Reference swatch
A physical cut helps communicate hand-feel, stretch recovery, surface texture, and construction when one is available.
Buyer-side textile intake
Fabric sourcing request
Translate a material target into a mill-ready brief. Define fiber, yarn, weight, structure, color, finish, and test requirements before sample development begins.
Technical intake
A useful request describes the material, not just the fiber
Include measurable construction and performance targets. Where a test method appears below, it is the method shown here and should be specified only when it matches the requirement for your material.
| Parameter | Request details | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber composition | Blend ratios, such as 95% combed compact cotton / 5% elastane | ISO 1833 / AATCC 20 fiber analysis |
| Yarn and construction | Ring-spun, combed compact, open-end, filament size, or denier | Examples: 30s/1, 40s/2, 150D/144f |
| Weight and structure | GSM or oz/yd², knit pattern, or weave | Single jersey, interlock, French terry, ripstop, twill |
| Color and finish | Pantone TPX/TCX target, dye type, wash, or coating | Colorfastness reference: Grade 4.0 minimum |
| Physical performance | Dimensional stability, skewing, pilling, or other required metrics | ASTM D3512 and ISO 6330 shrinkage test references |
Color target
Attach a TCX/TPX target or physical swatch and describe the requested dye or finish. Record the approved lab dip before bulk.
Quantity and use
Separate sampling yardage from bulk needs and include the garment use, target delivery date, and required roll format.
Mill qualification
Review equipment, sample performance, and quality controls
Documentation
Review mill profile and available environmental, chemical, and social-compliance records relevant to the brief.
Technical capacity
Assess machine gauges, loom type, dyeing ranges, stenter capacity, and mechanical compacting setup.
Lab dip and sample
Compare strike-offs or sample rolls with the target; review shade, stretch recovery, bursting strength, skew, pilling, and dimensional behavior as specified.
Batch assurance
Document roll mapping, in-line inspection, and agreed final checks before dispatch.
ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 Level II with AQL 2.5 is an inspection reference. Set material-specific test methods and acceptance criteria in the approved specification rather than treating the page as a test certificate.
Order planning
Separate sample development from bulk
Raw-material yardage depends on whether suitable greige fabric is available or custom yarn spinning is required. The 50-piece minimum applies to finished custom apparel per style, not as a universal fabric-yardage minimum.
- 01
Define the material
Share the specification sheet, intended garment use, hand-feel target, construction, weight, and performance requirements.
- 02
Qualify the mill
Review mill documentation, equipment and capacity, relevant compliance records, and quality-control capability.
- 03
Develop a sample
Evaluate lab dips, strike-offs, or sample yardage against the color and physical reference. Sample planning is 10–15 days plus 3–5 days shipping.
- 04
Approve and plan bulk
Record the approved standard and order quantities before production. Bulk planning is 15–20 days after sign-off, subject to the order plan.
Request checklist
Make the first review actionable
Material sheet
Composition, yarn, construction, GSM, width, color, finish.
Reference
Master swatch, Pantone target, hand-feel and surface notes.
Performance
Required tests, tolerances, shrinkage, skew, pilling, and color expectations.
Order plan
Sample yardage, bulk quantity, intended use, and requested dates.
Start a request
Share a fabric brief
Send the specification, references, sample quantity, bulk requirement, and target timing for review.