The fashion industry has grown unimaginably, with millions and billions of turnover worldwide. The main secret to success is the new trends coming up and older ones fading away.

Thus, the garment industry is one of the most significant and profitable. Sample garments are the clothing pieces that determine the quality and potential profit-generating ratio of the business. However, you should know an extensive range of factors about the garment samples.

Wondering what are they? Well, don't worry, as we are here to help.Keep reading as the forthcoming content reveals the types of garment samples you should know for apparel production.

Your guide to Types of garment samples you should know for apparel production.

Let's discuss each noteworthy factor, followed by the other, to ensure your complete understanding.

1. Prototype Sample

The prototype sample is a garment that gives your idea into the creation.

There is a whole process involving several processes. At first, the idea is generated by a clever mind, which is then sketched on the paper. This involves multiple angles of the same product with detailed craftings and measures.

Now, the paperwork is implemented into reality by cutting the product pattern and determining the sizes for manufacturing. The next step is sewing. After this, the final look is compared with the sketches, and whether further production should be carried out is decided.

Digital prototype sample mock up of different fabric types on three models

2. Fit Sample

The beauty of garments is all in how well they fit the wearer. Hence, the rit sample determines whether the garments are the correct size. These are various sample garments made in the standard or predetermined small,  medium, large, and extra-large sizes. The amendment can be made in the production process if there are anymore ranges, such as ml, xs, etc. However, specific patterns should be cut aside from making the fit sample.

3. The Salesman's Sample

Also known as the SMS, this sample type is developed using the original fabrication. The primary purpose of such development is to display the brand's design in retail stores. The retail store usually sends such types of samples to showcase the design. If the retailers like the design, they will display the rest of the pieces in their stores. In addition, these samples also help to forecast the sales volume.

4. The Gold Seal Sample

The gold seal samples are usually developed for bulk production. These are also known as the pp sample or the buyer-sealed samples. Some buyers use it as a tool to approve the color tags, which otherwise can only be removed with the damages.  Some buyers grant a specific code to each sample for embossing the tag.The buyer then seals the garment sample to avoid tempering.

5. Preproduction Sample

Developing such a sample aims to ensure all the procedures are set up to write. If the firm can generate one correct product, they are likely ready for the bulky predictions. All such samples are made in the sampling room within the organization.

6. Counter Sample

When a new manufacturer develops samples to approve different samples from the buyer, they generate a few additional samples we know as the counter sample. These samples are meant to be on standby.

The counter sample is a replica of the original sample, which is to be used if any uncertain situation arises. For instance, you are a manufacturer who has sent their samples to a firm through courier service. But due to sudden uncertain conditions, your parcel gets destroyed or missed. Now, what will you do? To avoid such uncertainties, firms developed the counter sample. Hence, if any such case happens and the sent sample goes missing, they can use the counter sample as a reference.

Mannequins wearing suits with fabric laid on the table ready to be measured

7. The Shipment Sample

Buyers keep a random garment from the final shipment audit to obtain the relevant packing details. This includes all the information attached to the finished garment till it reaches the retail store.

The factory keeps three samples of the shipment. One of these is for the buyer, the other one is for the factory, and the third and last one is for future reference. Hence, if the customer makes any complaint regarding deviation of the sold garment, the manufacturer can show the sample to tackle the situation.

8. Show Sample

The show sample is also known as the showroom sample. It is the garment piece that is prepared for the in-house display. Some garments might stay in the showroom, whereas most samples are sent to exhibitions or other displays. Sometimes, garment stores and retailers keep the showroom samples and display them to their potential customers for the best deal.

9. GPT Sample

This type of sample is obtained from bulk production. It is then sent for testing to determine the garment performance test- commonly known as the GPT test.

The prime purpose is to determine whether the company is providing the needed quality to the customers or not.  GPT tests assess the garment's multiple aspects, including its flexibility, sizing, print quality, chemicals used, and stitching. If the GPT report is according to the desired standard, the product is considered one efficient market offering.

10. Digital Garment Sample

The digital garment sample is crafted on software and incorporates 3D aspects. It is a sample that gives the customers insights into the garment's appearance. Thus, one can call the digital garment sample an electronic copy of theactual garment. It helps the manufacturer and investors grab pre-orders.Companies also use this sample to get feedback about any new garment they are willing to produce. The bottom line

In a Nutshell

The content above discusses the top 10 Types of garment samples you should know for apparel production. It includes the GPT sample, the showroom sample, the digital garment sample, the show sample, the shipment sample, the counter sample, the production sample, and the list. Details regarding each sample are mentioned above in the content.