Sample Making Process: What is it and why do brands need it?

The journey from concept sketch to ready-to-wear isn't a one-step leap. It involves a meticulous process with a surprising number of sample stages – 14 to be exact ! This highlights the crucial role sample-making plays in refining a garment before it hits the shelves. In this newsletter, we'll delve deeper into the types of samples that are particularly used in the pre-production process.

So, what is the sampling process?

Sampling is the initial stage where the fashion brand takes their creative design along with the technical document called a Techpack to the factory to create a physical sample garment. This procedure allows designers and manufacturers to assess and refine the design, fit, and functionality of the product before moving on to mass production.

Sampling Process:

1. First Prototype: Using your Tech Pack (detailed product guide), the factory creates a first sample to kick off the design journey.?
2. Review & Update: You review the prototype against the Tech Pack, noting any deviations and requesting updates.
3. Fit & Function: The sample undergoes a fit review on an appropriate form (based on your size chart) and, optionally, a wear test to assess comfort, mobility, and wearability. Adjustments are made based on your feedback.
4. Second Prototype (Optional): Further refinement may require sending updated specs and requesting a second prototype. This process continues until you're satisfied (usually 1-5 prototypes).
5. Finalize Tech Pack: Once happy with the prototype, approve it along with the finalized Tech Pack, ensuring clear specifications for production.
6. Size Set (if applicable): For multiple sizes, request a Size Set reflecting your size range, developed using your grading rules in the Tech Pack.
7. Pre-Production (PP) Sample: Confirm the finalized design by requesting a PP sample. Approval starts production.
8. Top of Production (TOP) Sample: Receive a final TOP sample from the production line to ensure everything is set up correctly. This final approval avoids costly changes after production begins.

Benefits of Sample Making

• Save Money & Time: Sampling acts as a quality control checkpoint, catching design and production flaws early. This prevents costly mistakes and delays that can occur if fixes are needed later on.
• Flawless Fit & Design: By ironing out any fit or design issues during sampling, you get a final product that aligns perfectly with your vision and flatters the intended wearer.
• Accurate Production: Sampling ensures clear and precise technical specifications (Tech Packs) are created, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient production process with minimal errors.
• On-Time Deliveries: An efficient sampling process minimizes the risk of delays, allowing your collections to reach customers on schedule – a vital advantage in today's fast-paced fashion world.

The Key to a Smooth Production: Nailing the Sample Stage

A well-crafted sample sets the stage for a smooth transition into production. However, navigating this crucial stage can be challenging, especially for new brands.? Ensuring quality control (QC) requires experience, and that's where Inflow can help!

Our on-demand fashion manufacturing platform empowers brands to transform those early-stage hurdles into a seamless workflow. Visit Inflow today and see how we can revolutionize your fashion production process!

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