| Product and production capability |
Experience with knitted sportswear, moisture-management fabrics, sublimation printing, sewing, trims, and size grading. |
Relevant product samples, production process overview, equipment list, and a documented sample-to-bulk workflow. |
Approve a sealed reference sample and written specifications before bulk production. Confirm fabric composition, weight, colors, measurements, and tolerances. |
Review sample and bulk-production results by style; record recurring defects and corrective actions. |
| Quality management |
Whether the supplier uses documented inspection procedures and can trace materials and finished goods by production lot. |
Quality procedures, inspection records, defect classifications, calibration records, and any valid ISO 9001 certificate. ISO 9001 is a quality-management-system standard, not a guarantee of product quality. |
Agree on measurable acceptance criteria and inspection stages, including incoming materials, in-line production, and final packing. |
Track defect rates, rework, returns, and corrective-action closure for each order. |
| Textile performance testing |
Colorfastness, dimensional change after washing, seam strength, print durability, and fabric performance relevant to the intended use. |
Test reports identifying the tested material, method, result, and test date. Relevant methods may include ISO 105-C06 for colorfastness to domestic and commercial laundering, ISO 105-X12 for rubbing, and ISO 105-E04 for perspiration. |
Set test methods and pass limits with the buyer or testing laboratory before ordering; test the actual production fabric and print where appropriate. |
Repeat testing when fabric, dye, print process, or material source changes. |
| Market-specific compliance |
Applicable product-safety, chemical, labeling, and documentation obligations in each destination market. |
Material declarations, relevant laboratory reports, accurate fiber-content information, and destination-specific labeling review. EU textile fiber-name and labeling rules are addressed by Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. US textile labeling requirements should be checked against applicable FTC rules. |
Identify the destination market and product category before production. Have an importer or qualified compliance adviser confirm current legal requirements; do not rely on a general “compliant” claim. |
Recheck requirements when the destination, product composition, or applicable rules change; retain order-linked compliance records. |
| Restricted-substance controls |
How the supplier manages chemicals in fabrics, prints, inks, trims, and packaging against the buyer’s market requirements. |
Current test reports from a competent laboratory, chemical declarations, and valid certification details where certification is claimed. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a voluntary product certification; verify the certificate number, validity, and product scope. |
Define the restricted-substance list and testing plan in the purchase specification. Confirm that reports cover the relevant material and colorways. |
Request updated evidence for material or process changes and investigate any failed test before shipment. |
| Recycled-material claims |
Whether recycled-content claims are supported by traceable material sourcing and records through the supply chain. |
Supplier declarations, transaction records, and applicable certification documents. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) includes requirements for recycled content and chain of custody; verify certificate scope and validity rather than relying on a logo or claim alone. |
Specify the claimed recycled content and documentation required in the contract and product records. |
Reconcile purchase documents and claims for each production lot; obtain updated certificates when applicable. |
| Communication and technical alignment |
Response clarity, written English capability, understanding of specifications, escalation routes, and willingness to document changes. |
Named points of contact, a sample communication log, written answers to a technical questionnaire, and a confirmed escalation contact. |
Use one approved specification and change-control process. Require written confirmation of changes to materials, artwork, measurements, or delivery dates. |
Hold scheduled order reviews and keep decisions, approvals, and open issues in a shared written record. |
| Sampling and artwork control |
Ability to manage artwork files, color references, placement, print scale, and pre-production approvals accurately. |
Digital artwork proof, physical strike-off or sample where needed, revision history, and signed approval record. |
Approve the final artwork and sample against the same reference file and specification used for production. |
Require fresh approval for any artwork revision; archive approved versions by style and order. |
| Capacity and delivery planning |
Confirmed production capacity, material lead times, peak-season constraints, and contingency planning. |
Order-specific production schedule, material availability confirmation, capacity plan, and shipment milestones. |
Set realistic order and shipping dates after confirming material readiness, sample approval, and production capacity. |
Review milestone status regularly and require early notice of delays with a documented recovery plan. |
| Packing and shipment readiness |
Carton strength, assortment accuracy, packing marks, packing lists, and destination-specific shipping documents. |
Approved packing instructions, carton details, pre-shipment inspection results, and draft shipping documents. |
Confirm quantities, size ratios, labeling, and carton markings before dispatch. Clarify the agreed delivery term and named place in the contract. |
Compare received quantities and condition with the packing list; log shortages or damage promptly. |
| Commercial terms and risk allocation |
Clear quotation validity, payment milestones, tooling or sample charges, defect remedies, and responsibility for freight and customs-related tasks. |
Itemized quotation, purchase order, written payment terms, and contract terms that identify the applicable Incoterms® rule and named place. |
Use Incoterms® 2020 terminology accurately; Incoterms allocate certain delivery responsibilities, costs, and risks but do not replace the full sales contract. |
Review actual costs, claims, and payment records after each order and amend terms only in writing. |
| Supplier responsibility and continuity |
Workplace policies, subcontracting transparency, business continuity planning, and willingness to support audits or corrective actions. |
Supplier code of conduct, facility and subcontractor disclosures, relevant audit records, and a documented corrective-action process. |
Define permitted subcontracting and prior-approval requirements in writing; assess evidence rather than relying on unsupported assurances. |
Review performance and open corrective actions periodically; reassess material risks before renewing or expanding business. |