Before mass production, every fabric should be tested and approved — to avoid surprises later.
From handfeel to shrinkage, what feels “minor” at sample stage can affect thousands of units if not checked early.
At HEM APPAREL, we guide clients through fabric swatch approval and basic testing to ensure quality and consistency.
🧵 Why Fabric Testing Matters
-
Different batches of the same fabric can vary in shrinkage, stretch, or color
-
Your spec might look great on paper — but real fabric behaves differently
-
Early testing saves money, time, and customer complaints
✅ One swatch now > fixing 500 defective units later
📦 Best Practices Before You Approve a Fabric
1. Request Physical Swatches, Not Just Photos
-
Feel the handfeel, weight, and stretch in person
-
Colors can look different under various lighting
➡️ Tip: Ask for at least 2–3 colorways if undecided
2. Test Key Properties (Basic Lab or In-House)
| Property | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Wash/dry sample → measure change |
| Colorfastness | Rub test, sunlight fade, wash test |
| Stretch recovery | Does rib or spandex fabric return shape? |
| GSM (weight) | Weigh sample – does it match spec? |
➡️ For most T-shirts and hoodies, GSM & shrinkage are most critical.
3. Approve Print / Embroidery on Final Fabric
-
Printing may bleed or crack depending on fabric type
-
Embroidery may warp on rib or stretch material
➡️ Always do strike-off on the actual base fabric, not a random one
4. Confirm Color by Lab Dip or Bulk Roll Sample
-
For custom dyed fabric, confirm color via lab dip
-
For stock colors, ask for a cut from actual production roll
🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:
Don’t skip fabric approval just because the factory “used this before.”
Each batch can behave differently — especially for blended, washed, or knit fabrics.
We always offer pre-production swatches and basic test results before bulk cut.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
