The Lingerie Quality Control Checklist: 10 Things to Inspect Before You Approve a Shipment?
The production run is finished and thousands of your beautiful new lingerie pieces are boxed up, ready to go. But as you prepare to make that final, large payment, a wave of anxiety hits: is the quality as perfect as the sample you approved?
Approving a shipment without a thorough final inspection is a massive gamble. This essential checklist covers the 10 critical points you must inspect: fabric quality, color consistency, stitching, construction, measurements, fit, hardware, labels, assortment, and packaging. A systematic check is your final defense against costly defects.
That final payment transfer is the point of no return. Once the goods are on the ship, any quality issues become your problem, a very expensive problem that involves customer returns, damaged reputation, and wasted inventory. I've seen new founders skip this step to save a few hundred dollars on an inspection, only to lose thousands on defective stock. As a manufacturer committed to our "body-before-fabric" philosophy, we at HAVING (China) Ltd. have a rigorous internal QC process, but we always encourage our clients to be empowered and informed. This checklist is your power.
Part 1: Are the Fabric and Stitching Flawless?
The first thing a customer touches is the fabric, and the first thing they notice if it fails is the stitching. These fundamental elements must be perfect. Any error here instantly makes your product feel cheap and poorly made.
Before checking anything else, you must verify the fabric for defects and color consistency against your approved standard. Then, closely examine the seams and stitching for uniformity, strength, and neatness. These two areas form the foundation of your garment's quality.
I remember a client who was producing a line of beautiful satin panties. They approved the final inspection based only on photos. When the shipment arrived, they discovered the factory had used a slightly different batch of satin for half the run, resulting in a noticeable color variation under store lighting. It was a disaster. This is why a physical inspection is key. You must have your approved "master" sample and color swatch in hand during the inspection to compare against. It’s the only way to be sure. This attention to detail is a core part of our OEM/ODM services, because we know consistency is what builds brand trust.
The Foundation of Quality Checklist
These are the non-negotiables. Get these wrong, and nothing else matters.
1. Fabric Quality & Hand-Feel:
Does the bulk production fabric feel the same as your approved sample? Look for any weaving defects, snags, pulls, or stains. For printed fabrics, check for smudges or misaligned prints. The feel should be consistent across all inspected garments.
2. Color Consistency (Lab Dip Matching):
Compare the color of the garments against your approved color standard (your lab dip) under controlled lighting. Check not only the main fabric but also ensure that all components—thread, elastic, hardware—are a perfect color match as specified in your tech pack.
3. Stitching Quality (SPI & Tension):
Check the Stitches Per Inch (SPI). Does it match your tech pack's specification (e.g., 12-14 SPI for lingerie)? Look for any skipped stitches, broken threads, or loose, loopy stitches, which indicate improper machine tension. Seams should be flat and smooth, not puckered.
4. Seam Strength & Construction:
Gently pull on main seams like the side seams and where the straps join the body. They should feel strong and secure. Check that the specified seam construction (e.g., flatlock, overlock) has been used. Are all thread ends neatly trimmed, or are there messy, untrimmed "nests" of thread?
Part 2: Does It Fit and Function as Designed?
A beautiful garment that doesn't fit correctly is a failed product. This part of the inspection moves from visual checks to functional verification. It ensures the garment will fit your customer and that all its components work properly.
You must verify that the garment's measurements match your tech pack's graded specifications within the agreed tolerance. Furthermore, you need to test all functional hardware, like hooks and clasps, to ensure they work smoothly and securely.
Fit is everything in lingerie. This is why having a detailed, graded size chart in your tech pack is so important. During the inspection, you don't just measure one sample; you measure multiple pieces across different sizes from the production run to ensure the factory's grading is consistent. I once had to fail a shipment for a client because while the Medium sample was perfect, the XL size had been graded incorrectly at the armhole, making it unwearable. The factory had to remake the entire XL batch. This simple measurement check saved my client from thousands of customer returns. It's a critical step to ensure every customer gets the same great fit.
The Fit & Function Checklist
This is where you confirm the product works for the customer's body.
