01
What information is needed for a garment enquiry?
A workable garment enquiry should define the product, materials, measurements, quantity, quality, packaging, destination market and timing. Use this buyer and factory checklist.
Overview / Insights
Textile & Apparel Sourcing Guide
Practical guidance on garment enquiries, quotations, sampling, approval and production handovers.
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02
How can buyers obtain comparable garment factory quotations?
Garment quotations are comparable only when specification, quantity, materials, packaging, commercial terms and exclusions are aligned. Use this RFQ comparison checklist.
03
What should be confirmed before approving a garment sample?
Garment sample approval should cover the sample, written specification and bulk-production conditions, including measurements, materials, workmanship, packaging, testing and open issues.
04
How can sample revisions be carried accurately into bulk production?
Use sample IDs, version-controlled specifications, change records, impact confirmation and a production-release package to reduce lost or outdated garment revisions.
05
Why does changing fabric affect price, testing and lead time?
A replacement fabric can change garment cost, consumption, MOQ, shrinkage, stretch, sewing performance, testing and production timing. Review this approval checklist.
06
How can buyers tell whether a garment factory is right for their product?
A factory that can make one sample may not be suited to stable bulk production. Evaluate relevant product experience, processes, material sourcing, quality control, MOQ, capacity, scheduling and communication.
07
What does each common garment sample type confirm?
Understand what development, fit, size-set, pre-production, top-of-production and shipment samples can confirm, and when sample stages may be combined.
08
How is garment MOQ determined, and what should small-order buyers confirm?
Garment MOQ is shaped by fabric, dyeing, printing, trims, packaging, colour-size breakdown and line-change costs. Learn what to confirm before pricing a small order.
09
How should garment production lead time be calculated?
A 30-day production time does not mean shipment 30 days after order placement. Build a garment timeline covering materials, samples, approvals, testing, production, inspection and handover.
10
Who performs garment inspection, and which production checkpoints are needed?
Factory QC, buyer inspection and third-party inspection serve different roles. Review incoming, first-piece, in-line, mid-production, final and loading checkpoints.
11
Why are fibre content and fabric weight not enough to specify a fabric?
Fabrics with the same fibre content and weight can differ in construction, width, hand feel, stretch, shrinkage, finish and bulk performance. Use this sourcing checklist.
12
How should lab dips, colour standards and bulk fabric colour be approved?
A colour standard defines the target, a lab dip evaluates a dye option, a swatch shows the material effect, and bulk production requires lot and shade confirmation.
13
Why can bulk fabric show shade variation when the swatch was correct?
Bulk colour can vary because of scale-up, dye lots, roll position, finishing and viewing conditions. Learn how to control shade standards, lot grouping, cutting and repeat orders.
14
When should a garment testing plan be defined?
Garment testing should be planned during enquiry and material selection, with verification points during sampling, production release and bulk. Requirements depend on product, market, claims and customer standards.
15
How should zips, elastics, buttons, labels and garment packaging be approved?
Trim approval should cover material, size, colour, function, artwork, position, attachment, MOQ, durability and packaging compatibility. Use this buyer and factory checklist.