[Year]

Primeasia University
Amirul Ehsan

[DIFFERENT TYPES OF
GARMENT SAMPLES]
Different types of garment samples are defined along with their identical specifications

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Garment Sample is a portion, piece, or segment of a garment that represents the whole
garment.
Garment samples are inevitably important and are developed tested before starting the bulk
production. It means making a sample of the garment /fabric which requires to be sold.
Sampling is one of the main process in Garment Industry and it has a vital role in attracting
buyers. Because the buyers generally places the order after they are satisfied with the quality
of the samples. In order to reach the satisfaction of the buyers different samples are being
made by the manufacturer. Each of these samples has their own specifications and
properties which helps to provide the desired garment with the best quality.

Various Types of Samples :

01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.

Proto Sample
Fit Sample
AD Sample
Salesman Sample (SMS)
Photo Shoot Sample
E Com Sample
Costing Sample

08. Pre-Production Sample

09. Size Set Sample
10. Top of the Production Sample (TOP sample)
11. Shipment Sample
12. Lab Test Sample
13. Reference Sample
14. Counter Sample

1. Proto Sample: Proto sample is the first sample in product development stage. It is
made to communicate the design of a style or a line or to present garments structure.
It is the initial sample. In proto samples, fit and fabric detailing is not been
considered.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Available
Available
Development Stage
Not Payable

2. Fit Sample: Once proto sample is approved, fit sample is being made with actual
measurement. Modification on the pattern is done to get desired fit of the garment.
Fit sample is being tested on live model to verify garment fit and fall. In some

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companies, a fit sample can refer to an earlier proven style that fits well and is used as
a point of reference for design iterations, providing the basis of new style
development and fit. In such cases, this preceding fit sample would be called a style
reference and its pattern would be a sort of parent pattern or block.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Available
Available
Development Stage
Not Payable

3. AD Sample: AD samples are made for the advertisement of the product. Primarily
intended for publicity. It helps to create an attraction for the garment.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Development Stage
Payable (2x)

4. Salesman Sample: Some buyers needs these samples for getting the orders from
their customers. These samples are distributed among the salesman. Salesman sample
is basically made on accordance to the final production styles and designers to find
out the market of customer availability.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Development Stage
Payable (2x)

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5. Photo Shoot Sample: These samples are made in smaller sizes for photo shoots
intended for editorial and marketing, previously a size 4 but these days maybe a size
0. This may not be necessary if you can pin a garment strategically on the model. If
you intend to shoot flats, you may need to cut the smaller size because its hard to get
close enough to fit garment attributes in the frame. Some people know they will need
smaller sizes for photography so they use this as their base size.
Specification:

Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Development Stage
Not Payable

6. E Com Sample: These samples are made for the review on the internet websites. E
com samples help the product to be known worldwide. It allows the viewer to build a
clear concept about the garment.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Development Stage
Not Payable

7. Costing Sample: These types of samples are prepared for costing. Constructors use
this sample to create costing. Costing sample helps to fix a suitable value for the
garment.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Development Stage
Not Payable

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8. Pre-Production Sample (PPS): These samples are almost like approval samples.
This sample reflects all of the desired construction details and is used to solicit
contract sewing bids (CM&T). This sampling stage is to prove the pattern, test cost
effectiveness and consistency in production whether it is done in house or
outsourced to a contractor. If the (counter) sample is approved, it would become the
production sew by. Ideally, pre-production samples (salesmans samples) are used to
pre-sell the product. They have to be made in actual production fabric with actual
bulk trims. They will represent that the production will be like these samples.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Bulk Stage
Not Payable

9. Size Set Sample: Sample lot production of a style in all the intended sizes. Ideally
you design sizes to target your customer profile early on in product development.
This may not be possible if your silhouettes vary greatly between styles, meaning you
will need to test sizes of various styles. To check fit of the garments in different sizes.
In this stage factory develops sample in multiple sizes.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Size
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
All: As per PO sheet
Bulk Stage
Not Payable

10. Top of the Production Sample (TOP sample): Once production is on line, few
pieces are taken out in the middle of the production. These production pieces are
sent to the buyer as TOP samples. TOP samples are pulled from the first production
run. Purpose of these samples is to cross-check whether factory is following PP
sample or not.

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Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Size
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
All: As per buyer requirement
Bulk Stage
Not Payable

11. Shipment Sample: These samples are to be sent after shipment. They should be sent
in actual packing with all labels, tags etc. A sample that reflects what buyers will
receive down to QC, folding, tagging, bagging, pre-packs (if applicable), labeling and
final packaging included. This sample is kept from every pre shipping inspection to
be referred, if required, after the order has been delivered. Usually for any disputes
shipping sample is important.
Specification:

Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Size
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
All: As per buyer requirement
Bulk Stage
Not Payable

12. Lab Test Sample: These samples are made for analyzing the quality of garments.
For analyzing the quality several tests are made in the lab. These tests are compulsory
for every sample. Without the approval of lab test sample no shipment is possible.
Specification:
Fabric Construction
Fabric Color
Trim & Acc
Size
Stage
Price

Actual
Actual
Actual
Any size
Bulk Stage
Not Payable

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13. Reference Sample: After getting the samples from the buyer it should be followed
in production. These types of samples are called the reference sample. Sometimes
buyer may comment on fabric, measurements, making etc. Factory must follow these
comments carefully in production.

14. Counter Sample: Counter sample is made by actual bulk fabric, quality and color, in
accordance with the order, paper pattern, measurement list and any comments on
previous samples. This is the final approved version of a style produced by whomever
is doing production. Often a production test run is done and the output is gauged for
quality and the samples ideally used for marketing, promotion, pre-sales and perhaps
trunk sales. The quantity of units produced will vary from one to a percentage of the
intended production lot size. This can be very expensive if the run includes all colors
and sizes. The order is valid after the approval of the counter sample.

~ THE END ~