Garment Analysis

The ultimate goal of apparel professional is to satisfy consumer’s needs for apparel. To achieve this goal he needs to perform Garment Analysis which provides the professional with priorities for line development, product development, production, and marketing decisions. Garment Analysis can be accomplished by evaluating six aspects of garments.

1.         PRODUCT POSITIONING STRATEGY

The foundation for garment analysis is the purpose or intended use of garment. Factors that is useful in describing a product’s purpose and styling include functional / aesthetic priorities, durable / disposable performance, intrinsic / extrinsic cues to quality, basic / fashion styles, non-seasonal / seasonal use, and low end / budget / moderate / better / designer price ranges.

2.         SIZING AND FIT

Apparel manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are concerned about sizing and fit. Consumers seek garments that provide an attractive appearance and comfort during wear. The challenge is to offer consistency in sizing among styles, product lines and seasonal offerings. Customers want to be able to select the same size for a new style of a favorite brand name and have it fit in a similar manner to products already owned.

3.         MATERIAL SELECTION

Materials used in apparel manufacturing include fabrics, support shaping materials, trims, closures, threads, labels and accessories. Proper selection and consistent quality of materials are important to apparel quality and performance. One incorrect or inferior material can impart a lower quality level to the entire garment. The quality of materials must also be consistent with the product positioning strategy. The technical nature of quality and performance of materials, such as strength, abrasion resistance, resiliency, pilling and snagging resistance, and colorfastness are also important factors for garments in which intrinsic quality and durability are particular concerns. The criteria for analysis of material include material name, material content, yarn type/size, fabrication, count/gauge, weight/size, hand/drape ability, structural/applied design, color, finish(es), care and method of application.  

4.         COMPONENT ASSEMBLY

A garment component is a garment part that requires one or more separate pieces to be assembled as a unit. Garment components are the basic sections of garments including top fronts, top backs, bottom fronts, bottom backs, sleeves, collars / neckline treatments, cuffs / sleeve treatments, plackets, pockets, and waistline treatments. The criteria for analysis of garment components include identifying components, determining the number of pieces and number of materials in each component, the operational breakdown, types of stitches and seams, compatibility among materials, compatibility of materials and assembly methods, degree of enclosure, and pressing etc.

5.         FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING

It is the process to combine garment components and produce the finished appearance of the garment. Processes that might be included in final assembly include attaching collars, setting sleeves, attaching waist bands, inserting linings, closing side seams and forming hems. Small components are attached to larger components such as pockets to fronts, plackets to sleeves, and waist bands to skirts or pants. Combined components are assembled to make a complete garment by inserting linings and / or closing seams. Minimizing handling is a primary factor that may determine the sequence of final assembly. Potential steps in garment finishing include trimming, wet-processing, garment dyeing, and final pressing.

6.         GARMENT PRESENTATION

            It includes hanger or shelf appeal, labeling and ticketing, accessories and packaging