Pre-Production Samples: How to De-Risk a Large Clothing Order
Every flaw you miss in a sample gets reproduced thousands of times in bulk. The sampling stage is the cheapest place to catch problems and the most expensive place to rush. Here's the sample ladder that protects a large order.
The sample stages
- Proto / fit sample — the first physical version, to dial in fit, proportion and construction.
- Size set — one sample per size, to confirm your grading works across the range.
- Pre-production (PP) sample — made with the actual bulk fabric, trims and process. This is the make-or-break approval.
- Sealed / counter sample — the approved PP sample, signed and "sealed" as the reference bulk is judged against.
- Top of production (TOP) — a piece pulled from the start of the real run to confirm bulk matches the seal.
Why the PP sample matters most
The PP sample is the first time everything is real at once — your fabric, your trims, your factory's process. Approving it means you're approving what bulk will actually look like. Skipping or rushing it to save a week is the single most common cause of expensive bulk disappointment.
Approving bulk without a proper PP sample is signing for a delivery you haven't seen. The week it saves is never worth the order it risks.
Approve properly — and in writing
- Check fit and measurements against tolerance, fabric hand and weight, colour, trims and labelling.
- Compare against your tech pack, not your memory.
- Sign off in writing, and keep the sealed sample as the QC reference (see AQL & inspection).
New to the process? Read how clothing sampling works, then send us your tech pack — we'll sample properly before a single bulk piece is cut.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-production (PP) sample?
A sample made with the actual bulk fabric, trims and process, approved before bulk production starts. It's the first time everything is real at once, which makes it the make-or-break approval.
What is a sealed sample?
The approved PP sample, signed and "sealed" as the reference standard that bulk production is judged against during quality control.
Can I skip sampling on a repeat order?
On an identical repeat from the same factory, often yes — the sealed sample is your reference. For anything new (fabric, fit or factory), never skip the PP sample; the week saved isn't worth the risk.
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