Garment Quality Control Checklist for Textile and Apparel Inspections

Source: <https://blog.qima.com/quality-control/garment-quality-control-textile-apparel-inspections> Published: Jul 29, 2022 Categories: Apparel, Inspections, Quality Control, Textile

A quality control checklist is an essential QC tool for any brand or manufacturer that cares about the quality of its products. It is a list of requirements and specifications for particular products, drawn up by the brand and provided to quality control staff for use during an on-site product inspection.

What is a Garment Quality Control Checklist?

A quality control checklist (also QC checklist or inspection criteria sheet/ICS) is a document created by the brand to clearly outline what they want their product to be, and what quality control procedures they require during an on-site product inspection.

What Goes Into a Garment Quality Control Checklist?

Product Requirements

• Dimensions and tolerances: To ensure finished garment passes a fit check and sizing is consistent
• Materials and workmanship: Specifications related to fabric, stitching, and accessories (buttons, zips, etc.)
• Color: Best to use a color standardization system such as Pantone
• Garment weight: To help detect issues related to fabric density or material dampness
• Markings and labeling: Must be labeled in accordance with consumer product laws in target market

Packaging Requirements

• Packaging weight and dimensions
• Shipper’s boxing material requirements
• Shipper’s cartons labeling and marking requirements
• Packaging method and assortment
• Retail packaging and labeling specifications

On-Site Tests and Checks

• Size fitting tests and symmetry checks
• Color shading against Pantone codes
• Colorfastness checks (wet and dry rub tests)
• Fabric weight test
• Adhesive checks (for logos and prints)
• Fasteners fatigue and zip quality test
• Stretch tests (for elastic fabrics or straps)
• Buttonhole tests
• Seam slippage tests
• Needle damage check
• Metal contamination prevention
• Barcode scanning test
• Waterproof test (for waterproof and weatherproof garments)

Quality Control Tools and Instruments

• Measuring tape
• Dial calipers
• Digital camera
• Defect stickers
• Pantone color swatch
• Barcode scanner
• Metal detector

Why is a QC Checklist Important?

• Clear communication of product requirements to supplier and QC team
• Prevention of defects in finished product
• Discovery of shortcomings before product leaves factory
• Supplier held to quality expectations
• Specific criteria and procedures for inspectors
• Shipping requirements met to avoid customs rejection
• Accurate product information for sales and marketing materials

TL;DR

• Apparel inspections need a written specification, because defects in textiles are visual and subjective.
• Define defect categories and tolerances before production, not at inspection.
• The approved sample is the reference every measurement and finish is checked against.

Apparel inspection checkpoints

Checkpoint	What must be defined before production
Measurements	Points of measure and acceptable tolerance per size
Construction and finish	Stitching type, seams, trims, hardware and finishing requirements
Colour and material	Approved reference, lighting condition and acceptable variation
Labelling and packing	Care labels, size labels, hangtags, polybag and carton marking
Defect classification	Which defects are critical, major or minor, and the acceptance limits

Write the standard first: for garments, “good quality” is not inspectable. Specify construction, measurements with tolerances, colour reference, trims, labelling and which defects are critical, major or minor.

Frequently asked questions

What should a garment inspection checklist contain?

Measurements with tolerances, construction and finishing requirements, colour and material references, labelling and packing instructions, and a defect classification with acceptance limits.

Why do apparel inspections fail on subjective points?

Because the standard was never written down. Without defined tolerances and defect categories, the inspector and the factory can both be reasonable and still disagree.

When should the inspection standard be agreed?

Before production starts. Defining it at inspection time leaves no opportunity for the factory to correct anything.