5. Garment Measurements (POM Checks):
Using a calibrated measuring tape, check the key Points of Measure (POM) against your tech pack's specs. For a bra, this includes the band length (relaxed and stretched), cup depth, and strap width. There is usually an agreed tolerance (e.g., +/- 0.5 cm), and garments must fall within this range.
6. Fit on a Mannequin or Model:
Put a sample size garment on a correctly sized mannequin or a fit model. Does it sit correctly on the body? Are there any unexpected pulling, gaping, or twisting issues? This check can reveal problems that a flat measurement check might miss.
7. Hardware & Trim Functionality:
Test every functional component. Open and close all hook-and-eye clasps. Adjust the sliders on the straps—do they move smoothly but hold their position? Check any magnetic or special closures. This ensures the customer will have a frustration-free experience. Our high-quality bras and panties depend on this level of functional reliability.
| Inspection Point | What to Check For | Why It's Critical |
|---|---|---|
| **Measurements** | Compare key garment points to the tech pack specs within tolerance. | Guarantees consistent sizing and prevents mass returns due to poor fit. |
| **Live Fit** | How the garment sits on a 3D form. Checks for twisting, gaping. | Catches design or pattern issues not visible when laid flat. |
| **Functionality** | Test all clasps, hooks, and adjusters for smooth operation. | Ensures the product is not frustrating for the customer to wear and use. |
Part 3: Is It Ready for Your Customer?
The garment itself might be perfect, but if the packaging and labeling are wrong, it can cause major problems with your retailers, customs, or the end consumer. This final check ensures the product is presented correctly and legally.
Finally, you must verify that all labels are correct, present, and properly attached. Then, confirm the packaging and assortment match your purchase order exactly. Errors here can lead to legal issues or logistical nightmares in your warehouse.
This might seem like a minor detail, but it can be incredibly costly. A brand producing swimwear once forgot to specify that the composition label must be in both English and French for Canadian import regulations. The shipment was held at customs, and they had to pay for expensive relabeling services. Similarly, if your purchase order specifies an assortment of 1S-2M-2L-1XL per box and the factory packs them all as single sizes, it creates chaos in your fulfillment center. Verifying these administrative details is a simple but crucial final step.
The Final Presentation Checklist
This ensures your product is professional, legal, and ready for sale.
8. Labels (Care, Content, Country of Origin):
Check that all legally required labels are present and correct. Is the fiber content accurate? Are the washing instructions correct? Is the country of origin ("Made in China") clearly stated? Is your brand label sewn in neatly and in the correct location?
9. Hangtags & Barcodes:
Ensure your branded hangtags are attached correctly and are not damaged. If you use barcodes for inventory management, scan a few to make sure they are correct and scannable.
10. Packaging & Assortment:
Is the garment folded neatly as per your instructions? Is it packed in the correct polybag or retail box? Check the shipping cartons. Are they labeled correctly? Most importantly, open a few master cartons and verify the size and color assortment inside matches your purchase order.
Conclusion
This 10-point checklist is your final shield. Using it diligently transforms you from a hopeful brand owner into an empowered business professional, ensuring the product you pay for is the product you planned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is AQL and how do I use it?
AQL stands for Acceptable Quality Limit. It's a statistical standard used in inspections to determine how many pieces to inspect from a production lot. For example, in a lot of 3,000 pieces, an AQL General Level II inspection might require you to inspect 125 pieces. You then check for defects and compare the number found against the AQL chart's limits for critical, major, and minor defects to pass or fail the shipment.
2. Should I hire a third-party inspection company?
For first-time brands or for very large, high-value orders, hiring a professional third-party inspection company is highly recommended. They have trained inspectors, are objective, and can provide a detailed, unbiased report with photos. The cost is typically a few hundred dollars and is excellent insurance.
3. What happens if a shipment fails inspection?
If a shipment fails, you should not approve it or make the final payment. You present the detailed inspection report to your manufacturer and negotiate a solution. This could involve the factory re-working (fixing) the defective items, re-producing a portion of the order, or offering a discount on the defective goods.
4. What is the difference between an in-line inspection and a final inspection?
An in-line (or DUPRO) inspection happens during production. It's useful for catching problems early. A final inspection happens when 100% of the goods are produced and at least 80% are packed. This is the final check of overall quality before shipment.
