QC Checklist for Apparel Orders

Quality control for apparel is different from QC for shoes. Shoes have rigid molds and precise measurements. Apparel has more variation because fabric stretches, drapes, and behaves differently under tension. This checklist covers the core inspection points for hoodies, t-shirts, pants, sweaters, and any other clothing item in the Hipobuy spreadsheet.

Fabric and Weight

The first thing to check in QC photos is whether the fabric looks like the correct weight and texture. If the spreadsheet lists 400 GSM and the photos show a thin, translucent material, that is an immediate red flag. Ask your agent to drape the garment over their hand or a table edge so you can see how it falls. Heavyweight fabrics should hold structure. Lightweight fabrics should flow softly.

Stitching Quality

Turn the garment inside out if possible. Check these stitch points:

• **Shoulder seams:** Should be flat and reinforced with a second stitch line or serging.
• **Side seams:** Should be straight from armpit to hem. Wavy side seams mean poor factory cutting.
• **Hem stitches:** Should have consistent spacing. 7-9 stitches per inch is standard for premium apparel.
• **Collar construction:** Ribbed collars should have even tension all around. A wavy collar edge means the ribbing was stretched unevenly during sewing.

Print and Graphics

For screen-printed or embroidered graphics:

• **Print placement:** Measure from the collar seam to the top edge of the print. Compare to retail measurements.
• **Print texture:** Screen prints have a slightly raised, matte surface. DTF transfers have a glossy, plastic-like coating.
• **Embroidery density:** Embroidered logos should have tight thread packing with no gaps showing the fabric underneath.
• **Color accuracy:** Compare the print colors to retail photos under the same lighting temperature.

Labels and Tags

• **Neck label:** Font weight, spacing, and material should match retail. Some factories use paper labels instead of satin or woven labels.
• **Wash tag:** Should list the correct materials and care instructions. Some budget factories use generic wash tags.
• **Hang tag:** Not critical for wearability, but accuracy shows factory attention to detail.

Fit and Proportion

Ask your agent to lay the garment flat and measure:

• Chest width (armpit to armpit)
• Shoulder width (seam to seam)
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff)
• Body length (collar seam to hem)

Compare these to the size chart and to a garment you already own. Do not rely on the labeled size. A "Large" from one factory can be a "Medium" from another.

Common Apparel Flaws

• **Asymmetrical sleeves:** One sleeve longer than the other.
• **Misaligned patterns:** Stripes or plaids that do not match at the seams.
• **Wrong dye shade:** Especially common with black, navy, and olive colors.
• **Weak elastic:** Waistbands or cuffs that lose stretch after minimal use.

When to GL (Green Light) vs RL (Red Light)

GL if the flaws are minor and invisible during normal wear (e.g., slightly uneven hem stitch on the inside). RL if the flaws affect fit, durability, or visible accuracy (e.g., wrong print placement, asymmetrical sleeves, incorrect material weight).