Sampling and lead times
From an approved tech pack: proto 5–7 days, fit 3–5 days, PP 5–7 days, fabric booking and lab dips 10–15 days, and a full critical path of 45–65 days to ex-factory for orders of 2,000–10,000 pieces. Each stage ends in an approval — nothing moves forward until you sign it off. Samples cost $20 per sample, which covers shipping it to you.
| Stage | Duration | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Proto sample | 5–7 days | From an approved tech pack. First physical read on fit and construction. |
| Fit sample | 3–5 days | After your comments on the proto. More fit rounds extend this stage. |
| PP sample | 5–7 days | Pre-production sample in bulk fabric and trims. Nothing is cut before you sign it off. |
| Fabric booking & lab dips | 10–15 days | Stock fabric moves fast. Custom dye or print adds materially to this stage. |
| Bulk production to ex-factory | 45–65 days total | Whole critical path, for orders of 2,000–10,000 pieces. Larger orders sit at the upper end. |
What actually moves these dates
Extends the schedule
- Extra fit rounds — each one adds its own cycle
- Custom dyeing or printing instead of stock fabric
- Lab dip and strike-off re-approvals
- Trims or hardware with their own lead time
- Comments returned slowly — the clock is shared
Shortens it
- A complete tech pack: measurements, BOM, artwork, label copy
- Stock fabric in an available colour
- Consolidated feedback in one round rather than three
- Approving a counter-sample instead of re-specifying
Treat a single number as a warning sign. A supplier who answers "about 60 days" without naming the milestones has not planned your order — they have guessed. Ask any supplier, including us, what their lead time assumes about fabric availability and approval rounds.