10 Insider Tips to Check Quality Custom Apparel: A Real-World Guide

Check Custom Apparel Quality Like a Pro Before You Regret Your Purchase!

Have you ever had a batch of custom T-shirts look fantastic on delivery day—only for the stitching to unravel or the print to fade after a few washes? It happens more often than you’d think and can devastate brands or event organizers who’ve poured time and money into their orders. The good news? A little know-how goes a long way toward spotting (and securing) truly well-made custom apparel.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and real-world insights we've gathered from supplying thousands of customized garments to small businesses, sports teams, and emerging fashion labels. You'll know how to check custom apparel quality—like fabric quality, stitch integrity, and even brand ethics—that define premium apparel. Whether ordering 50 t-shirts for a community fundraiser or launching a full-scale streetwear brand, these ten insider tips can make all the difference.

1. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Start with the Right Fabric Blend—Cotton, Polyester, or Beyond?

Anecdote: We helped a local café create custom aprons a few years ago. They initially wanted 100% cotton for its breathability but soon realized frequent laundering (and potential coffee stains) called for a cotton-polyester blend that resisted wrinkles and dried faster. That slight pivot saved them from constantly replacing stained or shrunken aprons.

Why Fabric Matters

• 100% Cotton: Naturally breathable and soft, pure cotton is ideal for everyday T-shirts or premium hoodies. However, it can shrink or wrinkle if not laundered properly.
• Polyester & Blends: Offer wrinkle resistance, are often cost-effective, and are perfect for moisture-wicking sportswear. A 65/35 (cotton/poly) ratio strikes a solid balance between comfort and durability.
• Specialty Textiles: For eco-friendly or athletic markets, consider bamboo viscose, organic cotton, or performance synthetics with sweat-wicking properties.

Insider Hack: If you’re printing detailed designs with bold colors, look for combed or ring-spun cotton, which provides a smoother surface—perfect for crisp screen printing or DTG.

2. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Check the Construction—Seams, Stitching, and Hemlines

Why It Matters: Even the best fabric can’t compensate for sloppy seams or flimsy thread. Construction quality dictates how well custom apparel holds up to daily wear and repeated washes.

What to Look For

• Double-Needle Hem: Seams around sleeves or bottom edges with two rows of stitching are less likely to unravel.
• Taped Shoulder Seams: Reinforces the shirt’s structure, keeping it from sagging over time.
• No Loose Threads: If you see stray ends or uneven stitching, it hints at rushed production.

Real-World Note: We once provided jerseys to a sports team that insisted on a less expensive garment with single-stitched underarms. After a few games and washes, half the jerseys developed holes. Always confirm seam type in your samples before committing to large orders.

3. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Align the Garment with Your Printing or Embroidery Method

Anecdote: Last summer, we helped an up-and-coming beachwear line that used direct-to-garment (DTG) on very lightweight cotton shirts. The ultra-thin tees absorbed ink unpredictably, dulling the colors. Switching to a slightly heavier cotton blend gave prints that “pop”—no redesign needed.

Matching Fabric to Technique

1. Screen Printing: Great on cotton or cotton-heavy blends with a smooth finish for crisp lines and vibrant colors.
2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG): This method is best for high-cotton content with a tight-knit (like ring-spun cotton). If the fabric is well-prepped, it achieves photorealistic prints.
3. Embroidery: Requires sturdier garments—like polos, hoodies, or heavier tees—so the stitches don’t pucker.
4. Heat Transfer/Vinyl: Generally versatile but avoid extremely stretchy fabrics that might distort the transfer.

Pro Tip: Consult your printing partner for recommended blanks, especially if you’re new to custom apparel. Their experience can save you from costly missteps.

4. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Evaluate Hardware and Closures (Zippers, Buttons, Drawstrings)

If you’re ordering jackets, hoodies, or polos, check their zippers, buttons, and drawstrings:

• Zippers: They should glide without snagging on inner seams. Some garment suppliers use zips like YKK, which are known for durability.
• Buttons and Buttonholes: Give each button a gentle pull—does it feel secure? Messy buttonholes suggest a rushed finish.
• Drawstrings: Look for sturdy cords with neatly sealed ends (aglets). Fraying drawstrings quickly cheapen a garment.

