In this section, you will learn how to create a tech pack, order product samples, and implement a quality assurance strategy.
1. Create your tech pack
Design drawing
This is the first step of Garment Production Process. Clothing design drawings demonstrate the final product you will be received.
They give your supplier a solid point of reference for sample design. It is a place to present your ideas and wishes to your clothing manufacturers.
Sewing pattern
The sewing pattern is a pattern for a certain part of the garment, such as the sleeves and collars. It helps the supplier to cut the parts of the fabric to the correct shape and according to the dimensions set in your size chart.
Bill of materials
The bill of materials is a list of materials and components used to make a single unit, such as a dress or a shirt. Besides, you must also specify the quantity or quantity of materials and components used.
Size chart
A size chart details clothing measurements and dimensions for each size (for example S-XL, 1-10, or 32-42). Each measurement is normally represented visually by a letter on the size chart. Note that there is no universal sizing system for clothing or even mandatory national standards.
You can select your size chart based on one among the subsequent ISO size standards below:
- ISO 3635: 1981, Size designation and procedure of clothing for body measurement
- ISO 3636: 1977, Size designation of clothing – Outerwear for men and boys
- ISO 3637: 1977, Size designation of garments – Outer garments for women and girls
- ISO 3638: 1977, Size designation of clothing – Infant clothing
2. Required clothing samples
Once you have all the technical documents, it’s time to move on to sample production. The goal of this step is to test the supplier and confirm the materials if not already done. Around 50% of suppliers fail to make satisfactory samples. They may lack precision in getting the stitching together, delivering poor quality fabrics, or proving that they lack attention to detail.
That’s why we recommend that you order clothing samples from at least two or three clothing manufacturers.
3. Sales agreement
Before paying any penny for the production of your shipment, your clothing manufacturer must enter into a sales contract. The main goal of such a contract is to prevent further disputes
First of all, we must avoid misunderstandings as much as possible. Thus, the sale and purchase contract must include product specifications, material specifications, designs, and colour samples. Do not hesitate to attach physical samples to contracts, have the supplier sign and stamp.
However, all of these precautions are in vain if you don’t put pressure on the clothing manufacturer to comply with your expectations and sign the entire document. This can only be done if you tell the vendor that you will be checking on a third party for compliance. To verify compliance, you need a quality control plan. We will detail the process in the next section.
Payments are also important. If you pay the supplier in full, they will be under no obligation to rework or repair the defective items, in case the quality check fails. Therefore, payment of the final balance should be suspended until the quality of the items in the batch is verified.
4. Create clothing production manual
Now that you have a set of samples you like, it’s time to place your first order. However, before making a deposit, you need to prepare a production manual. Here is the documentation listing all relevant ordering requirements and conditions:
- Techpack attachment list
- Compliance requirement
- Shipping terms
- Export packaging
- Terms of payment
- Quality control conditions
- Terminology for laboratory testing
- Trademark Terms of Use
The purpose of the manufacturing manual is to standardize the overall ordering process, which is why it should cover everything from packaging for export to terms of payment. The execution mechanism is based on a standard 30/70 payment plan. You only retain your influence as long as the supplier has not been paid in full. If you need to make the initial 30% deposit before production begins, the remaining 70% should be withheld until the following criteria are met:
- Successful quality control
- Textile lab tests passed
Booking agencies of quality control
If you can come directly to check the quality of your shipment at the clothing manufacturer. All you need to do is create an account, write an email or make a phone call and provide the following information to quality agencies:
- Technical package
- Proforma invoice
- Quality checklist
- Name of supplier
- Supplier contact details (name, email address, and telephone)
- Supplier’s address
5. Quality control
Create a quality clothing checklist
Quality control follows a clearly defined checklist, which can be based on your checklist – or a standard checklist for clothing and textiles provided by the inspection. We strongly recommend that you write your checklist first and ask the regulator to add their standardized tests. The checklist should include:
- Visual inspection
- Measures
- Sewing
- Labels
- Colour comparison
- Packaging for export
6. Order a materials testing laboratory
Laboratory testing option
You can pre-order a laboratory test to verify compliance with a certain regulation or standard. You can also order tests to check only if the product contains specific substances, such as lead or formaldehyde.
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)
- OEKO TEX Standard 100
- California Proposition 65
- Heavy metals
- Chemical products
Sample collection
Preferably, the quality inspector takes samples of the batches and submits them to the testing company. If possible, you should not allow the supplier to submit samples. For their benefit, there is a risk that clothing manufacturers will submit compliance samples (manufactured specifically to pass laboratory testing) – while your products are non-compliant.
Also, make sure they put the reservation/sample ID number on or inside the envelope. Otherwise, the testing company will not be able to identify the samples.
Test report
Once the test is completed, you will receive a test report telling you whether the products passed or failed. This test report can be used later to prove that your products comply with applicable safety standards and chemical regulations, such as REACH and CA Prop 65. Note that customs authorities, other government agencies, or Amazon may require you to provide a test report.
7. Clothes shipping from oversea
Air or sea freight?
Airfreight is both faster and more cost-effective for small shipments. Generally, we recommend air freight if the total cargo weight is less than 150kg. However, this is rarely the case when it comes to textiles. So sea and rail freight is the best option to ship clothes or other textiles from overseas.
Damaged transport, such as broken cartons or mouldy items is common. If your goods are damaged, you can only be compensated if you purchased shipping insurance before the goods left the country of origin. Freight insurance is not included by default, so you should specifically tell your forwarder that the shipment needs to be covered – from when they pick it up at the clothing manufacturer to the last place of delivery
Textile import license
You normally do not need a license or import permit when purchasing clothing and textile products. However, customs may require you to provide a certificate from the country of origin. This can be issued by your supplier or your freight forwarder.
Why choose Thygesen as your clothing manufacturer?
The company obtains many certifications are Oeko-Tex 100, CE, WRAP, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and SA 8000:2014. Thanks to that, you don’t need any third parties to inspect quality then you can save a lot of time and money. The minimum order quantity is 3000 pieces and production times are around a few weeks. The length of time to complete an order is determined by the quantity and scope of the order but we ensure to give you the products as quickly as possible.
We have a wide range and most popular products such as clothing or devices for hospitals, work clothes, sports clothing, casual clothing, underwear, knitwear, children’s clothing. In addition to all these products, Thygesen Textile Vietnam also offers private label clothing , OEM/ODM, FOB/DDU/DDP/CMPT, and One-Stop-Shop solutions.
Get in touch – Schedule a visit
Vietnamese is the country’s official language, but the number of Vietnamese fluent in English is really high. In addition, you will not have any communication problems with the sales representative of Thygesen company. Therefore, use simple and common vocabulary in order to avoid any terms that may lead to miscommunication.
In addition, Whatsapp and other communication applications are not blocked in Vietnam like other China clothing manufacturers, which makes it easier to contact suppliers. You can usually call them directly at any times to get regular company status and updates.
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