Give every comment a clear reference
“Make the fit better” leaves the factory guessing. Start with the garment code, sample version, sample size, date received and brief revision. Photograph the relevant area and label the image so someone reading the comments later can find the same detail.
Review the physical sample when the decision requires it. A photograph can show a location or appearance; it cannot establish fabric composition, durability, fit across sizes or a garment's performance in use.
Use observation, requirement and action
The original examples below show how to organise comments. They are not fit targets or validated technical instructions. A qualified garment-development reviewer should confirm technical changes, measuring methods and tolerances for the actual garment.
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| Detail | Observation | Requirement or question | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front print | The placement appears different from the named artwork reference | Is the correct artwork revision being used? | Clarify the file and agreed placement before requesting a new sample |
| Body measurement | The recorded measurement differs from the current sheet | Confirm sample identity, measuring method and the agreed target | Have the responsible technician review the difference and issue a specific instruction |
| Fabric handle | The sample feels different from the selected swatch | Confirm the material reference and finish supplied | Resolve the material match before treating the garment as approved |
| Neck label | The label in this sample matches the selected artwork | Record acceptance of that artwork on this sample only | Preserve the other open fit and construction comments |
An observation is evidence of what you saw. A requirement points to what was agreed or what needs deciding. The action tells the supplier how to respond. If the requirement is not settled, record a question rather than inventing a technical fix.
Keep three outcomes separate
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| Outcome | A useful record | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Revise | Named detail, referenced requirement and requested change | Supplier confirms the instruction and the next sample version |
| Clarify | Missing evidence or a question that prevents a decision | Resolve it before approval |
| Approve for a named purpose | The exact sample, feature or stage accepted and any exclusions | Confirm the separate conditions required for the next stage |
A message approving print artwork should not also imply that fit, fabric or bulk production is approved. Identify who can make each consequential decision and use the terms agreed with your supplier.
Check the specification before asking for a new sample
If the brief, artwork and comment sheet disagree, resolve that disagreement first. Otherwise a new sample can follow the wrong version even when the supplier acts on your message carefully.
For measurements, retain the agreed target, observed value, unit, measuring method and tolerance where one has been set. Do not reuse a universal tolerance from an unrelated garment. For fit, record the relevant wearer or fitting context without putting private customer details in documents shared beyond their intended audience.
Shopify's tech-pack reference discusses first-fit review and versioned revisions. Our comment-sheet structure is an editorial workflow example; it does not replace specialist fit assessment, testing or an agreed inspection plan.
Close the loop before the next decision
Ask the supplier to confirm which comments it will action, which need clarification and which affect material, cost or timing. Give the next sample a new identifier. Compare it against the requested changes and retain unresolved issues rather than carrying forward an ambiguous “looks good”.
When a change affects the garment requirements, update the manufacturer brief. When it changes the scope or cost, revisit the supplier quote. Keep sample approval distinct from the separate decision to commit production cash.
Keep the garment history together
Sample comments are useful when they stay connected to the brief, material and quote they refer to.
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