Importance of Quality Control in Textile and Apparel Industry

The garment industry has high standards of quality control. You could blame it on sub-standard manufacturing and complaining customers and you would not be far off the mark. The results of these factors have played a role in the textiles industry is setting quality control standards that can be measured and monitored.

There are five main factors measured in the garment industry that point to the quality of a particular clothing item. They include the following: reliability, performance, visual quality, perceived quality and durability.

Things you need to know in quality control process for textile and apparel:
As customers demand quality for what they spend on any kind of item, the clothing industry is also viewed under the same microscope. As a result the following tests are conducted on textiles in the factory:

1 – Quality Control:
Textile testing equipment such as the Martindale Abrasion Tester and Crockmeter are used to perform inspection of products used in the clothing industry. Using standards set at the international level measurements and durability tests are conducted.
2 – Conformity:
Using pre-production samples, the product is examined for such things as type of raw materials used, design, colors and all associated factors that are used to produce a finished item.

3 – Quality:
Such textile testing equipment as the launderometer examines products for defects in the fabric, colors, accessories, defects to the labeling and manufacturing. Products that do not pass this stage are eliminated and do not end up in the marketplace.

4 – Measurement:
Each product undergoes strict measurements as prescribed by a standard chart. The measurements are specific to the item but can reveal errors created somewhere through the production line.

5 – Packaging:
Even after the finished product meets the strict textile testing equipment standards, the shipping containers and packaging also require standardization. The checks include carton sizes, weights, labeling and assorted other details related to shipping and receiving.

How to control quality:
The key step to controlling quality in the textile industry should start at the garments factory and that requires specialized equipment. Textile testing equipment is the most efficient and cost effective way of keeping standards in place through various product line productions. There are additional ways to ensure quality control in the factory and they include:

1. Ensure operators have proper training and use quality sewing materials
2. Understand and follow quality specifications
3. Provide good and bad feedback on products being manufactured
4. Check on work being produced on a daily basis
5. Reference a quality control checklist
6. Use textile testing equipment to maintain quality standards
7. Do not compromise quality under any circumstance

Offer training programs:
Another way to keep high quality standards in place is to have qualified staff monitoring production. By training staff to understand the purpose behind maintaining quality control systems, many issues can be resolved as soon as they become apparent. By working together as a team to achieve the same goals, quality control in the garments industry is easy to meet and maintain.