Branding Opportunity: Adding custom hardware (like engraved buttons or color-matched zippers) boosts perceived value—just ensure the hardware holds up in real-world use.

5. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Assess the Fit and Sizing Consistency

Real-World Note: We once produced 300 T-shirts for a startup’s staff. The fabric and prints were excellent, but the fit was smaller than the standard, so many employees couldn’t wear them. A quick size chart check or sample test could have avoided wasted money and bad morale.

Ensuring Consistent Sizing

• Sample Testing: Always order a selection (S, M, L, XL) to verify the brand’s sizing claims.
• Even Grading: If a medium is just 1 inch larger than a small, but a large jumps by 3 inches, the grading’s off.
• Shoulder & Length Alignment: A T-shirt that’s too short or has oddly placed shoulder seams won’t feel right, no matter the chest measurement.

Tip: For plus-size or tall markets, see how the manufacturer scales up. Some add width without appropriate length, leading to unbalanced fits in bigger sizes.

6. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Verify Brand Reputation and Ethical Practices

In an era of conscious consumerism, how the garments are made reflects on you or your brand. A reputable supplier likely offers consistent quality and transparent sourcing.

• Certifications: Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade labels if sustainability matters.
• Transparent Supply Chain: Trustworthy suppliers share factory details or labor standards.
• Customer Reviews: Feedback from other buyers is invaluable—if the reviews praise durability, you’re on the right track.

Anecdote: We switched from a cheaper wholesaler to a slightly pricier brand certified for eco-friendly production. Not only did the stitching improve, but customers also appreciated the sustainability angle, driving repeat business.

7. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Provide Clear Care Instructions

Why It Matters: Even top-tier apparel fades or stretches if mishandled. Detailed care tips help end users preserve that fresh-off-the-press look, prolonging the garment’s life and maintaining brand integrity.

Suggested Care Tips:

• Wash in Cold Water: Protects both fabric fibers and print colors.
• Turn Garment Inside Out: Reduces friction on prints or embroidery.
• Gentle Cycle: Limits agitation that can loosen stitches.
• Air Dry or Low Heat: High temperatures risk shrinkage or peeling designs.

Pro Tip: Include a small care card or incorporate washing instructions on the label. A bit of upfront effort can significantly reduce returns or complaints.

8. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Debunking Myths—Why Price Isn’t Everything

1. “Higher Price = Better Apparel”
   • Not always. Some brands charge extra primarily for name recognition, not construction quality. Examine fabric and seams, not just price tags.
2. “Lower Cost Always Means Bad Quality”
   • Some established suppliers offer great bulk rates without cutting corners on stitching or fabric. Investigate carefully.
3. “Heavier Fabric = Guaranteed Durability”
   • Weight alone doesn’t prove yarn strength or finishing prowess. Lighter ring-spun cotton can still outlast a heavier but poorly spun fabric.

Anecdote: We tested two hoodies at around 300 GSM. One pilled quickly despite the hefty feel; the other, though similarly weighted, showed minimal wear after months—yarn quality and overall construction trump GSM alone.

9. Check Custom Apparel Quality: Our Four-Step Quality Control Process

Step 1: Request Fabric Swatches

We begin by feeling the material. We also do a quick stretch or scrunch to see how it behaves.

Step 2: Inspect Seams and Hems

Inside seams, bottom hems, and high-stress zones (like underarms) get special scrutiny. Double-needle stitching is our go-to for durability.

Step 3: Print or Embroider a Sample

We do a small test print to assess how the fabric reacts under real production conditions. If it warps or discolors, we pivot to a more suitable blank.

Step 4: Wash & Wear

We replicate everyday scenarios—laundry, folding, and the occasional ironing. After a few cycles, we compare the test piece to an untouched original.

Why This Matters: Relying solely on brand descriptions or a single sample T-shirt can be risky. Our four-step process has prevented us from ordering thousands of flawed garments—and it’s an approach you can adopt, too.