Trims
Trims must be compatible with base fabric and where appropriate match with the shade of the base fabric
Trims must conform to standards specified by Buyer with respect to colour, quantity, quality, safety and utility
All trims including draw strings, piping, buttons, zippers must be checked for colour fastness and shrinkage prior to production
Trimmings should have the ability to be attached in a secure manner to the body fabric
Trims must be safe with respect to toxicity, colorants, coatings etc
Trims must not cause irritation or hurt the customer after adorning the garment
Dyes used on trims must not be carcinogenic
Fusing/Interlinings
Interlinings must be compatible with base fabric weight and fibber composition
Interlinings must conform to standards specified by buyer
The colour must be compatible with the base fabric especially as the fusible could show through or influence base fabric shade
Fusible should be selected based on type of construction(woven, non-woven, knitted), the resin and the process to be used(pressure and temperature applied)
Fusible after fusing must withstand laundering, cleaning and abrasion
Fusible which causes a strike back(penetration of adhesive to other surfaces in the interlining) and strike through(penetration of adhesive to the outer fabric surface) `will be rejected
Interlinings must be positioned to provide support and shape where required
Linings
Colour fastness and performance of lining to be compatible with base fabric
Linings must conform to standards specified by buyer
Where wadded linings are used polyester weight and density
Dye should not be carcinogenic
wadding is required of specified
Accessories
All accessories(hangers, tags, card boards, poly bags, pins, clips) must be, colour fast, and conform to other standards prescribed by buyer
Accessories must not damage/distort the garment directly or indirectly
Accessories must be uniform within a lot
Elastic
Must have the specified width , sufficient strength and elasticity for garment comfort
Elastics must maintain the properties throughout the life of the garment with due allowances for wash and care
It must be free of additives that can adversely affect the base fabric, lining or trimmings and must be odour free
Elastic shrinkage must be specified
Bindings
Must be appropriate and compatible for base fabric
Must be colour fast, have the specified strength and width, and the proper finish
Must not cause puckers or twisting after attaching
Must not have joints along the length
Labels
Must be colour fast and have a sound construction
The words/logos/instructions/pictures must be clearly printed/embroidered on the label
Labels instructions must be clearly understood by the supplier and only then manufactured
Labels should have the right margin for attaching/insertion
Labels should have no loose fibres or uneven edges
Whenever loop labels are used the label should be inserted appropriately with the allowance on the label pushed fully into the seam and not showing outside
Whenever labels have to be secured on four sides the stitch lines have to be even and label shape undistorted
Raw edges must be concealed within seams and labels positioned at a consistent distance from a referral point e.g. Main label positioned centrally at 3 cm below the neckband
Threads attaching the labels must be neatly trimmed
The embroidered/printed matter on the label must not be concealed
Drawstrings/Cords
Cords once knotted should not open up
End toggles should not open up, should be colour fast, lead and toxic free and should not distort on laundering
Pocketing
Pocketing colour must be appropriate for body fabric, unless specified and must conform to standards specified by buyer
Pocketing fabric must be able to withstand very high stress and also be colour fast
Buttons
Must be dyed to match unless specified
Must be colour fast
Must be compatible with body fabric when secured
Must be non toxic
Buttons should not have sharp edges
Material should not chip off when subjected to laundering, ironing or other forces
Buttons should not melt when subjected to high temperatures
Buttons should not be affected by solvents
The holes should be symmetrical with respect to its centre
Metal buttons should have rust proof finish
Buttons must retain its properties throughout the life of the garment
Buttons must be able to withstand scratches
The buttons are spaced correctly for their size and for the location of their use
The buttons are reinforced according to the dictates of the fabric and location
The buttons are sewn on securely
The buttonholes are the correct type for the garment design and fabric
The buttons and buttonholes are correctly aligned
The buttons should be securely attached with no fraying or loose threads
The buttonholes fit the buttons without gaping open or allowing the buttons to come through too easily
Rivets & Studs
These must be rust proof, colour fast and have a good finish
The sizes must be as specified
Compatible washers should be supplied along with the rivets and studs
If there is an embossing or print it should be able to withstand the die force applied
Fasteners are the correct size for the closure requirement
Fasteners are attached securely, whether mechanically or by hand
Concealed application of fasteners are inconspicuous
Fasteners used in visible applications are suitable for the apparel design and fabric
Zippers
Zippers should conform to the specified length and width
Zippers should be rust proof
It should have a good quality stopper/slider and teeth
It should have auto lock mechanism
The zip slider must be free from obstruction when functioning and not catch base fabric in its movement
It should be colour fast and not wear out on frequent use
It should be compatible with base fabric
It should posses the ability to allow stitch formation and securable to the base fabric
The top of the zip should have a top stop where necessary as the slider can come off
The zipper teeth should have even edges to allow free movement of the slider
The zipper teeth and tape materials are suitable for the apparel design and fabric
The zipper length is adequate for ease in wearing or using the item
The method of attachment is appropriate to the garment design
All visible stitching is neatly done
The zipper is securely inserted into the garment (Zippers in trousers should come upto the waistband, in dresses should come upto the fabric)
Zipper teeth are concealed adequately by lapped applications
Lapped applications are evenly done
Zipper should be attached neatly with the correct stitch margin taken and without puckering
During construction sufficient clearance should be given to allow smooth operation and to minimize likelihood of slider catching base fabric or lining
On open ended zips bar tacking or securing to base is required
Threads
Thread selected must be appropriate for the fabric in size, composition, strength and shrinkage characteristics.
