12 Quality Control Checks Every Garment Passes Before Shipping

Quality Control Starts Before the Fabric Is Cut

Most quality problems in garment production are decided long before a sewing machine runs. A hoodie that shrinks two sizes, a tee whose print cracks after five washes, a color that drifts between batches — these are made in the fabric mill, the dye lot and the cutting room, not at final inspection. That is why our quality control process begins at fabric intake, not at the end of the line.

Here is the complete checklist every Superb Garments order passes before it ships, structured the way buyers can audit it remotely.

Stage 1: Incoming Fabric and Trims (4 Checks)

• Fabric roll inspection. Every roll is checked against the approved swatch: weight in GSM, width, and a 4-point system pass for defects like slubs, stains and misweaves.
• Shrinkage test. A sample is washed and dried to spec before bulk cutting, so patterns are graded with real shrinkage built in.
• Color matching. Bulk fabric is compared to the approved lab dip and PP sample under daylight and shop lighting.
• Trim verification. Labels, drawcords, zippers and threads are checked against the trim card — including care label legal requirements for the destination market.

Stage 2: Cutting and In-Line Production (4 Checks)

• Marker and lay check. Pattern placement is verified against the marker before cutting, protecting garment measurements downstream.
• First output check. The first pieces off each line are measured and reviewed against the PP sample before the line continues.
• In-line spot checks. Line QC inspects stitching density, seam strength and symmetry at regular intervals during sewing — catching problems while they are still cheap to fix.
• Mid-line measurement audit. A random measurement audit at mid-production confirms the line has not drifted.

Stage 3: Finishing and Final Inspection (4 Checks)

• Pressing and finishing review. Garments are checked for pressing shine, puckering and trim damage after finishing.
• Needle detection. Every garment passes a metal detector — a requirement for most retail markets.
• Final AQL inspection. A statistical sample from each shipment lot is inspected against the AQL standard agreed with the buyer, covering workmanship, measurements, color and packaging.
• Carton audit. Packing ratio, carton markings, moisture barriers and shipping marks are verified before the container is sealed.

How Buyers Participate Remotely

You do not need to fly in to run this process with us. During production we share in-line photos and measurement reports at agreed milestones. Before shipment you receive the final inspection report with defect classifications and photos, and you are welcome to appoint a third-party inspector — we coordinate access and samples with them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What AQL level do you inspect to?

Our default final inspection follows AQL 2.5 for major defects and 4.0 for minor defects, which matches most retail buyer standards. Stricter levels can be agreed for premium programs.

What happens if a shipment fails inspection?

A failed inspection triggers rework or re-selection of defective pieces, a re-inspection of the full lot and a root-cause report — before any carton is sealed.

Can I get the inspection reports?

Yes. Fabric test reports, in-line check sheets and the final inspection report are shared with every order.

Quality You Can Verify, Not Just Trust

A factory should be able to show you its quality system, not just claim it. If you are comparing manufacturers, ask each one to walk you through their incoming inspection and final AQL process in detail — the depth of the answer tells you a lot. Our about page covers our production setup, our FAQ answers common quality questions, and you can always request sample reports with your quotation.