Quality testing in the workwear laboratory
Inspection · Testing · Documentation

Quality you can document.

Compliance is not a label you print at the end. It is checked at fabric intake, on the line and at final inspection — with test reports to back it up.

  • AQL 2.5 final inspection
  • Third-party testing
  • Wash-life verification
  • Photo records per shipment
Quality control

Four checkpoints before shipment

Every order follows the same inspection path, whether it is 100 pcs or a full container.

Incoming inspection

Fabric weight, shrinkage, colorfastness and trims are checked against the approved spec before cutting.

In-line checks

The first garment is inspected against the sample, then measurements and tape placement are checked during sewing.

Final AQL audit

Finished goods are inspected to AQL 2.5 for major defects unless the PO specifies another level.

Documents & packing

Test reports, labeling and carton marks are verified; photo records are kept for each shipment.

Approved sample is the reference. Bulk is judged against the signed sample and spec sheet — not against a verbal description. That is why the sample approval stage matters.
Testing

What gets tested

The tests we commonly run for hi-vis, FR and workwear programs. The exact test list depends on the standard and destination.

TestStandardWhat it proves
Colorfastness to washing, rubbing and lightISO 105 / AATCCColors stay within tolerance and do not stain skin or underlayers.
Dimensional stabilityISO 6330 / AATCC 135Garments keep their size after the stated wash cycles.
Retroreflective performanceANSI/ISEA 107 / EN ISO 20471Tape meets the coefficient of retroreflection for the class.
Background luminance & colorANSI/ISEA 107 / EN ISO 20471Fluorescent fabric meets the required chromaticity and luminance.
FR protection after washingNFPA 2112 / EN ISO 11612Flame resistance is retained for the declared wash life.
Seam and fabric strengthASTM D1683 / ISO 13934Seams and fabric survive the stresses of industrial use.

Tests are performed by accredited third-party laboratories. Reports are issued per fabric, tape or garment as applicable.

Testing partners

Recognised laboratories

Depending on the standard and destination, samples are tested by internationally recognised third-party laboratories. The laboratory and report scope are confirmed on your quotation.

Testing · Inspection · Certification

SGS

Colourfastness, dimensional stability, fibre content and restricted substances, plus pre-shipment inspection.

PPE · Textiles · CE

TÜV Rheinland

EN ISO 20471, EN ISO 11612 and other PPE performance tests, with CE documentation support.

Product safety · PPE

TÜV SÜD

Safety and performance testing for protective clothing against European and international market requirements.

Textiles · Performance

Intertek

AATCC and ISO test methods for colour, shrinkage, seam strength and garment performance.

Testing · Inspection

Bureau Veritas

Fibre analysis, physical performance testing and independent pre-shipment inspection at final packing.

Fire safety · NFPA

UL Solutions

Flash-fire and arc-rated garment testing for NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E and related FR programs.

Independent by design. Reports are issued by the laboratory, not by us. Buyers can nominate a laboratory or attend testing where the standard allows, and the final test list is agreed before production.
Certifications

Systems and standards

Current certificates are supplied with quotations when relevant to your market and product.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system covering sampling, production, inspection and corrective action.

ANSI/ISEA 107

Hi-vis garments tested by class, with reports and compliant labels.

NFPA 2112 / NFPA 70E

Flash-fire and arc-rated FR garments tested through accredited labs.

EN ISO 20471 / 11612

European hi-vis and FR performance, with CE documentation for EU buyers.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Fabric options tested for harmful substances in skin-contact programs.

Social compliance

Audit-ready records covering hours, wages, safety and subcontracting.

Verification: report numbers, scope and the issuing laboratory are confirmed in the certificate pack supplied with your quotation.
FAQ

Quality and inspection questions

Can I request test reports before ordering?

Yes. We share the relevant report numbers and issuing lab details for the fabric and tape used in your quotation.

What inspection level do you use?

AQL 2.5 for major defects is standard. If your PO or buyer requires AQL 1.5, 4.0 or a custom checklist, we follow the purchase order.

Do you test after repeated washing?

FR and hi-vis programs are tested to the wash cycles declared for the garment. We confirm the declared wash life on the spec sheet.

Can a third-party inspection company audit my order?

Yes. SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek and similar agencies are welcome. We schedule the inspection at final packing.

What happens if an inspection finds a problem?

Production is held, the defect is reviewed against the approved sample, and a corrective action is agreed before re-inspection and shipment.

Request the test reports for your standard.

Tell us the market, standard and garment type. We will send the relevant reports and confirm the compliant spec.