OEM & Private Label · Hoodie Encyclopedia
Hoodie Sampling Timeline
Sampling is where the design becomes a real garment. Skip a stage and the risk moves into bulk — where mistakes cost 500× more.
Digital mock (2–3 days)
A rendered flat with your artwork, colourways and label callouts. It catches artwork placement, brand mark scale and colourway logic before any fabric moves. Free for existing customers; typically bundled with sample cost otherwise.
Fit sample (10–15 days)
One unit sewn in the target size (usually M), in whatever fabric is closest to the final spec. The fit sample is about pattern, not fabric — it validates armhole depth, hood height, sleeve length, hem drop and pocket geometry. Expect at least one round of corrections before approval.
PP (pre-production) sample (7–10 days)
The final sign-off unit — final fabric, final trims, final labels, final decoration. If the PP is wrong, bulk will be wrong. Approve the PP against the physical unit in your hands, not against a photo. Retail buyers who accept photo PP approvals routinely receive off-spec bulk.
Size run (optional, 7–10 days)
One unit per size (S–XXL) to verify grading rules across the range. Recommended when the range includes an XXL / XXXL or a women's cut sizing. Grading drift — where an XL fits like an L — is caught here or in a returns spike.
Where projects lose time
- Vague feedback ('make it a bit longer') — always send POM values.
- Approving fit sample without physical inspection.
- Requesting fabric swatches after PP is already sewn.
- Late artwork changes — reset the decoration timeline.
Book a hoodie sample
Send tech pack or artwork — samples ship within 15 days.