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.
Portuguese leather jackets, renowned for their craftsmanship and durability, embody centuries of artisanal tradition. However, maintaining their prestige requires rigorous quality control to align with modern safety standards and cultural authenticity. As a trusted third-party inspection company, C&Z Quality ensures every stitch and hide meets global benchmarks. Below, we explore common defects, regulatory requirements, and actionable strategies for manufacturers.
Genuine Portuguese couro curtido (tanned leather) may be substituted with low-grade or synthetic alternatives. For example, suppliers might use chrome-tanned leather instead of vegetable-tanned variants, risking non-compliance with EU REACH chemical restrictions.
Validate leather type via microscopic analysis and test for restricted substances (e.g., chromium VI) using HPLC.
Hand-stitched seams, a hallmark of traditional arte da alfaiataria (tailoring), may exhibit inconsistent tension or weak threads. Machine-stitched jackets often lack durability in high-stress areas like shoulder seams.
Conduct tensile strength tests (ASTM D5034) and audit workshops for traditional ponto de saddle stitch techniques.
Aniline dyes or waterproof coatings may contain formaldehyde or azo compounds. A 2024 study found 14% of exported jackets exceeded EU REACH limits for phthalates in linings.
Test dyes via spectrophotometry and enforce EN 16711 standards for chemical compliance.
Specifies leather thickness and tensile strength requirements.
Restricts chromium VI (< 3 mg/kg) and azo dyes.
Certifies leather chemical content analysis.
A 2024 Porto Customs report linked 17% of jacket rejections to pH imbalances in vegetable-tanned leather, emphasizing pre-shipment audits.
Partner with certified curtumes (tanneries) like Curtumes de Santa Marinha, using traditional tanino vegetal (vegetable tannins).
Validate stitching integrity, leather thickness (ISO 2589), and zipper durability (ASTM D2061).
Ensure designs adhere to regional styles (e.g., Traje à Vianesa influences).
Mastery of guarda-pó (dust coats) stitching and estampagem a quente (hot stamping) techniques.
Alignment with NP, EU REACH, and ISO standards.
Balancing modern testing with respect for Portuguese savoir-faire.