Development Sample vs Production-Intent Sample: Define the Decision

Name the question for each sample

An exploratory sample can test a silhouette, closure or construction idea; a production-intent sample should be linked to a controlled specification and identified materials. State the question before the sample is made. Otherwise stakeholders may judge different purposes from the same physical garment.

Record what has been fixed and what remains open

List material references, color, size, pattern status, trims, artwork and finishing as approved, provisional or not represented. This prevents an unfinished sample from being mistaken for evidence of final bulk construction. Attach a deviation list when the sample intentionally differs from the current target.

Use one feedback owner and version

Identify the person consolidating comments, the garment ID and the document revision. Separate fit, workmanship, decoration and packaging decisions. Ask for a marked response to each open point rather than accepting an untraceable statement that the sample is approved.

Tie approval to the next commitment

State whether acceptance authorizes another development round, material reservation or production preparation. Do not infer a production release from a visual approval alone. Confirm scope, price and schedule in the project record before changing the order state.

Buyer decision record

Record the garment style, material or trim reference, sample size, revision and the question being decided. If the supplier proposes a change, ask for the changed layer order, measurement or artwork location in a marked response before treating the quote or sample as comparable.

Evidence scope

The linked references provide terminology or named-method scope only. They do not prove a MyOwnWear capability, a project result, a price, a lead time or a certification. Confirm the actual material, construction and acceptance criteria for the project.

• Coats: Solving Your Sewing Problems — General sewing-problem context only; diagnosis and corrective action require the actual sample.

Use this brief in the MyOwnWear RFQ form. Include the style, quantity, current file or sample revision and the decision you need confirmed.

Next step: ask for a written feasibility response that separates confirmed inputs from supplier-proposed alternatives, then approve the relevant sample evidence.

Keep the approved drawing, measurement or photo with the quote record so the same construction can be checked at the next handoff.