How quality is defined for your order
Quality is only measurable against a standard. For uniforms that standard is the approved specification (fabric, weight, colour, measurements, trims and branding) together with the approved sample or mock-up. Every check below compares the bulk order to that standard.
Common quality checks on uniforms
| Check | What is examined | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric inspection | Weaving or knitting faults, holes, stains, shade variation along the roll | On fabric arrival, before cutting |
| GSM (fabric weight) | Weight per square metre against the specified GSM, within an agreed tolerance | On fabric arrival |
| Colour matching | Fabric, thread and print colour against the approved standard, under consistent lighting | Lab dip, bulk fabric, finished goods |
| Measurements | Key points such as chest, length, sleeve and waist against the size chart and tolerance | Inline and final inspection |
| Seams and stitching | Stitch density, seam strength, puckering, open seams, loose threads | Inline and final inspection |
| Decoration | Logo position, size, colours, registration and adhesion | After decoration, final inspection |
| Trims and labels | Correct buttons, zips, care labels, size labels and branded labels | Final inspection |
| Wash testing (where requested) | Shrinkage, colour change and branding after washing | Pre-production or on bulk samples |
| Packing | Correct counts, size sorting, labelling and carton marks | Before dispatch |
AQL sampling explained
Inspecting every garment in a large order is often impractical, so the garment industry widely uses statistical sampling based on ISO 2859-1, the standard for sampling by attributes. The result is usually called an AQL inspection, after the Acceptance Quality Limit.
- Lot size determines how many garments are drawn at random for inspection.
- Defects are classified as critical (unsafe or unusable), major (likely to cause a return or complaint) or minor (small cosmetic issues).
- AQL levels set how many defects of each class are acceptable in the sample. A lower AQL number is stricter. Values such as 2.5 for major and 4.0 for minor defects are frequently used for apparel, with critical defects often set at zero tolerance.
- Accept or reject: if defects found exceed the limit, the lot fails and is sorted, reworked or re-inspected as agreed.
AQL is a sampling method, not a guarantee that every piece is perfect. For small orders, or items such as personalised garments, a full (100 per cent) check may be more appropriate. The approach for your order is agreed on the quotation.
Tolerances and normal variation
Textiles are not perfectly uniform. Agreeing tolerances in advance avoids disputes later.
- Measurements: a small plus-or-minus allowance in centimetres per measurement point is normal and should be stated on the size chart.
- GSM: fabric weight varies slightly between rolls; an agreed percentage tolerance is standard.
- Colour: slight shade differences between dye lots are normal. For colour-critical uniforms, agree the standard and order whole teams from the same lot where possible.
- Shrinkage: cotton-rich fabrics may shrink after washing; pre-shrunk fabrics and care instructions reduce this.
Your inspection checklist on receipt
Inspect deliveries promptly, before garments are distributed to staff. Report any issues in writing with photographs and carton or packing references.
- Count cartons and compare with the delivery note
- Check quantities per garment and per size against the order
- Compare a selection of garments with the approved sample or mock-up for colour and style
- Measure a few pieces in common sizes at chest, length and sleeve against the size chart
- Check logo position, size, colours and spelling, including personalised names
- Look for stains, holes, loose threads, open seams and faulty zips or buttons
- Confirm care and size labels are present and correct
- Check employee or department packing labels if ordered
- Wash one garment per style according to the care label before full distribution, if time allows
Frequently asked questions
What AQL level is used for uniform orders?
AQL levels are agreed per order on the quotation. Common apparel practice uses stricter limits for major defects than for minor ones, with critical defects typically not accepted.
Can I arrange my own third-party inspection?
Raise it at the enquiry stage so access, timing and the inspection standard can be agreed in writing before production.
Are wash tests carried out?
Wash testing for shrinkage, colourfastness and branding durability can be requested. Whether it is included for your order is stated on the quotation.
What should I do if I find a defect on delivery?
Set the affected garments aside, photograph the defects and labels, and report them in writing with the order reference as soon as possible. The resolution process is set out in the order terms on the quotation.
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