How does a sample process work?
Before your clothing goes into production, you first create a sample: a physical prototype of your product. The sample phase is one of the most important parts of the production process. This is where errors are discovered and resolved before they become costly. Here’s how it works.
What is a sample?
A sample is a handmade version of your product, produced based on your design and material choice. The goal is to assess whether the product looks and feels as intended, and whether the construction and fit are correct.
A sample is not a final product. It is a test version on which you provide feedback, so the clothing manufacturer can make adjustments before actual production begins.
How does a sample process proceed step by step?
Step 1: Briefing and pattern
Based on your design, references, and material choice, the clothing manufacturer creates a pattern. This is the technical basis of the garment. A good pattern largely determines the fit and construction of the final product. You can read more about a good briefing in our article common mistakes in clothing production.
Step 2: First sample
With the pattern, a first sample is made, often in the correct material but sometimes in a substitute material if the desired one is not yet available. You will receive this sample for evaluation.
Step 3: Feedback and corrections
You evaluate the sample on fit, proportions, finishing, and material feel. Provide your feedback as concretely as possible: not "the shoulder is not right" but "the shoulder seam needs to move back 1.5 cm." Concrete feedback leads to faster and better corrections.
Step 4: Next sample rounds
After processing your feedback, a new sample is made. You repeat this until the product is ready for production. Most products require one to three sample rounds. More complex products may require more.
Step 5: Approval
If you are satisfied with the sample, you give your approval. From that moment on, the sample is the reference point for the entire production. All pieces in the production order must match the approved sample.
What does a sample cost?
Sample costs consist of labor costs for pattern making and the production of the sample, plus material costs. At small workshops in the Netherlands, the costs per sample typically range from €80 to €250, depending on the complexity of the product. You can read a complete overview of costs in clothing production in the Netherlands in our article what does clothing production cost in the Netherlands.
How long does a sample process take?
Expect two to six weeks per sample round, depending on the workload of the clothing manufacturer and the speed at which you provide feedback. A complete sample process with two or three rounds typically takes four to twelve weeks. You can read more about the total timeline of clothing production in our article how long does clothing production take.
Local sampling: what are the benefits?
With local clothing production, you can be present during the sample phase. You see the product being made, discuss details directly with the clothing manufacturer, and prevent misunderstandings that could otherwise take weeks. This is a concrete advantage compared to sampling at a foreign factory where everything is done via email and photos.
At Atelier Jungles, we operate from The Hague. Clients are welcome to come by during the sample phase. You can read more about the choice between local and foreign clothing production on our page clothing production Netherlands vs. abroad.
Ready for the sample phase?
Contact us and tell us what you want to make. We will discuss feasibility and give you an estimate of costs and lead time for your specific product.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tech pack for the sample phase?
Not necessarily. A good sketch, reference images, and a description of materials are sufficient to get started. The tech pack is created after approval of the sample. You can read more about what a tech pack is in our article what is a tech pack and do you need one.
Can I recoup the sample costs?
Sample costs are not deducted from the production order, but they are part of the total investment in your product. A good sample prevents costly mistakes in production.
What if I am still not satisfied after three rounds?
Then an extra round will be added. There is no fixed limit, but it is a signal to see if the design or briefing can be refined.
Can I keep the approved sample?
Yes. The approved sample is your reference copy. Keep it safe, as it is the benchmark for quality control after production.
What is the difference between a fit sample and a production sample?
A fit sample is primarily intended to assess fit, sometimes in a different material. A production sample is the final version in the correct material and finishing. Sometimes these are combined, and sometimes they are separate rounds.
