Exploring the Clothing Sample Development Process
The clothing sample development process can be a complicated and challenging task. There are many steps to the process, which include fabric selection, garment design, pattern making, sampling production, and quality control. The article will explore these various aspects of the process in more detail and how we approach the project at BOMME STUDIO.
What is sample development?
Sample development is the first stage of clothing sample making where fashion designers work with a product development team to create a sample that best reflects their desired vision for a garment. These steps need to be done carefully so that you will have an accurate representation of your final clothing prototype. As a designer, you are the project lead and responsible for guiding the sample development team to execute your vision. Typically, a product development team consists of a product development manager, pattern maker, cutter, and sample sewers.
What are the steps in sample development?
The product development team starts by working with you to determine your sample requirements. This includes color, size, and fabric specifications. It is common at this stage for designers to submit reference garments to the team or provide a tech pack with exact measurements of your designs.
Sourcing sample fabric is then the next step. Based on your fabric requirements, there are thousands of domestic and international fabric suppliers to choose from. We recommend trying a google search using the fabric contents of your reference garment or purchasing our supplier resource guide which provides you with training and access to 60 vetted domestic suppliers.
The pattern maker will then create a pattern using your reference garment or tech pack as a guide.
Once all materials are provided, the lead sample sewer will sew the sample using your chosen sample fabric, trim and hardware.
Fit meeting: Once the first sample is complete a meeting is scheduled to review fit and discuss additional pattern adjustment or sampling until you have achieved what you believe to be your best fitting garment
The pattern maker and sample maker work together to make adjustments and create a final sample. This sample is the final sew by sample that includes a quality control review by the designer.
Final Sample and Production-Ready pattern is delivered to the designer
At BOMME STUDIO our sample team oversees every step in this complex process to ensure you receive a sample that meets all specifications before moving forward with mass production.
What happens after sample development?
The next step in clothing sample development is sample approval. This means you have approved your sample and are ready to move forward with mass production of the final garment.
At BOMME STUDIO we can assist with pattern marking and grading if needed, pre-production samples that meet all specifications before moving into full production, and mass production in an ethical factory in Los Angeles.
Get sample development help at BOMME STUDIO
We are sample makers that work with fashion designers to produce samples for US clothing brands. We know how important it is to have a sample that reflects your desired vision of the final product, which is why our team will do their best to make sure you receive an accurate representation before moving forward into production.
