robust quality control safeguards both your customer relationships and your company’s success.
Why Quality Control Matters in Garment Sourcing
We specialize in QA for garments ranging from intricate bridal gowns and evening wear to everyday apparel. High-end bridal and evening wear demand near-perfect execution, and our stringent QC processes ensure even the most delicate, high-detail pieces meet exacting standards. By implementing thorough inspection protocols, we help reduce the risk of costly product returns or recalls while protecting your brand’s image.
Our AQL Quality Standards
We follow internationally recognized AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards to maintain consistency in inspections. AQL refers to the maximum number of defects allowed during a random sampling inspection.
AQL 2.5 (Industry Standard)
his means on average no more than 2.5% of items in the batch can have major defects – a standard widely used to ensure good quality for general apparel.
AQL 1.0 (High Quality)
For premium or highly sensitive products (for example, luxury bridal wear), we can apply a stricter AQL 1.0 standard (approximately 1% defect tolerance). This near-zero defect approach is used when virtually zero defects are expected, ensuring the highest quality output for your most important products.
Our Quality Inspection Process
We implement a multi-stage inspection process at the factory to catch issues at every phase of production. This comprehensive approach covers pre-production, in-line (during production), and post-production inspections, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of KELLY SOURCING’s inspection process:
Pre-Production Inspections
Before mass production begins, we conduct thorough pre-production checks. This stage involves inspecting raw materials and initial samples to prevent problems from the start. Our team examines incoming fabrics, trims, and components for any defects or inconsistencies (e.g. uneven dyeing, holes, weak spots in fabric). We also verify that patterns and cut pieces match your design and size specifications. Crucially, we review prototype or pre-production samples to test the garment’s design, fit, and functionality in advance. By identifying any issues early, we ensure that the bulk production kicks off on the right foot with materials and patterns that are fit for purpose. This proactive approach reduces the chance of serious defects later in the process.
During Production Inspections (Inline)
Once production is underway, we perform regular in-process inspections to monitor quality in real time. Our inspectors visit the factory during manufacturing (often when ~20-50% of the order is completed) to sample and check semi-finished garments. This inline inspection allows us to catch and correct issues early – for example, spotting stitching errors, seam misalignment, or size measurement deviations on the assembly line. Key checkpoints during production include verifying that stitching and seam alignment remain consistent, confirming that fabric prints or embellishments are applied accurately, and ensuring measurements still conform to spec on randomly pulled pieces. If any problems are found, we immediately alert the factory and work with them to implement corrective actions before these defects propagate through the entire order. Mid-production inspections are critical for preventing small problems from snowballing, so you won’t be surprised by large quantities of defective goods at the end.
Post-Production Inspections (Final QC)
After all units are produced, KELLY SOURCING conducts a rigorous final inspection on the finished batch. We randomly select samples (according to the AQL sampling plan) from the completed order and scrutinize them for any remaining defects or non-conformities. During this pre-shipment inspection, our inspectors check each sampled garment for issues such as loose threads, misplaced stitches, surface blemishes, sizing errors, or any aspect that might have been missed earlier. We also perform fit and functionality tests on finished products as needed – for example, putting a bridal gown on a mannequin to ensure it drapes correctly, or testing zippers and buttons on evening wear to ensure they operate smoothly. Additionally, we verify that all packaging and labeling meets requirements: correct tags, barcodes, and carton markings are confirmed before approval. Only when a product passes this final QC checkpoint do we consider it ready for shipment. This final inspection step is essential to maintain high customer satisfaction and avoid costly returns – it’s the last line of defense to ensure you receive exactly what you expected.
What We Inspect
Our inspection covers every detail from the measurable (dimensions, counts) to the visible (stitches, appearance) to the regulatory (labels, safety). This comprehensive checklist means you can trust that nothing slips through the cracks.
Measurements & Fit
Proper sizing is crucial for customer satisfaction, so we leave no room for major size discrepancies.
Stitching & Seams
Strong seams and neat stitchwork mean the product is durable and well-made. Any seam misalignment or sewing defect is flagged and addressed.
Fabric & Material Quality
For patterned fabrics or lace, we verify the patterns are properly aligned and cut. High material quality is especially vital for bridal and evening wear, where premium fabrics are expected.
Trims & AccessoriesLabels & Tags
make sure all accessories (from decorative appliqués to functional closures) are of high standard and properly affixed. Any signs of poor-quality hardware or workmanship in trims are noted for correction.
Packaging & Presentation
It must protect the garments in transit and meet import/export regulations. By verifying packaging and presentation, we help ensure your goods arrive in perfect condition and are retail-ready upon delivery.
Benefits of Our Quality Control Services
By leveraging our QC services, you essentially have a dedicated QA team on the ground. The result is lower risk, lower costs, happier customers, and a stronger brand. Quality control is not just about catching mistakes – it’s about building a reliable supply chain that consistently delivers excellence.
Risk Reductionmitigates the risk of product recalls, returns, or customer complaints
save on rework, reduce waste, and prevent revenue loss
Brand Protection & Customer Satisfactionenhances customer satisfaction and loyalty
Compliance & Peace of Mindless worry about regulatory issues (e.g. incorrect labels or unsafe components)
Detailed Inspection Reports & Transparency
After each inspection, we provide you with a comprehensive inspection report so you have complete visibility into the results. Our reports typically include:
- A summary of the inspection context (which factory, products, order details, inspection date and stage).inspection context
- Detailed findings for each checkpoint (e.g. measurement results, list of any defects found with descriptions).
- High-resolution photos of defects or any non-conformities discovered, as well as general product photos.
- The AQL sampling results and a clear pass/fail outcome for the lot based on the agreed criteria.
- Any recommendations or corrective actions (if applicable).
Ready to Ensure Quality Excellence?
Contact us today to book a Quality Control consultation or to request a sample inspection for your upcoming production run.
