A lab dip is a small dyed fabric swatch produced in a laboratory to match your specified color. You approve the lab dip before the dyehouse dyes your bulk fabric - it's the color contract for production.
The Color Approval Process
- You specify a color (usually a Pantone reference)
- The lab dyes small swatches attempting to match it
- You compare under standard lighting (D65 daylight)
- Approve, or request corrections with specific feedback
- Approved lab dip becomes the bulk production standard
Why Multiple Rounds Are Normal
Dye chemistry is complex - fiber type, dye class, and finishing all shift color. Two to four rounds of lab dips is typical. Vague feedback ("make it brighter") wastes rounds; specific feedback ("add 10% more yellow") gets results.
Lighting Matters
Always evaluate lab dips under controlled lighting, not office fluorescents. Metamerism - colors matching under one light but not another - is a real risk. Specify your evaluation light source.
FAQs
- How long do lab dips take?
- Usually 1-2 weeks per round. Complex colors or difficult fibers take longer.
- What does 'A/W' or 'B/W' mean on a lab dip?
- After Wash / Before Wash - showing how the color looks before and after washing, since dyeing and finishing change color.
- Can I approve from a photo?
- Never approve color from a screen photo alone. Screens lie. Evaluate the physical swatch under proper lighting.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.