Sourcing guide · 6 min read · Updated 2026-09-28
How to check a garment factory before you order
Before your first order, check eight things: real available capacity, minimum per colour, current social audit, OEKO-TEX certificate, where the yarn comes from, export registrations, whether they accept third-party inspection, and references from similar buyers. A factory that avoids any of these is a risk.
The eight checks
- Available capacity — not total capacity
- Minimum per style and colour
- Current social audit (BSCI, Sedex or similar)
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate and number
- Where the yarn and cotton come from
- Export registrations (for Egypt: QIZ for US duty-free)
- Accepts third-party pre-shipment inspection
- References from buyers in your market
Verify, don't trust
Certificates can be checked on the issuer's website. Ask for the number, not a logo.
Questions
Should I visit the factory?
If you can, yes. If not, use a third-party audit or a sourcing agent who visits.
What's the biggest red flag?
Refusing third-party inspection.