Standards
Color Consistency Control
Keep color decisions tied to an approved physical reference, the correct substrate and recorded evaluation conditions, from lab dip review through bulk component comparison.
Scope and applicability
Distinguish shade matching from colorfastness. A sample that matches a color reference has not, by that fact alone, demonstrated resistance to washing, rubbing or another exposure. Assess body fabric, rib, thread and decoration in their own material context, then review how the components look together.
Acceptance criteria to agree
Confirm these items in the project specification before making a pass or fail decision. This guide does not set a universal acceptance limit.
| Item | Specify before review |
|---|---|
| Controlling reference | Physical color reference or approved lab dip, identifier, version and approval date. |
| Material and finish | The actual substrate, colorway and finishing state covered by the approval. |
| Viewing conditions | Agreed light sources, viewing setup and comparison procedure. |
| Instrumental comparison, if required | Instrument settings, color-difference calculation, measurement conditions and approved limit. |
| Component and lot decisions | Acceptable relationships between materials, shade grouping rules and the approval owner. |
Review method and record
- Confirm the reference and the material identity before starting a color review. A color code without its reference system and physical basis can be ambiguous.
- Compare the lab dip or material sample under the agreed viewing conditions. Record the revision and comments, including any conditional acceptance.
- If the shade is not approved, retain the reason and request a revised submission. Keep the earlier and later versions distinguishable.
- For bulk review, identify the lot and compare the relevant components with the approved reference. Record shade differences rather than relying on an uncalibrated screen photograph.
- Record the final decision, restrictions and any recheck. Approval of one substrate should not silently authorize another.
Common failure modes and prevention
| Failure mode | Preventive review |
|---|---|
| Correct color name, wrong material or lot | Match the material card and lot identifier to the production specification. |
| Different components judged from one photo | Review the physical components together under agreed conditions. |
| An old lab dip treated as the latest approval | Keep the approval date, version and approver with the controlling reference. |
Evidence that supports the decision
Useful records include the approved lab dip identity, material and colorway, evaluation conditions, comments, approval date and any instrumental readings required by the project. A supplier certificate or fabric composition report does not establish shade acceptance.
Match the record to the material, sample or lot under discussion. See how to evaluate supporting evidence.
Buyer questions
Can I approve color from a phone photo?
A photo can communicate a question, but display and lighting differences limit its use as a controlling color reference. Agree the physical reference and evaluation conditions.
Does lab dip approval approve bulk fabric automatically?
It identifies the accepted color reference for its stated material and scope. Bulk material and component decisions still need to be related to that reference.
Discuss your project requirements
Send the information below to make the review specific to your product.
- Product, material and specification version.
- The reference or method and acceptance criteria you need.
- Sample or lot identity and the decision to be made.