Sportswear Quality Control Guide (AQL, Checkpoints & Tests)
Quality control is where brands make or lose margin. This guide covers the inspection points and tests that catch problems before your containers ship.
Inspection checkpoints
- Pre-production: approve fabric swatch + lab dip + fit sample
- In-line: inspect at 30–50% of production (sewing, trims, print placement)
- Final: random inspection (AQL) before payment and shipment
- Document: photos + video of packed cartons before dispatch
AQL basics
Use AQL 2.5 (general) or 1.5 (premium) for critical items. Sample size per lot: e.g. 315–500 pcs → inspect 50, accept ≤3 major defects. Define major vs minor defects with your factory in writing.Physical tests every sportswear brand needs
- Wash test: shrinkage (≤3–5% by spec), color bleed, pill grade after 5–10 washes
- Stretch-recovery on leggings/compression
- Opacity/squat test on light colors
- Seam strength on high-stress areas
- Print adhesion + wash retention on logos
Supplier-side controls
Ask for: OEKO-TEX fabric certificates, factory audit (BSCI/SEDEX), and a QC report per shipment. A factory that can't produce a QC report for the last batch is a red flag.Make QC part of the contract
Incoterms + AQL + inspection timing + rework rules should be in your PO. We include pre-production samples and final inspection in every Alpinario order.Alpinario runs QC on every order: pre-production samples, in-line checks and final AQL inspection before shipping from Zhejiang.
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