Test the feeding opening first, then the fit, the fabric, the seams and the labels. A maternity wear sample quality check differs from an ordinary womenswear check because the garment has to work while someone is feeding a baby, not just look right on a hanger.
The sample is where you agree how the bulk order will look and behave. The delivery is where you confirm it matches. This post gives a checklist for both stages for any style in our white label maternity and nursing wear range.
Checking the feeding opening
This is the detail that makes or breaks a maternity garment. Try it many times, not once.
| Opening | What to check |
|---|---|
| Vertical zip under a front panel | Zip runs smoothly up and down; panel fully covers the zip when closed; zip pull does not dig in; panel lies flat |
| Side slits under an overlay | Overlay fully covers the slits; slits sit at a usable height; edges are neatly finished; overlay settles back in place |
| Button or snap front | Buttons or snaps open easily with one hand; placket lies flat; no gaping between fastenings |
Ask yourself whether the opening can be used with one hand while the other holds a baby. If it needs two hands, the shopper will notice. If the position or length of the opening needs adjusting, tell us with measurements. We confirm whether the change fits within white label.
Checking fit and fabric
Fit
- Bust and front: enough room for a growing bump, without excess fabric that looks shapeless.
- Front hem: stays level when worn over a bump, rather than rising at the front.
- Adjustable details: tie waists, gathered panels and wrap fronts adjust smoothly across a range.
- Length: right for your audience’s height, especially for dresses, kurtis and nightdresses.
- Shoulders and sleeves: comfortable when lifting and holding a baby.
Measure the sample flat and compare with our size chart, then try it on. If you can, try it on someone in pregnancy and someone who is nursing.
Fabric
- Does it match your approved swatch in weight, colour and feel?
- Is it soft against the skin, especially at the neck and underarm?
- On pale fabrics, is it more sheer than you expected?
- For cotton jersey, does it recover after stretching, or does it bag?
- For prints, is the pattern placed evenly?
Seams, finish and branding
Stitching and finish
- Seams are straight, with no loose threads or skipped stitches.
- Inside seams are neatly finished and do not rub, particularly around the opening.
- Hems are even all round.
- Stress points such as the ends of slits and the base of zips are secure.
- The garment is pressed and clean.
Branding
- Printed neck label or inside-neck print is soft, straight and readable.
- Care label is in the side seam with your wording, and sits flat.
- Any embroidery or print is in the right place, clear of the opening.
- Hang tag details are correct, including the opening description if you added one.
- Packing matches what you asked for.
Wash the sample
Wash it once following your care label, then check:
- Has the length or width changed noticeably?
- Has the colour faded or run?
- Does the zip still run smoothly, and does the overlay still lie flat?
- Has cotton jersey kept its shape at the neck and hem?
Nursing wear is washed often, so how the sample looks after one wash tells you a lot. Rayon usually needs gentler care than cotton; make sure the label says so. Changes agreed on the sample are carried into bulk production.
Checking the bulk delivery
Each piece passes our quality check before it is tagged and packed under your brand. When the goods arrive, check them yourself against the order and the approved sample.
Count first
| Check | Compare with |
|---|---|
| Pieces per style | Quotation and invoice |
| Pieces per size | Your size split |
| Pieces per colour or print | The confirmed colour split |
| Cartons | Packing list and shipping documents |
Then open packs from several cartons
Pick packs from different cartons and different sizes. For each one:
- Compare colour and fabric with the approved sample.
- Try the feeding opening several times.
- Measure one or two pieces per size against the chart, paying attention to S and 3XL, where grading issues show up.
- Check labels, hang tags and packing.
If you find a problem, note the style, size, carton number and what is wrong, with photos, and contact us. Specific details help us look into it quickly.
Keep the approved sample as the standard for reorders. Label it with the order date, fabric, colour and opening type, and store it flat. When the next delivery arrives, compare it with the sample side by side rather than from memory or photos, which can make colours look different. Our post on ordering white label maternity wear explains how the sample fits into each order.
When you send feedback on a sample, include the style, size, opening type, photos and the measurements you took, and we will confirm what can change before production.