Manufacturers should discuss thread selection with suppliers and equipment technicians whenever necessary.
Thread colour must match the base fabric (unless otherwise specified) and be colour fast.
Overlocking thread should match the base fabric where practicable.
Bartack and other threads should match the base fabric where practicable.
Thread properties should be maintained during storage.
Sewing thread affects the strength of the finished garment, the quality of seams sewn and the effectiveness with which equipment can be used; hence correct selection is essential.
Embroidery
Embroidery threads must be consistent with the performance characteristics of the base fabric
Embroidery threads must match the base fabric and remain colour fast
Direct embroidery motifs must have the backing of soft tissue or interlining removed(if present) prior to delivery
Embroidery must be correctly positioned and aligned. Embroidery threads must be securely tied off and clipped. Embroidery must appear flat without pucker or distortion.
Accessory Application and Detailing Pockets Inseam pockets
The lining should not extend past the hem or facing of the garment
Openings angular or on bias to be reinforced to prevent stretching. Twill or seam tape to be used for this purpose
Seams should lie flat without pulling or puckering edges have been finished as the fabric and location demand
Lining fabric, if used for the pocket bag, is durable, appropriate, and has the same care requirements as the fabric (dyeing, shrinkage and fabric structure)
The body of the pocket has been anchored where possible to maintain position and prevent sagging
The edges of the pocket opening are the same size, with no puckering or pulling on either side
Pocket lining is recessed enough so as to not show during movement or while sitting
Slashed pockets
Openings, flaps, and welts have been interfaced where necessary for body and shape maintenance
Flaps, when present, are the same length as the welts and lie flat
Fashion fabric if applied to the pocket lining should be directly beneath the pocket opening when buttonholes or narrow single welts are used, to prevent the lining from showing when the pocket is being used
Fabric triangles formed at the ends of the slashed openings are secured with bartacks or several small stitches to prevent holes from developing when the pocket is being used
Paired pockets are identical in length and width and are equidistant from the garment edge
Pockets lie flat without pulling, twisting or puckering
Applied pockets
Pockets were cut on grain and any fabric designs were matched. If a biased cut was used, pockets were not stretched and have been properly stabilized with a lining
The corners are free of any raw edges or any lining fabric visible
Curves, if present are smooth and sides are symmetrical
Paired pockets are the same height, size and shape
The location on the turning point of lined pockets is not visible from the right side
Linings do not roll to the right side at the edges of the pocket, but remain out of sight
If used, top stitching is an equal distance from the edges at all points
An appropriate stitch length has been used, and all loose thread ends have been removed
Pockets and flaps lie flat without puckering, twisting sagging or rolling
Standards for evaluating waistline facings
The facing is cut so that it’s grainline matches the garment grainlines
The facing lies flat and smooth against the garment
No seam wells are evident at any point on the facing
The raw edges of the facing are finished appropriately
Belt loops or thread carriers, if present, are securely attached, evenly spaced, and identical in size and construction
At any opening(s) in the garment, the facing is neat, flat and concealed