A custom T-shirt sample is your chance to check the actual garment before committing to a larger order. Compare it with the written specification, measure it against the agreed size chart, inspect construction and decoration, and test how it feels in normal use. Record any changes and approve a revised sample when corrections affect fit, print, or materials.
Quick answer
Review the sample against the product brief and supplier quote. Check style, color, fabric, measurements, stitching, labels, print size and placement, spelling, and care information. Try it on or compare it with a reference shirt, then wash it according to the instructions if durability matters. Send the supplier one clear list of corrections and wait for a corrected proof or sample before bulk production.
Prepare the reference before the sample arrives
Keep the approved artwork, garment specification, size chart, color reference, print locations, labels, and supplier quote together. If you have already agreed on measurement tolerances or a color standard, include it in the review. Ask the supplier which sample version you are receiving and whether any part of it differs from the intended production version.
For a custom garment, the specification may include fabric composition, weight, neckline, sleeve shape, seam details, labels, and packaging. For a print on a standard blank, it may focus on the exact garment, color, decoration, artwork size, and placement. The site’s tech pack checklist can help you organize product requirements before sample development.
Check fit and measurements
Measure the sample on a flat surface using the same points shown in the supplier’s chart. Common checks include chest width, body length, shoulder width, sleeve length, and neckline. Record each measurement and compare it with the agreed specification, not an unrelated shirt from another brand. Size labels alone do not guarantee the same fit.
Try the shirt on the intended wearer or compare it with a known reference garment. Check shoulder position, body ease, sleeve opening, length, and how it moves when the person reaches or sits. If you need several sizes, ask the supplier how the sample corresponds to the remaining size range and how dimensions are graded. The site’s sizing guide can help clarify fit terms.
Inspect fabric, construction, and finish
| Area | What to inspect | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Composition, weight, feel, stretch, and color | Any difference from the selected blank or spec |
| Stitching | Seams, hems, neckline, and loose threads | Location and clear photo of each issue |
| Labels | Branding, size, care and placement | Text, position, and material changes needed |
| Decoration | Spelling, color, size, position, edges, and feel | Approved artwork version and corrections |
| Packaging | Folding, bags, tags, and order identification | Whether the sample matches the requested finish |
Look closely at seams and neckline, but judge them against the sample and specification rather than inventing a universal construction standard. Check whether the fabric color matches the agreed reference under ordinary light. If exact color is important, ask the supplier what matching process it can support.
Review print or embroidery separately
Confirm that the correct artwork version was used. Check spelling, line detail, color contrast, print dimensions, placement from the collar or seam, and alignment on the garment. For embroidery, review the stitch density, backing, and whether small elements remain legible. For a screen or digital print, check edges and surface feel. Compare the physical sample with the production proof.
If you are still deciding between print methods, read the site’s screen printing vs. DTF guide. A sample helps assess the result on the actual garment rather than relying on a mockup.
Wash-test when use or care makes it important
Follow the care label and decoration supplier’s instructions. Measure or photograph the sample before washing, then inspect it after the recommended care routine. Look for fit changes, fading, cracking, peeling, seam movement, or a change in feel. A wash test does not replace the manufacturer’s quality process, but it can help you evaluate the product you plan to distribute or sell.
If the sample changes in a way that affects the product, share the exact care steps and observations with the supplier. Ask whether the cause is the garment, print method, or an expected variation. Do not approve a bulk run while a key performance issue remains unresolved.
Send corrections in one clear review
List each change by location and reference a photograph or measurement. For example, note that the chest logo should move a measured amount from the collar seam, or that a line of text should match the approved file. Separate must-fix issues from preferences. Ask the supplier to confirm which changes affect price, lead time, or the need for a new sample.
After approval, save the sample photos, final specification, artwork, proof, quote, and approval date. A school group may need to verify a crest and size before ordering a class run. A small clothing label may check fabric, fit, labels, and print before adding the product to a store. A business reordering uniforms can keep one approved shirt as a reference for future orders. The site’s bulk ordering checklist helps coordinate final quantities and delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Should I approve a sample before every bulk order?
Approve one whenever the garment, artwork, supplier, or specification is new or has changed. For a repeat order, compare it with the retained approved sample and confirm what is unchanged.
What if the sample differs from the mockup?
Compare the actual garment with the written specification and proof. Ask the supplier to explain the difference and correct it if it is outside the agreed brief.
Can one sample confirm every size?
It confirms the sampled size. Ask how the supplier grades other sizes and check measurements or samples for size variants that are especially important.
What should I send with my approval?
Send the sample version, approved artwork, specification, sizes, colors, and any accepted tolerances in writing. Keep a copy with the purchase order.
