One consolidated comment round
Comments that arrive in several passes take longer than one complete round. A single pass keyed to the sample is the fastest route to an approved fit.
Sampling & fit
From a first sample to a fit you have approved.
Pattern, sample, fit comments and revision rounds — and what usually makes a sample slip.
A sample is where a direction becomes a decision. Measurements stop being an intention and become a garment that can be worn, measured and corrected. This page covers how that loop runs, what we need from you at each point, and where it commonly goes wrong.
Scope
What sampling covers
Everything below sits inside this service rather than being sold as a separate product.
- Pattern making from a tech pack, size chart or reference sample
- A first sample in your chosen fabric and color direction
- Fit and construction review against your comments
- Revision rounds, agreed per project before work starts
- A pre-production sample in bulk materials before cutting begins
- A measurement chart confirmed against the approved sample
Process
How a sample is developed
Each round produces something you can measure or wear. Comments are most useful when they arrive as one consolidated pass keyed to the sample.
- 01
Pattern
Patterns are built from your size chart and tech pack, or taken from a reference sample when no technical pack exists.
You receive
- A pattern
- A measurement chart for your confirmation
- 02
First sample
The first sample is made so fit, proportion and construction can be judged on a real garment rather than on paper.
You receive
- A first sample in your fabric and color direction
- 03
Fit review
You review fit and construction. Comments are recorded point by point against the sample so nothing is lost between rounds.
You receive
- Your comments recorded against each point
- 04
Revision
The pattern and sample are corrected against the consolidated comments. Revision rounds are agreed with you before work starts.
You receive
- A revised sample
- 05
Pre-production sample
The pre-production sample is made in bulk materials and becomes the reference the production line is held to.
You receive
- A pre-production sample approved by you
- The measurement and construction standard for bulk
Reference timings
Reference timings
These are estimates, not guarantees. Fabric, construction, revision rounds, approval speed and scheduling all move the date.
- First sampleAbout 10 daysWhen a suitable stock fabric is available. A custom fabric adds time, confirmed per project.
- SMSAbout 20 daysWith stock fabric, counted from the point all pre-production information is confirmed.
- Revision roundsAgreed per projectThe number of rounds and any extra sample cost are confirmed with you before work starts, so there is no surprise later.
Decision points
What usually needs a decision
Most delays come from these four, not from the work itself.
The measurement chart is the reference
Changing the measurement chart after sampling restarts part of the process, because the pattern was built to the version you confirmed.
Changing fabric after the first sample
A different fabric can change how a garment hangs and fits. Substituting it after sampling usually means the fit is judged again.
What the sample is for
The approved pre-production sample becomes the standard for bulk inspection. Everything after approval is measured against it.
Buyer questions
Questions we are asked about this service.
01What is an SMS and how is it different from a sample?
A sample is made to check fit, proportion and construction. An SMS, or salesman sample, is made in the final materials and colorways to be shown to buyers and buyers' customers. SMS timing is counted from the point all pre-production information is confirmed.
02We do not have a tech pack. Can you still sample?
Yes. Send a physical reference sample and we can develop the pattern and sample from it. A tech pack and size chart still give the most predictable result, because measurements and construction are explicit rather than inferred.
03How should we send fit comments?
As one consolidated pass, keyed to the sample point by point, with photographs or marks on the garment where a description is ambiguous. Measurements are more useful than adjectives — a comment like "the sleeve is 1.5 cm too long" resolves in one round where "the sleeve feels long" may not.
04Can we change the fabric after the first sample?
You can, but it usually means judging the fit again. Different fabrics behave differently in the same pattern, so a substitution after sampling normally starts another round rather than being a straight swap.
Start with the project details
Ready to discuss your next style?
Share the product type, estimated quantity, target date and your tech pack if available. We will review the project before discussing the next step.