Put the sample on, walk in it, and look at it in daylight: that is where most issues with an abaya show. An abaya sample quality check comes down to drape, length, sleeves, seams and hems, labels and colour, and once you approve the sample, it becomes the reference for checking every piece in your bulk delivery.
Before you start
Have these to hand when your sample arrives:
- Your size or length chart, with the measurements you asked for
- The colour reference you sent, if any
- Your label and tag artwork, to compare with what is sewn in
- A notebook or phone, to record what you find with photos
Check the sample on a person if you can, ideally someone close to your typical customer’s height. An abaya can look right on a hanger and still feel too long, too short or too narrow once worn.
Checking the sample
Drape and fabric
- Hold the fabric up and let it fall. Nida should hang smoothly; crepe should have a little more body; chiffon should feel light and soft.
- Walk a few steps. The hem should move without clinging or flaring more than you expect.
- Check opacity in daylight, especially for lighter colours and prayer sets, where buyers usually want a soft, opaque fabric.
- Rub a small area gently between your fingers to feel the surface and check for snagging.
Length and fit
- Measure the length from the shoulder to the hem and compare with your chart.
- Try it on: the hem should sit where your customers expect it, usually close to the ankle or the floor.
- Check the width across the shoulders and chest. Closed abayas need enough room to move and sit comfortably.
- For free size kaftans and prayer sets, try the sample on two people of different builds.
Sleeves
- Check sleeve length with arms relaxed and raised.
- Look at the cuff or sleeve edge. It should be even on both sides.
- If you asked for discreet embroidery on a sleeve, check its position, size and neatness, front and back.
Seams, hems and closures
- Seams straight, with no puckering, especially on long side seams.
- Hems even all the way round, with no dips at the side seams.
- Inside seams finished neatly, since open abayas show the inside when they move.
- Any snaps, buttons or hooks sewn firmly and lined up.
Labels and tags
- Neck label straight and centred, and soft against the skin. On chiffon, check whether a printed label would feel lighter.
- Care label content correct, and the label sewn where it will not show through sheer fabric.
- Hang tag details correct: brand, style, size, barcode.
Colour
- Compare with your reference in daylight and indoor light.
- If you ordered two colours, ask whether a sample in the second colour is useful, especially for shades that are hard to photograph.
Approving or asking for changes
Write your notes clearly, with photos, before you approve. Group them by area, such as length, sleeves and label, so nothing is missed. If the sample is right, say so plainly; a clear approval lets production start without a second round of questions. If you want a longer length or a narrower sleeve, give the measurement you want, not just “longer” or “narrower”. Bulk production follows the approved sample, so anything you want changed must be agreed before approval.
Checking the bulk delivery
Every piece passes our quality check for stitching and finish before it is tagged and packed under your brand. Your own check on arrival confirms that the right sizes, lengths and colours have reached you.
- Count cartons against the packing list.
- Count by style, size or length, and colour.
- Open pieces from several cartons, not just the top.
- Compare with the approved sample: length, colour, label and finish.
- Check packing: folds neat, bags sealed, size stickers correct.
- Record any issue with photos, the carton number and the size or length.
| Area | What a good piece looks like |
|---|---|
| Hem | Even, with no dips or loose threads |
| Seams | Straight and flat along the full length |
| Label | Straight, centred and correct |
| Colour | Consistent with the sample across the delivery |
| Folding | Neat, so pieces can be listed or shelved without pressing |
If you find a problem, contact us with the photos and details. A photo with the approved sample beside the piece helps us see the issue quickly and agree the next step.
Keep the sample
Keep your approved sample safe, with your notes. Store it folded in a clean bag, away from light, so its colour stays a fair reference. When you photograph products for your listings, use bulk pieces rather than the sample, so the photos show exactly what customers will receive. It is the reference for this order and the starting point for reorders. Our post on ordering white label abayas explains how the sample fits into the full order, and our white label abayas page lists every style and fabric. If you have a sample in hand and are unsure about a point, send us photos and your notes before you approve.