A PP sample (pre-production sample) is a garment made with actual bulk materials, trims, and construction methods - the factory's proof that it's ready to start mass production. It's the last checkpoint before cutting thousands of units.
Why the PP Sample Matters
Earlier samples (proto, fit, salesman samples) are made for development. The PP sample is different: it's made on the production line, with production materials, by production operators. If the PP sample is right, bulk should be right.
What to Check
- Fabric and color - matches approved lab dips and strike-offs
- Trims and labels - correct suppliers, correct placement
- Construction - seams, stitching, and finishing per tech pack
- Measurements - graded specs across sizes
- Packaging - folding, polybagging, and labeling as specified
Approval Process
Review the PP sample against your tech pack, mark any corrections, and send written approval (or rejection with comments) back to the factory. Never approve verbally - you need a paper trail. Bulk production should not start without your signed PP approval.
FAQs
- How is a PP sample different from a TOP sample?
- PP (pre-production) is approved before bulk starts. TOP (top of production) is pulled from the bulk run to confirm production matches the approved PP.
- Who pays for PP samples?
- Usually the brand, though many factories credit sample costs against the bulk order. Clarify this upfront.
- What if I reject the PP sample?
- The factory revises and resubmits. Repeated rejections signal a communication problem - revisit your tech pack clarity.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.