Softline sourcing is about millimeters and shade numbers. A 1cm size deviation or a half-step color shade difference can turn a perfectly sewn garment into a return. Independent apparel inspection protects your margin by checking fabric, fastness, workmanship and packing against agreed tolerances — before the cartons leave the factory.
Applicable Standards for Textiles & Apparel
| Standard | Scope | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| AATCC / ISO 105 | Color fastness test methods | Washing, rubbing, light fastness |
| ISO 5077 / AATCC 135 | Dimensional stability (shrinkage) | Woven / knit apparel |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Harmful substances | EU/US market garments |
| GB 18401 | China textile safety (formaldehyde, pH, azo) | Textiles sold in China |
| CPSIA / REACH | Lead & phthalates | Children apparel, accessories |
Common Defects We Find in Textiles & Apparel
- Fabric quality: shade variation between rolls, pilling, thin spots, holes, oil stains, wrong GSM or fiber composition.
- Color fastness: poor wash fastness, color transfer on white areas, light fastness fading, phenolic yellowing.
- Workmanship: uneven or skipped stitches, misaligned seams/panels, loose threads, button/zipper defects.
- Sizing & packing: garment dimensions out of spec, shrinkage after first wash, wrong size labels, polybag and carton errors.
How We Inspect
Apparel inspection uses AQL II sampling (critical 0 / major 2.5 / minor 4.0), a measurement audit of 5 pcs per size, and optional fastness/shrinkage testing on a fixed sample. For children's apparel we add chemical screening against CPSIA/REACH limits.
Why Work with QCANT
Our softline inspectors are stationed in the major garment clusters and know the difference between a minor sewing defect and a structural failure. Every report is photo-verified and includes a verification number. Need a garment checklist? Write to cs@QCANT.com.