On a sports bra, check the underband, straps, elastic and seams first, then the pads if you chose them, then fit and branding; on a set, add a side-by-side colour check of top and bottom in daylight. A sports bra quality check on the sample sets the standard for the whole order, and a short, structured check on delivery confirms it was met.
Before packing, every piece passes our quality check for seams, elastic and finish against your approved sample. Your own checks, on the sample and on arrival, are what make that sample a standard you are happy to sell. Set aside an hour, gather a measuring tape, your agreed size chart, good daylight and two or three people who wear the sample size, and work through the sections below in order. Write down what you find as you go.
Construction: underband, elastic, seams and straps
Turn the bra inside out and work through it.
Underband and elastic
The underband is where a sports bra is judged most. Check that:
- the elastic is evenly enclosed, with no twisting inside the channel;
- it stretches smoothly and returns to shape when released;
- the stitching on the band stretches with it rather than cracking;
- the band lies flat when the bra is laid down.
Seams
Look at side seams, the joins at the straps and any panel seams. Stitching should be even and flat, with no skipped stitches, gaps or loose threads. Pull gently across each seam: it should stretch with the fabric.
Straps and back
Check that straps are the same length on both sides, sit flat without twisting, and are securely joined at front and back. On racer or crossed backs, check the join point where the straps meet, as that takes the most strain.
Pads
If you chose removable pads, on styles built for them, check that:
- both pads are the same shape and sit flat;
- they do not fold or shift when the bra is put on;
- the opening allows them to come out and go back in easily for washing;
- they sit symmetrically when worn.
Fit and coverage
Put the sample on two or three people in the right size and ask them to move: reach overhead, bend forward, twist, and stretch. Ask:
- Does the underband stay in place, or ride up?
- Do the straps dig in or slip off?
- Does the neckline lie flat?
- Is coverage what you expect for the style?
For the leggings in a set, check coverage in a deep squat in daylight, from behind, in every colour you plan to sell. For shorts, check that the hem stays in place on the thigh.
Measure the sample and compare with your agreed chart. Our guide to sports bra size charts and set sizing lists which measurements to take and how to build the chart.
Sets: colour match and pairing
Sets are bought because the pieces match, so this check matters more than any other for set products.
- Lay the top and bottom side by side in natural daylight.
- Look at shade, sheen and surface. They should read as one colour.
- Wash both pieces together once and compare again.
- If sets are packed together, check that the size on each piece matches the pairing on the bag.
Using the same fabric for top and bottom is what keeps them matching, so a colour mismatch is worth raising straight away.
Branding and packing
| Element | What to check |
|---|---|
| Bra logo | Position on underband or back, clean edges, flat after stretching |
| Bottoms logo | Matching placement on waistband |
| Inside print or label | Correct size shown, comfortable against skin |
| Wash-care label | Every word correct, including pad care if relevant |
| Hang tag | Artwork, size and attachment |
| Packing | Fold, bag, stickers; sets paired correctly |
Wash the sample once following the care label, then repeat the elastic, fit, colour and logo checks. Tell us about any change before approving.
Checking the delivery
When the bulk order arrives:
- Match cartons against the packing list.
- Open cartons from different parts of the shipment.
- Count a sample of pieces or sets by size and colour.
- Measure a few pieces per size against your garment measurements.
- Check underband elastic and seams on a spread of pieces.
- Compare colour between cartons, and between tops and bottoms of sets.
- For packed sets, open a few bags and confirm the pairing.
- Check logos, labels and tags.
If something is wrong, note the style, size, colour, number checked and the issue, take clear daylight photographs, and contact us with the order details. Clear notes help us look into it quickly and decide the next step with you.
Keep the approved sample, your measurements and photographs as the standard for every reorder. When you request a sample, send us the style, fabric, colour, size, pad preference and branding artwork, and see the full range on our white label sports bras and gym sets page.