Glossary
The words suppliers, factories and buyers use, written plainly. Where a word means two things — margin and sell-through both do — this says which is which rather than picking one.
Samples
- Proto sample
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The first physical version, often in stand-in materials, to test the design.
- Fit sample
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The base size in near-final fabric, measured against the spec until it’s right.
- Size set sample
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Several sizes in final fabric, to check the grading holds.
- Lab dip sample
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A dyed swatch for colour approval.
- Strike-off sample
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A trial print or embroidery on the real fabric.
- Approval sample sample
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One finished product, for a bought-in product with no fit rounds.
- Photo sample sample
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A true-to-final copy for the shoot, before bulk arrives.
- Pre-production sample
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Made on the production line in real materials; approving it releases bulk.
- Top of production sample
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From the first bulk output, checked against the approved pre-production sample.