Check the sample for fit, measurements, neck finish, seams, print and labels, then check bulk against that approved sample on arrival. A T-shirt quality check before selling takes an hour or two with a tape measure and a good light, and it protects you from returns that cost far more than the time.
We run our own quality check on every order before packing. Your own check is still worth doing, because you know your buyers and what they will notice. This post gives you a routine for both stages.
Stage one: the sample
The sample is cut and sewn in your chosen style and fabric, with your branding where possible. Bulk production follows the approved sample, so this is where you set the standard.
Fit and measurements
Measure the sample flat and write the numbers down:
- chest width, one cm below the armhole;
- body length from the high point of the shoulder;
- sleeve length;
- shoulder width on regular fits;
- neck opening width.
Then wear it, or have someone in your target size wear it. Check how the shoulders sit, where the hem falls and whether the sleeves look right for the style. An oversized tee should look relaxed, not simply too big.
Neck
The neck is where T-shirts most often look cheap. Check that:
- the neck rib lies flat all the way round, with no rippling;
- the neck does not stretch out of shape when you pull it on and off a few times;
- the back neck tape, if there is one, is straight and stitched evenly;
- the neck label or inside-neck print is centred and straight.
Seams and hems
Look along the shoulder seams, side seams and hems. Stitching should be even, with no skipped stitches or loose threads. The bottom hem and sleeve hems should lie flat rather than twisting or flaring.
Print or embroidery
Check position against your artwork, measuring from the neck seam to the top of the design. Check colour against your reference. Stretch the printed area gently and see that the print moves with the fabric. For embroidery, check the back of the stitching is neat and the fabric around it is not puckered.
After washing
Wash and dry the sample the way your customers will. Then measure again and look at the neck, the side seams and the print. Twisting side seams, a wavy neck or cracking print after one wash are all things to raise before approval.
Stage two: bulk delivery
Bulk should match the approved sample. Your job on delivery is to confirm it does.
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Count cartons, then count by size and colour against your order |
| Size labels | Open a few pieces of each size and confirm the label matches the garment |
| Measurements | Measure two or three pieces per size and compare with the sample |
| Colour | Compare pieces from different cartons in daylight |
| Check position and colour on a spread of pieces | |
| Branding | Neck label, wash-care label and hang tag on each piece you open |
| Packing | Polybags, stickers and barcodes as specified |
Do not open every piece unless the order is small. A spread of pieces from different cartons and sizes gives you a fair picture.
Recording what you find
Write down anything that differs from the sample, with photos and the carton it came from. If you need to raise something with us, specific notes with photos let us check it quickly. Keep your sample as the reference; it is the agreed standard for the order.
A simple sheet works well. Make one row per carton with columns for size, colour, pieces counted, measurements taken and notes. It takes a few minutes per carton and gives you a clear record if a question comes up later, and it becomes the starting point for checking your next order too.
Small differences that are normal
Knitted fabric is not rigid, so tiny measurement differences between pieces of the same size are normal. Agree with us at quotation what tolerance you expect on key measurements, so both sides check against the same standard. Likewise, colour can look different under shop lights and daylight, so always compare colour in the same light as the sample.
What our quality check covers
Before we pack, our quality check looks at measurements against the approved sample, stitching, neck finish, print or embroidery position, labels and cleanliness. Pieces are then folded and packed to your specification. Your inspection on arrival is the second pair of eyes, focused on what matters to your customers.
Before you list or sell
A last check before the T-shirts go on sale:
- photograph pieces from bulk, not just the sample, for your listings;
- confirm your size chart matches bulk measurements;
- keep a few pieces aside as reference for reorders.
For building a size chart from your measurements, see T-shirt size charts and size ratios for a first white label order.
Start with a sample from our white label T-shirts. Send us the style, fabric, colours and branding, and we will confirm sample terms in the quotation.