Quality control is the part of garment manufacturing most brands underinvest in — until they receive a shipment with defects they can't sell. A structured QC process doesn't require a full-time inspector. It requires knowing what to check, when to check it, and how to document it.
Here's the practical guide.
The 3 inspection stages
Pre-production inspection
- Confirm fabric matches approved swatch (colour, GSM, feel)
- Check trim samples — buttons, zippers, labels, drawstrings
- Review pattern from approved sample measurements
- Confirm printing screens or DTF artwork are correct
During production (DPI)
- Measure 5–10 pieces against spec sheet
- Check stitching quality — stitch density, seam strength
- Verify print placement and colour accuracy
- Check label placement
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI)
- Full measurement check on sample per AQL
- Visual inspection for fabric defects, stitching, loose threads
- Print and embroidery quality check
- Wash test — wash one piece and check shrinkage and colour fastness
- Packaging check — correct poly bag, label, hangtag, folding
Common defects and how to detect them
Remote QC — when you can't visit India
Most international brands can't visit India for every inspection. Here's how to do meaningful QC remotely:
- Request pre-shipment photos — full garment front and back, label closeup, print closeup, measurement tape on key dimensions
- Request a video inspection via WhatsApp or Zoom — ask the manufacturer to show you 5–10 pieces live
- Request a wash test report — one piece washed per care instruction, photos before and after
- For orders over ₹3–4 lakh value, consider hiring a local QC company in India (QIMA, Bureau Veritas) for ₹8,000–₹20,000
- Build a QC checklist and share it with your manufacturer before production — they know exactly what you'll check
Quality control at The Urban Charm
We conduct multi-point QC at each production stage — fabric inspection before cutting, in-process checks during stitching, and pre-shipment inspection before packing. We share pre-shipment photos and videos with every client before dispatch. MOQ 200 pcs, 6–30 day production, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR.
Get a free quoteFrequently asked questions
What are the most common garment defects from Indian manufacturers?
The most common garment defects from Indian manufacturers are: measurement deviations (garment doesn't match the approved spec), shade variation within a batch or between top and bottom of a co-ord set, skipped stitches or loose threads, print misalignment or colour deviation, label misplacement, uneven hem, and fabric defects (holes, snags, weaving errors). Most of these are preventable with a properly approved sample and a pre-shipment inspection.
What is AQL in garment quality inspection?
AQL stands for Acceptable Quality Level — a statistical sampling standard that defines the maximum number of defective pieces acceptable in a shipment. AQL 2.5 is the most common standard for apparel, meaning in a sample of 200 pieces, up to 10 minor defects are acceptable before the shipment is rejected. AQL 1.0 is stricter, used for premium garments. Most experienced Indian exporters are familiar with AQL-based inspection.
Should I hire a third-party QC inspector in India?
For large first orders or high-value garments, a third-party inspection is worth the investment. Companies like Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, and QIMA provide pre-shipment inspection services in India for ₹8,000–₹25,000 per inspection. For smaller orders (under ₹3–4 lakh value), the cost may not be justified — request photos and a video inspection from the manufacturer instead.
What should I do if the garments don't meet quality standards?
First, document all defects with photos and measurements. Send a defect report to the manufacturer specifying each issue clearly. Most responsible manufacturers will offer to rectify defects (restitching, reprinting), replace defective pieces, or offer a partial credit/discount. Avoid accepting shipment if defect rate exceeds your AQL level — negotiate rectification before goods leave the factory.