Open in interactive reader → Keyboard nav · jump menu
table
When to Prototype — Non-Negotiable
| Situation | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| First order with new supplier | You don't know their interpretation of your files |
| New technique or fabric | Drape, weight, color behave differently than expected |
| Color-critical work | Brand colors must match — screens lie |
| Complex placement | Chest + sleeve + back alignment requires precision |
| Rush timeline | No buffer for fixes if it's wrong |
| Client-facing / high visibility | Errors are public and expensive |
→ The test: “If this goes wrong, what's my exposure?” High exposure = prototype.
checklist
What a Prototype Should Include
Physical Sample Checklist
Size / fit
Actual garment in target size — not just “size L” but “this brand's size L”
Fabric hand
Weight, texture, drape — does it match expectation?
Color accuracy
Thread / ink color vs brand spec (Pantone or physical reference)
Logo placement
Precise position, size, alignment
Decoration quality
Stitch density, thread tension, backing finish
Label / tags
Care instructions, size label, branding
compare
The 5-Minute Check
Walk through
→ Visual — does it look like the brief?
→ Tactile — does it feel premium or cheap?
→ Functional — does it wear well?
→ Detail — loose threads, crooked lines, backing showing?
→ Compare — side-by-side with reference
Red flags
→ Color “close enough” — will drift further in production
→ Placement “about there” — no precision in their process
→ Loose threads — no finishing step
→ “That's just the sample” — production won't be better
note
Prototype-to-Production Drift
The risk: sample looks great, production doesn't match. Why it happens — different machine or operator, “sample-grade” materials, no documented standard. The fix: approve in writing with photo evidence, require production match to approved sample (contractual), mid-production check. The nuclear option: production must match approved prototype or full re-run at supplier cost.
math
The €30 Math
Scenario A — Prototype
Cost€30
Time+1 week
RiskLow (80% caught)
Rework5% of orders
Scenario B — No prototype
Cost€0
Time–1 week
RiskHigh (80% go live)
Rework40% × €2,000 = €800 expected
table
Pro Types — When You Need More Than One
| Prototype | When to use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Digital mockup | Initial approval, layout confirmation | Free – €10 |
| Single physical | Standard orders, repeat suppliers | €20–50 |
| Size run | Garments S–XL to check fit | €50–150 |
| Color / technique matrix | 3 colors × 2 techniques before deciding | €100–300 |
| Pre-production sample | First 5 pieces from actual run | Cost of goods |
script
The “Can't Afford a Prototype” Fallacy
Client
“We don't have time / budget for a sample.”
Means
“We can't afford to get this wrong, but we're not going to verify it's right.”
You say
“I understand the pressure. Here's the risk: if color / position is off, we're looking at a full re-run at €X and Y weeks delay. The prototype is €30 insurance against that. Worth 10 minutes to discuss?”
Frame
Not as delay / cost. As risk management.