Grades and Sealing Procedure

• First Fit Approval

This process is carried out to check the styling, fabric and measurements meet the design specifications and carry out any alterations. Once all necessary garment checks have been carried out and no changes are needed the garment will receive approval.

• Fitting Sessions

A fitting session consists of a model trying on the garment to gain feedback on the fit and comfort of the garments and its practicality for movement. The session, usually attended by designers, merchandisers, product development managers and pattern makers, is an opportunity to gain an evaluation of the garment, find any areas of improvement and determine its customer satisfaction.

• Size Chart

A size chart provides a list of garment sizes with bust, waist, hip, and leg-length measurements so that garments fit correctly. These measurements are usually given in centimetres or inches for conversion purposes.

• Lay Plan

A lay plan is made by positioning pattern pieces onto fabric as close as possible to reduce waste. When creating a lay plan it is important to consider grain lines, fabric patterns and any other design element that may affect the positioning of pattern pieces on the lay plan.

• Fabric Ordering

A lay plan is a useful tool to help determine how much fabric is needed for a garment. Using this information, the design specifications and size chart as well as other construction elements, they should all help when it comes to ordering the right quantity and type of fabric needed.

• Patterns

A pattern piece is a template of a particular section of a garment that is traced onto fabric. A finished pattern needs to be finalised by checking all measurements, grain lines, dart, notches and markers, etc.

• Toile

A toile is a version of the garment created as a test pattern using fabrics such as linen or calico. They can be cheaply made and allow the designer to construct a finished garment, spot problems and make alterations before creating a product in the chosen finished fabric.

• Fitting Log

The fitting sessions are a development process to identify any areas for possible improvement. Decisions made regarding garment alterations will be added to the fitting log to keep a record of changes made to the final product.

• Documentation

Documentation refers to keeping a record of design and business decisions and changes that have been made. Changes in design specifications, fitting logs, garment approval forms, lay plans, size charts and any fabric order forms will need to be documented. Other documents may also include quality control reports, production checklists and any manufacturing procedures.

• CAD/CAM

Computer-aided design can be used during the design process in order to assist with pattern construction, manipulation, grading and marker making. A lay plan can also be produced and stored with the use of CAD.

• Sourcing

During this stage of production a fabric supplier will need sourcing if fabric orders are to be made, models for fitting sessions and research and development on the size chart will be needed.