Quick answer: A clothing sample is a test garment made before bulk production to check design, fit, fabric and construction. Most styles go through a first sample, one or more fit rounds and a pre-production sample before bulk is approved. Samples are charged per style, and the clearer your brief, the fewer rounds you need. At Ermi Tekstil you receive a sample together with the price quotation.
Types of clothing samples
| Sample | Purpose | When it is made |
|---|---|---|
| Proto (first) sample | Turns the sketch or tech pack into a garment; checks design and construction | Start of development |
| Fit sample | Checks fit on a body; carries your corrections | After the first sample, repeated until fit is right |
| Size set | One piece in several sizes to check grading | Before bulk, for new patterns |
| Salesman or photo sample | For lookbooks, e-commerce photos or pre-orders | Once design and fit are approved |
| Pre-production (PP) sample | Made in the bulk fabric and trims; the reference for production | Just before bulk production |
| Top of production or shipment sample | Taken from the bulk run to confirm it matches the PP sample | During or after production |
Not every order needs every type. A simple style in a stock fabric may move from a first sample straight to bulk; a new dress block usually needs a fit round and a size set.
What to send before sampling
- A tech pack if you have one (see how to create a tech pack): flat sketches, measurements, construction details, fabric and trims. Our startup page explains how we help when you do not.
- Reference garments or photos showing the fit, fabric feel or details you want.
- Your size chart and the sample size you want to start with.
- Fabric direction: a swatch, a composition and weight, or the name of a fabric.
- Branding: label and print artwork if the sample will be photographed.
The sampling process step by step
- Brief and meeting. We review your designs, references and quantities.
- Pattern. A pattern is made from the tech pack, sketch or reference garment.
- Fabric and trims. We source the fabric or a close substitute for the first sample.
- First sample and quotation. The sample is sewn and sent to you with an estimated price quotation.
- Fit and comments. You try the sample on a fit model and send written comments with photos and measurements.
- Revisions. The pattern is corrected and a new sample is made if needed.
- Approval. You approve the sample and confirm the bulk order form: materials, colours, fit comments, size breakdown and finishing.
After approval, production follows the standard steps on our production process page.
How long sampling takes
Time depends less on sewing, which is quick, and more on three things: how complete the brief is, whether the fabric is available from stock, and how fast comments come back. To keep sampling short:
- send all measurements and construction details at the start;
- accept a close stock fabric for the first sample if the bulk fabric needs to be ordered;
- return fit comments in one consolidated document rather than several messages;
- decide on design changes before the fit round, not after it.
Ask your manufacturer for the expected date of each sample round in writing, together with the quotation.
What samples cost
A sample costs more than one garment in bulk, because it needs its own pattern, cutting and sewing by a skilled sample maker. Costs rise with the number of rounds, custom fabrics or trims, and decoration such as prints or embroidery. Ask:
- the cost of the first sample and of each extra round;
- whether the sample cost is deducted from the bulk order;
- whether fabric for the sample is charged separately.
For the wider cost picture, see our guide to clothing manufacturing costs in Turkey.
How to give good fit comments
Clear comments save whole sample rounds. Good comments:
- are made on a fit model in your base size, not on a hanger or mannequin only;
- give measurements, for example "reduce waist by 2 cm", rather than "a bit tighter";
- include front, side and back photos with the problem marked;
- separate fit corrections from design changes;
- confirm what is approved as well as what must change.
Sampling at Ermi Tekstil
We are a clothing manufacturer in Turkey, based in Güngören, Istanbul, where pattern makers, sample rooms and fabric suppliers are close together. Once the design, material and details are fixed, we send you a sample with the price quotation, and bulk production starts only after you approve the sample and the bulk order form. We sample dresses, womenswear, menswear, denim, hoodies, T-shirts and bamboo clothing under your label as a private label clothing manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-production sample?
A sample made in the actual bulk fabric and trims, just before production. Once approved, it becomes the reference that the bulk order is checked against.
How many sample rounds are normal?
Simple styles in stock fabrics may need one round. New patterns usually need a first sample and at least one fit round. A complete brief and clear fit comments keep the number of rounds down.
Can I get a sample without a tech pack?
Yes. A sketch, photos or a reference garment are enough to make a pattern and a first sample. The details are then fixed during sampling and written into the bulk order form.
Is the sample made in the final fabric?
The first sample can be made in a close substitute if the bulk fabric needs to be ordered. The pre-production sample should always be in the bulk fabric and trims.
Does Ermi Tekstil make samples before bulk?
Yes. You receive a sample with the price quotation, and bulk production starts only after you approve it. Send us your project to start.
