Check a lab coat sample by wearing it over normal work clothes and looking at length, shoulder fit, sleeves, closures, pockets, embroidery and labels. Then, on delivery, check counts, sizes, names and colour against that approved sample. A lab coat quality check is mostly about fit and finish, because a white coat shows every uneven seam and every mark.
On the sample: fit
A lab coat is worn over other clothes, so test it that way. Put it on over a shirt, and over a jumper if your buyers wear one in cooler months.
- Length: a full-length coat should fall to around the knee; a short coat should sit at the hip. Check front and back.
- Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder. Reach forward as if working at a bench. The coat should not pull tight across the back.
- Sleeves: with the arms bent, the cuff should not ride far up the forearm. With the arms down, it should not cover the hand.
- Chest: button the coat fully. It should close without strain over the layer beneath.
- Women’s fit: check where the shaping falls and whether it still closes comfortably over layers.
Measure the sample against the size chart agreed at quotation: half chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and back length.
On the sample: construction and finish
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Collar and lapels | Lie flat and match on both sides |
| Closures | Buttons sewn firmly, buttonholes clean; press studs close firmly and line up |
| Pockets | Count, size and position as agreed; corners secure; pen pocket divided if requested |
| Seams | Straight, even stitching; no loose threads; no puckering along the front edge |
| Hem | Even all round; same length at both front edges |
| Fabric | Even colour, no marks, no shade difference between panels |
Hold the white coat up to daylight. Panels cut from different parts of a roll can look slightly different on a white garment, and daylight shows it better than indoor light.
On the sample: branding
- Crest or logo: check size, position and thread colours. Fine detail, such as small lettering, should still be readable.
- Name: check spelling, font and placement. If you are ordering names, the sample shows the style that will be used for every coat.
- Back print: check position, edges and colour.
- Labels: neck label, size label and wash-care label wording, symbols and spelling.
- Hang tag: information, barcode if any, and attachment point.
Wash the sample
Wash the sample several times following the care label you plan to use. Then check:
- Has the length or sleeve changed noticeably?
- Has the white stayed even, including at seams and around the embroidery?
- Does the fabric around the crest still lie flat?
- Are the press studs or buttons still secure?
- Is the wash-care label still readable?
Also ask someone else to try the sample on. A coat that fits the person ordering may not suit a taller or broader colleague, and a second opinion often catches a sleeve that is short or a shoulder that sits back. If you are supplying a college or a team, try it on two or three people across the size range.
Send any changes to us with photos. We confirm what can be adjusted before bulk production starts, because bulk follows the approved sample.
On delivery
When the coats arrive, work through this list:
- Count cartons and coats against the packing list, by style, size and colour.
- Open every carton and take a few coats from each.
- Measure a few coats per size against your size chart.
- Compare coats with the approved sample for length, pockets, closures and embroidery.
- For named orders, check a sample of names against your list, and check that each named coat is the right size.
- Check size labels match size stickers and polybags.
- Look for marks or creases on white coats from packing.
Keep the approved sample safe and unwashed after your wash test, or keep a second sample for reference. Comparing bulk coats with the sample you signed off is much easier than comparing them with photos or memory, especially for shade and embroidery size.
For college and hospital orders packed by name, check the packing order before distribution. It is far easier to correct a swap in the box than after coats are handed out.
How our quality check fits in
Every order goes through our quality check before packing. We compare bulk coats with the approved sample for measurements, stitching, branding and finish. Your check on arrival is the second look, from your side, and is worth doing every time.
If you find a problem, record the carton number, style, size, colour, the number of coats affected and photos, and send it to us. Clear records let us look into it quickly with you.
Our post on lab coat labels, tags and packaging explains the branding and packing choices you will be checking. The full range is on our white label lab coats page. Send us your style, fabric and quantities to start with a sample.