Standards
Standards for Custom Apparel Quality Review
Make quality requirements specific before they become production decisions. Explore six control topics covering materials, dimensions, color, decoration and lot inspection.
Choose the control that matches your risk
| Topic | Question to resolve | Read the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional change | What happens to the agreed dimensions after the specified wash and dry process? | Shrinkage Control |
| Color consistency | Which reference, material and viewing conditions govern the shade decision? | Color Consistency |
| Fabric tolerance | Which material identity, weight basis, usable width and visual criteria govern receipt? | Fabric Tolerance |
| Measurement and fit | Where and how is each dimension measured, and who approves the fit? | Measurement and Fit |
| Decoration quality | Which artwork, placement, substrate and finished appearance are approved? | Print and Embroidery QC |
| Lot inspection | Which sampling plan, defect definitions and disposition rules apply? | AQL Inspection |
Separate the method, the limit and the result
- Method: how the review is carried out, including the applicable document and edition where a published method is used.
- Acceptance criteria: the project-approved limits or reference. Record units, product scope, conditions and who approved them.
- Result: what was observed for an identified sample or lot. Retain the original readings and any exceptions.
- Disposition: the authorized decision, including rework, further evaluation or acceptance of a documented exception.
Use the guides from development to production
- During briefing, identify the product, use, material and characteristics that need control. Use the relevant guide to find missing inputs.
- Before sample evaluation, agree the reference documents, measurement state and acceptance criteria. Keep versions identifiable.
- When the material, process or specification changes, identify which approvals need review. An earlier result may not cover the change.
- Before a lot decision, match the inspection or test record to the actual product and order scope. Record unresolved findings and their disposition.
Material and production decisions
Use the existing standards with the material requirement
Keep the six standard areas distinct. A functional material requirement is an additional input to the appropriate method and evidence record; it does not replace measurement, color or production checks.
| Standard area | Functional connection | Separate decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric tolerance and shrinkage | Record material version, measurement state and the agreed care procedure. | Physical conformity does not establish moisture or warmth performance. |
| Color consistency | Keep dye and finish versions attached to the color approval. | A matching shade does not prove an unchanged functional treatment. |
| Measurement and fit | Confirm material direction and movement or recovery requirements. | Fit approval and performance assessment use their own references. |
| AQL and decoration QC | Reference relevant performance documents and process restrictions. | Appearance sampling and decoration approval cannot replace required functional evidence. |
Ask for the record behind the conclusion
A standard describes how a decision should be made. Evidence shows what was actually reviewed. Check the issuer, sample or lot identity, date, method, results and disclosure scope before applying a report to your project.
Standards questions
Do these guides specify the same tolerances for every garment?
No. Material, construction, intended use and the agreed evaluation conditions affect the applicable criteria. Record the project limits before judging the result.
Does a reference to an ISO or ASTM method prove certification?
No. A method reference identifies a document used to define or discuss a review. It is not a certificate, an audit result or evidence that a specific test was completed.
Discuss your project requirements
Send the information below to make the review specific to your product.
- The product and current specification version.
- The characteristics and test methods your project requires.
- Your acceptance criteria and any supporting reports or approved samples.