In the highly competitive landscape of the clothing industry, maintaining high-quality standards is essential for importers, manufacturers, and brands alike. As customer expectations rise, delivering superior product quality has become crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and protecting brand reputation. In this blog post, TLD Apparel will highlight the importance of quality control in the apparel sector, discussing standard testing procedures for clothing.
What Does Quality Control Mean In Garment Manufacturing?
Quality control is the process of confirming that a product meets predetermined standards. It employs a systematic approach to ensure that the final product aligns with all specifications, such as quality, performance, appearance, and size.
Quality control encompasses visual inspections as well as the use of manual or automated inspection equipment to measure and test raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products, ensuring they comply with specified requirements. It is conducted at various stages throughout the garment production process, typically by inspectors who examine for defects and other issues at designated checkpoints before the garments are shipped for delivery.
The Importance Of Quality Control In The Clothing Industry
Methods Used For Garment Quality Control In The Fashion Industry
Quality control can be implemented through various methods. Here are some of the most common techniques employed for quality control in the garment industry:
Inspection
This is among the most commonly used methods for quality control. To ensure that a product meets all customer standards, it is inspected prior to delivery. A sample from each unit is taken and examined individually to verify that all features align with the requirements specified by the buyers.
Testing
Testing includes measuring physical properties such as the thickness, weight, and width of materials; comparing colors against established standards; checking if seams are straight; and testing zippers, among other things, to ensure they meet the minimum quality standards required by customers.
Sampling
Sampling involves selecting samples from larger batches to check for defects before placing large orders. This process ensures that all batches are produced accurately and consistently meet specifications when produced on a large scale.
Statistical process control
Quality assurance managers frequently combine these techniques with inspections to ensure that products meet customer requirements throughout the entire production process, from fabric cutting and garment sewing to packing and readiness for shipment at each stage of this process.
Audits
An audit is an inspection performed by an independent party (like a client) who examines records and documents related to production processes along with any other information relevant to assessing compliance with standards or regulations set by law.
How Can You Maintain Quality Standards In The Garment Industry?
To maintain quality standards, it is crucial to have an effective quality control system established. This can be achieved through the implementation of various methods.
Train your workers
Skilled workers have a greater understanding of the significance of upholding quality standards and diligently following their tasks. They also tend to avoid mistakes when operating sewing machines, as they are well-trained in their use and know how to address errors if they occur.
Using high-quality materials
Using high-quality materials contributes to producing durable garments that last longer compared to those made from cheaper alternatives, which may easily deteriorate. It’s essential to use materials that are tested for safety, ensuring they are safe for human use and compliant with environmental regulations.
Keep your machinery in top shape
To have high-quality end products, you have to ensure that all machinery used during the manufacturing process is functioning well as per its specifications. Otherwise, it will affect overall production output adversely leading towards low productivity & low yield levels causing increased rework cost burden on the company.
Conclusion
Quality control is an essential part of the garment manufacturing process. Nowadays, there are multiple technology solutions that help manufacturers ensure quality control in their garment factories. It’s also important that all members of staff involved in the production process are trained properly so they can work with minimal supervision while still maintaining high-quality standards. By implementing these practical tips, your business will definitely have effective quality control measures.