Clothing sampling is the stage where a factory makes one complete garment to your specification, in the actual fabric, fit, colour and branding, before bulk production. A pre-production sample takes 7–10 days at Mike Apparel, costs 2–3 times the bulk unit price (credited on the order), and is the approved reference every bulk piece is inspected against.
Sampling is the cheapest insurance in manufacturing and the step most often skipped by brands in a hurry. This guide explains the types of sample, what happens in each, how to evaluate a sample when it arrives, what revisions cost and how the sample becomes the quality standard for bulk.
What types of sample are there?
| Sample | Purpose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric swatches | Compare weights and hand feel | Before or with the first sample |
| Lab dip | Approve a custom Pantone on fabric | Before the sample, if custom colour |
| Fit / proto sample | Check pattern and fit in stock fabric | Only for unusual designs |
| Pre-production (PP) sample | The full garment: fabric, fit, colour, decoration, labels | Every style, every time |
| Size set | One of each size to check grading | Optional, for new blocks before large runs |
| Top of production (TOP) sample | First piece off the bulk line | Photographed and sent for large orders |
What happens during pre-production sampling?
- Spec confirmedFrom your tech pack or reference garment: block, measurements, fabric, colour, decoration, labels. Day 0–2.
- Pattern and fabricPattern drafted or adjusted, fabric pulled from stock or knitted; custom colours lab-dipped. Day 2–4.
- Decoration and labelsScreens, embroidery files and label samples produced. Day 3–5.
- Sewing and finishingOne garment sewn, washed if specified, decorated, labelled, pressed. Day 5–8.
- Photos and courierPhotographed on a form with measurements, then couriered with swatches and a spec sheet. Day 8–10, plus 3–5 days transit to the USA.
How do you evaluate a sample?
- Measure it against the spec sheet at every point of measure; note anything beyond ±1.5 cm on body, ±0.5 cm on rib.
- Wear it on the body it is designed for, and photograph front, back and side.
- Wash it once as a customer would and re-measure for shrinkage and check the print or embroidery.
- Check the fabric weight with a swatch (10 x 10 cm at 400 GSM weighs 4 g) and the hand against your reference.
- Check construction: seam straightness, stitch density, rib recovery, hardware, label placement.
- Check colour in daylight against the Pantone or reference.
What do revisions cost and how long do they take?
One revision is included in the sample fee. A second sample takes 5–7 days plus courier; minor changes (label position, a print size) can be approved on photos without a physical resend. Further revisions are charged at cost. Most fleece and jersey styles are approved on the first or second sample; jackets and unusual blocks sometimes take three. Timelines are in how long manufacturing takes.
How does the sample become the bulk standard?
On approval, the sample is sealed as the reference: the final spec sheet is issued, the pattern is locked, and every bulk piece is inspected against it for measurements, fabric, colour, stitching and decoration. If bulk does not match the sealed sample, it does not ship. That is the contractual value of the sample, and why we will not run bulk without one. The full sequence is on how it works; what to send is on the tech pack guide; and you can start one on the request a sample page. Everything we sample and make is listed under custom clothing manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a clothing sample cost?
Roughly 2–3x the bulk unit price for that product, plus courier at cost. It varies by product — a tee sample costs less than a jacket sample — and the fee is credited against a bulk order within 90 days.
How many samples do I need?
One pre-production sample per style is standard. A size set (one of each size) is optional and useful for a new block before a large run.
What if the sample is wrong?
You mark up the changes, we make a second sample. One revision is included; most styles are approved on the first or second.
Can I get a sample without ordering bulk?
Yes. Sample-only orders are welcome for brands comparing factories.
Last updated September 6, 2026 · Mike Apparel, Sialkot. Lead times reflect current factory capacity; confirm on your quote.