Step-by-Step Guide on Garment Quality Control

Any garment manufacturing firm’s ROI (return on investment) hinges upon the garment quality control measures adopted to guarantee that the garments produced to meet industry standards. By implementing quality control measures across the production line, manufacturers can ensure that their products are firmly placed in the competitive market and continue to be successful.

In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide for implementing an effective garment quality control program.

What are the necessary clothing inspection steps?

The following are the five basic steps that QC quality control inspectors should take in the garment inspection process.

Measure the size of your clothing

measure t shirt size
measure t shirt size

When a portion or all of the clothing manufacturing process is completed by hand, it is essential to ensure that the clothing’s dimensions match its specified size. In these cases, using a measurement chart for guidance is critical to ensuring a consistent and accurate final finished product. There are a few key things to keep in mind when using such a chart:

  • First and foremost, make sure you use the correct chart for the clothing you inspect.
  • Pay close attention to the specific measurements indicated on the chart, as even slight deviations can result in clothing that does not fit properly.
  • Measure multiple garments to confirm that the sizing is consistent across the entire batch.

To ensure that garments of the same size are manufactured consistently, many companies use a sizing template. This allows them to quickly and accurately assess each garment’s dimensions without measuring multiple pieces.

  • The tolerances for specific clothing sizes.

As a QC inspector or buyer, it is essential to understand the acceptable tolerances for clothing sizes. These tolerances dictate the reasonable margin of error for any defects or discrepancies found in garments deemed “pass” or “fail.”

A few factors come into play when determining size tolerances for clothing. These include:

  1. The type of garment
  2. The fabric
  3. The construction
  4. The trim
  5. The cut
  6. And more

Each of these factors can affect a garment’s overall fit and look and thus must be considered when deciding on size tolerances.

In general, however, a few guidelines can be followed when it comes to size tolerances for clothing. These include:

  • All measurements should be taken with the garment lying flat
  • Bust/chest, waist, and hip measurements should be taken from the side seam
  • Length measurements should be taken from the center back neckline seam to the hem
  • Sleeve length should be measured from the shoulder seam to the cuff

This will help to avoid any issues with your garments being too small or too large and will help to ensure your garments for your customers.

Buttons and Zippers- Physical Testing of Trimmings

women's half zip elastic hem cashmere sweatshirt

Quality control inspectors should use physical testing methods, such as “tensile testing” and “fatigue testing,” to find defects in clothing accessories like zippers, buttons, ribbons, and belts. Randomly test a designated number of garments from each batch.

  • Tensile test

The primary performance of buttons and zippers is assessed by physical methods to determine the maximum external force they can withstand. For example, tensile strength, elongation at break, elasticity, etc.

stretchy test
  • Fatigue test

repeatedly apply a specific load to the button, and zipper, to examine its strength changes under certain conditions after repeated stretching

  • Tensile test

Used to examine the elongation of the button, and zipper in different directions, the extension at break changes, such as shear elongation and compression elongation.

Through these physical property tests, we can assess the actual performance of the buttons and zippers used in clothing.

Fabrics density and composition testing

To ensure your garments will last longer and hold up to wear and tear, test the density or thickness of the fabrics used during production. If they’re too thin or not dense enough, likely, your manufacturer didn’t use the specified quality fabric.

A QC checker can conduct three on-site tests for fabric density and composition:

  • Fabric GSM Check

The GSM of fabric is a measure of its density and thickness. A sample is cut and weighed to check the GSM of a fabric. The weight is then divided by the area of the model to give the GSM. This test is essential because it helps to ensure that the material meets the required specifications.

fabric gsm check
fabric gsm check
  • SPI Check

A fabric’s SPI (stitches per inch) is a measure of its density and strength. To check the SPI of a material, a sample is cut and examined under a microscope. The SPI is then determined by counting the number of stitches in a given area. This test is essential because it helps to ensure that the fabric meets the required specifications.

stitching loops
  • Material Composition Check

The composition of a fabric is an essential factor in determining its quality. To check the design of a material, a sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will then identify the various fibers in the selection and their percentages by weight. This information is essential because it helps to ensure that the fabric meets the required specifications.

Tag verification

customized care label
customized care label

As mentioned above, having the correct labels is crucial for garments that want to be in compliance with European and US target market labeling requirements. An incorrect or missing title could result in fees for the importer and the refusal of finished product entry by Customs.

The American Textile Fiber Products Identification Act requires the following information on all garment labels:

  • The fiber content of the clothes

Ensuring the fiber content of the clothes is an essential criterion for verifying the quality of the clothes. The correct fiber content will ensure that the clothes have good elasticity, wearability, and washability. Different fibers have different properties, so knowing these fibers is an essential requirement for verifying the quality of clothes.

  • Country of origin

Country of origin is the mark of the country in which the manufacturer places the garment when it is manufactured or imported. This mark shows how the manufacturer views quality and whether the country’s regulations were followed in the manufacturing process.

  • Manufacturer/importer/distributor identity

Manufacturer/importer/distributor identity Indicates that the manufacturer or importer is responsible for the clothes it supplies and has authorized a specific distributor to sell these clothes in its designated territory.

  • Washing and ironing care instructions

The clothes should be marked with instructions on how to wash, use and care for them so that consumers can use them properly, have a good experience, and use them for as long as possible.

Packaging inspection

custom packing bag1

Quality control specialists play a vital role in examining garments packaging. By carefully inspecting the packaging, they can prevent potential problems arising from issues with the garment itself. Some of what is checked during their quality control processes include:

  • The condition of the packaging raw materials

Packaging materials should be in good condition and free of rips or tears. It is also essential to ensure that the raw materials used are suitable for the type of garment being packaged.

  • The size of the packaging

The packaging should be the appropriate size for the garment. Customer satisfaction can be significantly impacted by an improperly packaged garment, so it is essential to ensure the packaging is the correct size.

  • The labeling on the packaging

All labels should be clear and legible. You want to ensure that all of the required information is easy to read, including instructions on properly caring for the garment.

  • The barcodes on the packaging

Barcodes should be scanned correctly and match the information on the label. This is a crucial step to ensure the item will be appropriately tracked for garments that need to be sold in stores.

The packaging should be aesthetically pleasing and presentable. From a marketing perspective, the packaging should attract potential customers’ attention.

Wrapping up

We hope this step-by-step guide on garment quality control has been helpful. Quality control plays a critical role in the fashion industry, as it helps to protect manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike from potential issues with garments.

In Lezhou garment, we have a dedicated team of quality control specialists to ensure that our garments meet the highest standards of quality. We also regularly update our quality control procedures to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with industry trends.

If you want to learn more about garment quality control, please contact us or visit our website for more information. Thank you for reading!

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