In the garment industry, whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or brand, you must understand the importance of quality control in this business. This industry shifts swiftly, and any time lost in shipment or defect fixings can lead to unimaginable losses. Moreover, quality issues can quickly disseminate in the digital age, giving competitors an advantage. Therefore, quality control is essential, and quality inspection is the most commonly used method. In this post, we will guide you through the steps of a garment quality inspection, the key checkpoints to focus on, and how can C&Z expertise support your garment quality control.
Women’s denim cargo jeans combine rugged aesthetics with functional design, but their complexity—reinforced stitching, multiple pockets, and blended fabrics—demands meticulous quality control to meet safety and durability standards. As a leading third-party inspection company, C&Z Quality identifies compliance gaps and ensures products align with global benchmarks. Below, we explore common defects, testing protocols, and actionable strategies for manufacturers and suppliers.
Blended fabrics like cotton-polyester or denim-spandex combinations often mislabel fiber ratios. For example, DHgate listings advertise 98% cotton + 2% elastane blends but lack third-party verification, risking non-compliance with labeling regulations. Multi-layered designs with reinforced knees or cargo pockets are prone to discrepancies if material certifications are incomplete.
Validate fiber content using FTIR spectroscopy and audit suppliers for ISO 9001-certified material sourcing.
Weak seams, loose rivets, and pocket tearing are recurring issues. Customer reviews for brands like Carhartt highlight complaints about pocket stitching unraveling after minimal wear. Stress points around cargo pockets and belt loops are particularly vulnerable under load.
Conduct tensile strength tests (ASTM D5034) on seams and abrasion resistance tests (ASTM D4966) on high-friction areas like inner thighs.
Indigo-dyed denim or distressed finishes may contain harmful levels of formaldehyde, azo dyes, or heavy metals. A 2024 QIMA study found 16% of denim cargo jeans failed EU REACH standards due to cadmium levels exceeding 0.01% in metal rivets.
Test metal hardware for heavy metals and fabrics for pH balance (5.5–7.0) to ensure compliance with global chemical regulations.
Prohibits sharp edges in zippers and metal hardware, requiring smooth finishes on rivets and buttons.
Limits lead content in metal components and mandates flammability testing for synthetic linings.
Enforces color fastness (≥ Level 4) and mechanical safety for stitching and hardware retention.
A 2024 EU customs analysis linked 22% of denim cargo jean rejections to formaldehyde levels in distressed finishes, underscoring the need for pre-shipment chemical audits.
Partner with certified manufacturers like VF Corporation (Lee, Wrangler), which offers Prop 65-compliant dyes and reinforced stitching techniques.
Validate seam strength, color fastness (AATCC 61), and zipper durability using ASTM D2061 (zipper performance) protocols.
Analyze returns data (e.g., “pocket tearing” complaints) to prioritize high-risk areas like cargo pocket seams or belt loops.
Advanced testing for abrasion resistance, load capacity, and repeated wash cycles.
Alignment with EU REACH, US CPSIA, and China GB 31701 standards.
Predictive analytics to address recurring defects, such as rivet corrosion or dye migration.