Retail - 3 Essential Steps Involved in Garment Inspection

By Bruce Thomsan

Whether you are catering to customers or buyers, this is something you can't compromise with. In order to get the perfection in each and every piece, you need to keep a check on its various aspects- from raw material to quality of stitching, correct measurements, and the final look.

Garment inspection can be a tiring process but by following three easy steps, you can avoid quality issues and chances of rejection that are usually on a higher side. These include- inspection of the raw material, quality check during the production process, and the final assessment.

Quality has always been a matter of concern in the apparel industry. No one buys a product which lacks quality and has defects and this can damage the reputation of a brand forever because more than design, it is the quality of raw materials and final look of the product which matters the most.

Also, many times buyers also reject packed shipments if they find any defects in the merchandise. Understand, when a customer or buyer is buying a product from your brand, he is paying for the satisfaction your brand name offers in terms of style and unmatched quality. So, it is important to follow the best practices to ensure a stringent quality check on apparels and accessories to satisfy customers and buyers and improve your brand image.

Here are 3 essential steps that you can ask your QC department to follow at every stage of the production process.

1. Raw Material Assessment

This is the first stage of production where the raw material needs to be checked thoroughly before the actual process starts. You need a dedicated team of quality checkers who will inspect the fabrics and other raw materials as per the buyer's instructions to avoid the following issues:

Uneven fabric color

Knitting defects

Fabric texture and softness

Holes, stains, and dirt in the fabrics

Defective printing

Defective embroidery
2. Verification During the Production Process

Once the raw material passes the quality check, next step is to verify the following during the production:

Cutting patterns

Measurements of the garments (majorly shoulder length, body width, garment length, sleeve length, neck width, and collar width)

Checking the function of zips, buttons, and other closures

Matching sewing threads

Quality of seams and stitching

Chalk and needle marks

Garment length

Placket length and width

Neck shape and side shape

Trims, labels, and accessories (if any)
3. Final Inspection

The final round of inspection is done when the garments are ready to be packed. This involves:

Packaging and labeling conforming to the legal requirements like fiber content, manufacturer's identity, country of origin, and care instructions

Ensuring there is no shade variation in the garments

Checking stains, dirt, and foul smell

Ensuring finished seams and proper application of accessories

Takeaways
Following this 3-step easy guide will ensure a smooth production process with no chances of rejection. Another option is to look for   global sourcing companies that cut down on your workload of checking each and every garment at all stages, reducing the risk of quality concerns and delivering the best.