Check the armholes, the binding and the stretch first, because those three details decide whether a tank top looks right on the body and they are the hardest to fix after bulk production. Then check length, colour, print and labels against what you ordered.
A tank top sample quality check takes about as long as it takes to try the sample on, measure it and wash it once. This post sets out what to look at and how to tell us about changes, so the approved sample is a clear standard for the bulk order. It applies to every style in our white label tank tops range.
Armholes and straps
The armhole is the single detail that most changes how a sleeveless top looks.
- Armhole depth. Too deep and the side of the body shows more than you want; too shallow and the top pulls under the arm. Measure from the shoulder point straight down to the base of the armhole and compare it with the size chart you agreed.
- Strap width. On a tank top, measure the strap at the shoulder. Check that both straps are the same width.
- Shape. The curve should be smooth, without a point or a flat section at the base.
- Muscle tees. The armhole is large on purpose. Check that it is the opening you expected and that the edge lies flat rather than flaring out.
Try the sample on someone close to your sample size, and raise both arms. If the hem rises much more than you expect or the armhole gapes at the front, note it.
Binding and edge finish
Tank tops and crop tops are finished at the neck and armholes in one of three ways: bound, folded and stitched, or raw-cut. Whichever you chose, check:
- The binding is the same width all the way round.
- There are no twists, puckers or waves, especially at the curve of the armhole.
- The joins in the binding sit where agreed, usually at the side seam or the back.
- Stitching is even, with no skipped stitches or loose thread ends.
- The neck and armholes stretch over the head and arms and then lie flat again.
A raw-cut edge on rib knit should curl slightly and evenly, without running. If it unravels when you pull it, tell us.
Stretch and recovery
Rib knit and cotton-elastane are chosen for stretch, so check that the stretch behaves the way you expected.
- Pull the body gently across the chest and let go. It should return to its shape.
- Check the ribs run straight down the body, not at an angle.
- On fitted crop tops and ribbed vests, check the fit on the body is close but not tight across the chest.
- On cotton jersey, which stretches less, check the fit over the shoulders and that the body is not twisting at the side seams.
We avoid making claims about how a fabric performs, but you can and should judge feel, stretch and fit for yourself on the sample.
Measurements to take
Measure the sample flat and write down each point. Compare it with the agreed size chart.
| Point | How to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Across, 2.5 cm below the armhole | Overall fit |
| Body length | High point of shoulder to hem | Tank and vest length |
| Crop length | High point of shoulder to hem | Where the crop sits on the body |
| Armhole depth | Shoulder point to armhole base | Coverage at the side |
| Strap width | At the shoulder | Look and fit of the strap |
| Neck width | Across the neck opening | Scoop shape |
| Hem width | Across the hem | Straight or fitted hem |
Wash the sample once
Wash the sample the way your buyers will, following the care label. After drying, check:
- length and width against your notes;
- the side seams have not twisted round to the front;
- the print has not cracked and the colour has not changed;
- the printed neck label is still clear;
- the binding still lies flat.
Colour, print and labels
Check the colour in daylight against your reference. Then check each piece of branding: print position and size, the inside-neck label or woven tag, the wash-care label and the hang tag. Read every word on the labels. Spelling and size marks are easy to miss and easy to fix at this stage. Our post on printed neck labels and sewn tags covers the label options.
How to send changes
Write each change as one line, with the measurement or reference you want. For example: “Crop length 2 cm shorter in all sizes” or “Armhole binding narrower, match the neck binding”. Add photos with the point marked. We confirm each change back to you before production starts, and bulk production then follows the approved sample. Every order passes our quality check before it is packed.