Performance testing
All products developed must pass
performance testing requirements. It is
usually the responsibility of the supplier to
ensure that all products meet, or exceed,
the standards required by the retailer.
Before finalizing or signing an agreement,
it is important that suppliers understand and
agree the quality-standard requirements
of the retailer. It is normal practice to have
both fabric and garments tested before the
product is delivered; typically, the testing
is done at a third-party testing facility such
as Intertek or ITS. At times, the buyers and
design team will designate the testing lab.
Sometimes the retailer (or buyer) will submit
the garments for testing; however, often the
buyer will require that the supplier submits
the fabric and garments directly to the
testing laboratory and then provide them
with copies of the test results. Final bulk
testing is completed before bulk production
of garments commences. Accurate records
must be kept by the manufacturer and the
retailer in case of any faults or customer
complaints. Many retailers also undertake
surprise testing on garments after they
arrive into the stores. This technique is used
to discourage suppliers from submitting
garments in bulk that do not match up to the
quality approved for
final production.
‘Successful fashion design in commercial terms is based upon
providing what customers want frequently before they realize
it. In fashion retailing successful design equals sales. If a
garment design sells well, the basic shape will be “milked”
and reworked in a variety of fabrics and colors and prints.’
Specialist fabrics
Some garments will require additional
testing, such as items that claim to be flame
retardant, water resistant, anti-bacterial
and so on. So-called ‘smart’ fabrics are used
for sport and other performance activities,
which need to be fit for purpose; Teflon-coated,
breathable and water-repellent fabrics
require rigorous testing before use.
Even simple products, such as a T-shirt
jersey, for example, require certain dye
stuffs to withstand washing and to limit the
shrinkage of fabric. Children’s apparel
requires additional product safety testing.
GARMENT SAMPLING
By the time it reaches the mass production stage, each garment
style will have been technically
engineered in order to be as
cost-effective and aesthetically
pleasing as possible, reflecting
the original model and ideas of
the designer.
Fashion retailing is a dynamic and fluid business and strategy needs to reflect this: creating a competitive advantage in a market sector is an essential part of maintaining the necessary level of interest.
