.
o They will represent that the production will be like
these samples. These samples are to be sent before
starting the actual production.
o Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all
manners. Buyer may check these samples for
everything or anything.
o Master sample making stages:
✓ Cutting as size set sample wise
✓ Sewing
✓ Pre-production Inspection.
6.Counter or Production Sample:
o These samples are to be sent before shipment to get
the buyer’s confirmation for shipment.
o Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all
manners. Buyers may check these samples for
everything or anything. Sometimes they may do wash
test also.
o We should not get any remark or comment. We have
to get only OK from the buyer. Then only we can ship
the goods and we can be sure of getting payment. So
these samples are to be sent with more and more
care.
7.Salesman Sample:
o The main purpose of salesman sample is to collect the
order from the retailers.
o In salesman sample actual accessory, actual fabric is
used or sample yardage need to be used.
o This sample also very important stage of sampling as
the sales of buyer depends upon this sample
presentation, look, feel or fabric is important.
Salesman samples at showroom
8. Top Over Production Sample:
o A sample which is collected from the first stage of
production process.
o For production follow up, a buyer must be collected
this sample from the apparel industry.
o Use original fabrics and accessories.
9.Shipment Sample:
Once the bulk production is done and the shipment
is finished, packed, and ready to go, a few samples
are kept aside by the factory as shipment samples.
These serve as to test the final product that will
reach the brand; right from the folding to the
packaging. Many brands will only approve shipping
if the samples pass this test.
Shipment sample
10. Photo Shoot Sample:
o In order to promote the new style in the market
normally buyer asks for photo shoot sample.
o Buyer uses this photo for marketing purpose either
on catalogue or various media like, print, TV, or
website to see the response of the consumers.
11.Press samples
Press samples are exact replicas of the final sellable
product, usually in a model's sample size. They’re used for
photographing promotional material like collection
campaigns for advertising, look books, e-commerce and can
be loaned to magazines for editorial photo shoots.
Press samples
12.Sealed samples
Once the PP sample is approved by the brand, they are sealed
to prevent tampering from the factory and now become the
standard for bulk production. They are also known as gold-seal
samples or red-seal samples, depending on the approval, or
disapproval of the brand.
Sealed sample
13.GPT Sample
GPT sample refers to the production sample that is given for
"Garment Performance Test". These samples are used for a
series of tests that a brand would like to evaluate before
running the styles for production. The tests can include seam
strength, seam slippage, colorfastness, wash fastness, among
others.
Garments performance test
14.Pre- production sample
A pre-production sample is the first sample made in the
actual production line of the factory. It’s constructed with the
actual fabrics intended for the design and trims with all the order
specification regarding measurements, embroidery, and washes.
It’s a test run by the factory and they can proceed with the bulk
production only when the PP sample is approved by the brand.
Pre – production sample
15.Digital garment sample
A digital sample is a software rendering of the garment in a
3D form which allows the visualization of fit and fall of the
garment in both stillness and movement.
Digital garment sample
Conclusion:
Sampling is the heart of any export order processing. The
future of any style purely depends on buyer and factory which
are adding value to the samples. So it is very important to
understand the sample development process to control quality
and costs in the initial stage or in the sampling development.
