PFD fabric
Evaluate cotton PFD fabric without finishes that could interfere with dye uptake. Confirm composition, preparation, and the intended wash process with the mill and dye house.
Post-assembly dyeing · cotton jersey
Garment-dyed T-shirt manufacturing
In garment dyeing, the cut-and-sewn T-shirt is dyed and washed after assembly. Fabric preparation, pattern allowance, thread, seams, ribbing, and decoration all need to be considered together because wet processing can change dimensions and surface appearance.
Planning references include a 50-piece-per-style MOQ, sampling estimate of 10–15 production days plus shipping, and bulk estimate of 15–20 days after PP sign-off. Dye-lot scale and timing require order-specific confirmation.
Silhouette engineering
Choose the knit and pattern for the intended fit
The weight ranges below are illustrative examples. Confirm the actual composition, fabric, wash recipe, measurements, and finished sample for each style.
| Silhouette | Illustrative weight range | Fit points after wash |
|---|---|---|
| Oversized drop-shoulder | Typically 240–300 GSM heavyweight jersey | Allow for wet-process shrinkage at shoulder, body, armhole, and rib. Review seam shade and proportions after wash. |
| Vintage boxy | Typically 180–220 GSM combed ring-spun jersey | Check body length, sleeve opening, and collar recovery after dyeing and tumble drying. |
| Tailored or athletic | Typically 150–180 GSM ring-spun cotton | Review torque, side-seam alignment, and fit after wash and drying. |
Scroll horizontally to compare fit requirements.
Build for wet processing
Seams, rib, thread, and artwork must agree
Use PFD cotton knit inputs and confirm process compatibility. Confirm each material and construction detail with the production sample and agreed dye method.
Sewing thread
Cotton sewing thread is specified to take up dye with the garment; polyester may remain contrasting unless contrast is intended. Agree thread choice before sewing.
Seams and hem
Use twin-needle coverstitching at hems and dense four-thread overlock at joining seams. Set stitch, gauge, and reinforcement details in the approved construction.
Collar and tape
Specify cotton-covered stretch rib and a matching PFD neck tape where required. Check recovery and neckline shape after the wash trial.
Print timing
Pre-dye printing can take on wash tones; post-dye printing is the route for brighter, more color-accurate artwork. Approve appearance on sample.
Labels and trims
Plan which labels go through the dye cycle and which are applied afterward. Keep care and composition information legible and verify current market requirements for the product.
Sampling and production
Approve the washed result before the bulk run
A first raw-stage prototype cannot show the final dimensions or shade. Record pre-wash and post-wash POMs, compare the finished garment with the reference, and use the approved sample as the bulk benchmark.
A provisional 5–12% shrinkage allowance depending on fabric weight and wash intensity. Treat it as a starting range; determine actual pattern allowance through the sample.
- 01
Intake and technical review
Share target GSM, wash reference, artwork, measurements, and construction requirements.
- 02
Cost and material planning
Review PFD fabric options, expected yield, thread and trim needs, and dye-house processing requirements.
- 03
Pattern and raw prototype
Develop the fit sample with a provisional shrinkage allowance suited to the fabric and wash.
- 04
Dye and wash trial
Review the first washed sample for finished measurements, shade, hand-feel, seam behavior, and decoration.
- 05
Bulk monitoring
Confirm the approved recipe, materials, process plan, inspection points, and batch records.
- 06
Final review and dispatch
Inspect against agreed shade and POM criteria; confirm packing and the shipment term for the order.
Garment-dye questions
Plan the wash and the finished garment together
What is the minimum order quantity?
The planning reference is a 50-piece minimum per style. Dye-lot minimums depend on the fabric, mill, color process, and order specification; confirm those details during sourcing.
How do pigment and reactive dye effects differ?
Reactive dye bonds with cotton fiber; pigment dye is colorant held at the surface by a binder. The chosen wash and shade affect appearance and should be approved on a production-representative sample.
How is shrinkage managed?
Use a PFD fit prototype followed by a dyed and washed sample. Record pre-wash and post-wash points of measure. A 5–12% pattern allowance is a provisional range depending on fabric and wash; establish the actual allowance from the sample and agreed specification.
Can artwork be printed before garment dyeing?
Pre-dye printing creates a tonal, aged effect; post-dye printing is used when a brighter, more color-accurate graphic is required. Confirm compatibility and appearance on the sample.
What are the stated sample and bulk timelines?
Sampling is estimated at 10–15 production days plus 3–5 days for courier transit. Bulk is estimated at 15–20 days from pre-production sample sign-off to export dispatch. Confirm the current order calendar.
Organic cotton is not described as GOTS-certified unless current supplier, product-scope, and transaction documentation supports that specific claim.
Garment-dyed development
Plan a T-shirt wash trial
Share the fit, cotton knit, wash reference, artwork, and target quantity for a technical discussion.
Discuss a garment-dyed T-shirt