Quality Inspection Procedures Every Garment Brand Must Know About

Source: <https://blog.qima.com/inspection/garment-quality-inspection-procedures> Published: Jul 28, 2022 Categories: Inspections, Quality Control

Product quality, especially in the apparel sector, doesn’t simply happen. It is the result of continuous quality control efforts and strict quality inspection procedures.

Quality inspections are carried out at the garment supplier’s facilities during and after the production process, before the garments are shipped to the brand’s stores and distribution centers.

Five Fundamental Steps in a Garment Inspection

1. Measuring Garment Dimensions

Dimensions must be consistent and comply with specified sizes. The quality control inspector takes measurements of different parts of the garment and compares them against specifications for every clothing size.

Specifying tolerances: Tolerances can vary for different parts of the garment. For example, ¼ inch may be acceptable for a shirt’s chest width, but the same ¼ inch sleeve deviation would be marked a fail.

Fit test: A quality control inspector places the garment onto a mannequin of appropriate size and performs a visual check.

2. Accessories Testing

Unreliable accessories can destroy the consumer’s overall impression. Tests include:

• Pull test – Uses a gauge to pull on the accessory with predetermined force for 10 seconds (mainly for zippers)
• Fatigue test – Repeatedly buttons and unbuttons 50 times to check for damage
• Stretch test – Tests elastic bands and straps for proper elasticity

3. Garment Appearance, Workmanship and Other Checks

• Checking garment style and colors against approved sample (Pantone color charts)
• Checking artwork or logos match reference
• Stripes check for proper cutting and sewing
• Needle detection check (metal detector)
• Rub tests for colorfastness
• Seam slippage test (for woven garments)
• Odor tests

4. Label Verification

Garment labels must contain:

• Fiber content
• Country of origin
• Manufacturer/importer/distributor information
• Garment sizing
• Care instructions for washing and ironing

Barcode scanning test: Ensure barcode is linked to correct information, properly printed and readable, appropriately sized, properly orientated, and not damaged.

5. Packaging Inspection

Checks include:

• Correct number and assortment per carton
• Appropriate carton size, weight and material
• Inner cartons/polybags properly sealed
• Adequate product protection
• Proper warnings on polybags
• Compliance of desiccant sachets with consumer safety laws
• Shipping marks correct, legible, and consistent

Shipping marking must include:

• Buyer’s name and PO number
• Item number and description
• Carton dimensions and weight
• Number of cartons in set
• Country of origin