Types Of Sample

TYPES OF SAMPLES

Sampling is an inevitably important process in the Apparel Industry. Before starting the bulk production, there are multiple types of samples submitted to the customer to get various approvals, such as the design, construction, fabric, trims, wash, fit/size, etc.

Below is a list of the samples used in any Apparel Industry:

1. Proto Sample
2. Fit Sample
3. Salesman Sample
4. Size Set Sample
5. Pre-Production Sample
6. GPT Sample
7. Top Sample
8. Shipment Sample

Each sample made has its own importance, may it be related to the business perspective, aesthetics, fit, construction, washing reference, bulk production or the Quality.

It is the job of a Merchandiser to work closely with the Sampling team, provide them with the required inputs and arrange for the raw materials in order to get a desired quality product which satisfies the customer’s needs.

The factory needs to have at least 1 Counter as a reference for each sample developed.

The use of samples has been explained below:

PROTO SAMPLE

Proto sample can also be referred to as the development sample. It is the first sample developed after the enquiry is received for any style. Customer/Buyer share the Tech-pack(Style sheet) which needs to be considered as reference for the sample. Customers these days also share e-Patterns (for each style) in order to reduce the chances of errors in the samples.

Proto sample is generally made using substitute fabric of similar quality & trims as the raw material might not be available in the initial stage. Actual material can definitely be used if available.

The main purpose of the Proto sample is to check the styling and construction of the style.

FIT SAMPLE

Fit is one of the most important points any consumer considers while shopping for any clothing. After approval of the Proto sample, Fit sample needs to be submitted for customer’s approval.

Each brand has its unique fit, and is known well for it amongst its consumers for it.

Main purpose of the Fit sample is to check the Fit of the sample on the dress/body form or a human model. Hence, Construction and Measurements of Fit sample should exactly match the Specification sheet received from the customer.

The sample submitted for this is made in the base size (generally the middle size) or as adviced by the customer.

The fabric for this sample can be substitute, but should be of similar GSM.

There are chances that the customer makes minute changes in the spec sheet after the submission of the Fit sample in order to achieve the desired fit/fall of the garment, sometimes increasing the chances of re-submission of the samples.

SALESMAN SAMPLE (SMS)

Salesman sample may also be referred to as Marketing sample, Photoshoot Sample, Showroom Sample.

It is mandatory to make the SMS using the actual fabric and trims, with quality as this sample is used by the customers for display in their showrooms. It gives them the idea of how the product is going to perform in the upcoming seasons.

Based on the analysis of the feedback received from the consumers, forecasting for the Order Qty is done which is then passed to the factories for production.

As the sample is to be displayed in multiple stores, it depends on the customer of how many SMS they require.

SIZE SET SAMPLE

Size Set means a set of samples in multiple size. The purpose of Size Set is to check the fit and grading of the samples in multiple sizes in order to make sure that the fitting of the garment comes perfect across all the sizes.

Customers generally prefer size set in jump sizes (for eg. we have sizes XS,S,M,L,XL,2Xl,3XL,4XL, the customer may as for samples in sizes XS,M,XL,3XL or S,L,2XL,4XL). This helps to save material as well as the man-power. Sometimes, customer may ask for a Size Set in all the sizes.

Approval of Size Set is very important before the bulk cutting starts.

It is preferable to make the Size Set using actual fabric and trims. Sometimes customer might allow using substitute fabric of similar quality if the material is not available in order to maintain the timelines.

PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE

PP Sample is often referred as Green Seal Sample or Gold Seam Sample. It is the most important sample stage before starting the bulk production.

PP Sample is made in the base size(defined by the customer) with all the actual fabrics, trims, print/embroidery with the correct construction which is to be followed in bulk.

Bulk production can only be started after the PP Sample is approved from the customer, as it is considered as the standard which is to be followed for the bulk.

Some customers prefer that the PP Sample is made in the production line where the actual bulk is going to run so that the tailors/operators are aware of the upcoming style and its criticalities.

GPT SAMPLE

GPT is an abbreviation for Garment Performance Test. GPT Sample is used for testing purposes. The GPT sample is collected from the running bulk production and sent to the customer nominated testing labs where all the tests are to be performed. Some of the tests are seam strength, seam slippage, button pulling strength, print quality, bursting strength, wash cycle, chemical tests on metals, dyed and printed garments.

Tests to be performed on the garments are defined by the customers depending on their protocols. Customers only ask for the Test reports, and not the GPT Samples.

TOP SAMPLE

Top of Production samples are collected from the initial lot which comes out of the production line. Purpose of the TOP sample is to check whether the quality standards are met or not in the bulk production.

The pieces are checked either by the customer’s QA or any third party auditor appointed from the customer’s side.

Approval of the TOP sample is very essential to get assurance for the bulk production.

SHIPMENT SAMPLE

Few random samples are collected in the final audit to check the packaging and the packaging details of the shipment which is going to the stores. For some customers, there is no audit before the bulk shipment. In such case, the customer requires from us to send samples from bulk before dispatching the bulk.

These samples are called as the Shipment samples. The purpose is to ensure the quality of the bulk goods.

These samples are kept as a reference for any claims coming up on the sold goods from the consumers end (related to product design, quality, etc.).

OBJECTIVE OF THE SAMPLES