Sampling: Why It Takes Longer (and Costs More) Than You Think

If you’re starting your kidswear brand, it’s easy to imagine sampling as a quick, one-and-done process. You send your design, the factory makes a sample, and you’re ready to go—right? Not quite. Sampling usually takes two to three rounds (sometimes more), each with its own cost and timeline. Knowing what to expect saves you time, money, and frustration.

Sampling isn’t just a formality. It’s your chance to test fit, fabric, and details before committing to full production. A sample lets you see how your design works in real life, how the fabric drapes, and whether the proportions look right on actual children. It’s the step where you catch issues early, so they don’t become costly mistakes later.

Here’s what many new founders don’t realize: each round of sampling costs money and takes weeks. Factories need time to adjust patterns, source trims, and construct your garment. Then shipping adds another delay. It’s not unusual for the full sampling process to take several months, even for a small collection. This isn’t a sign that things are going wrong—it’s just how professional production works.

The biggest misconception is expecting a factory to nail your design perfectly on the first try. The first sample is rarely the final product. It’s more like a rough draft. Revisions are part of the process, and they’re what ultimately lead to a garment that fits well, looks professional, and aligns with your vision. Skipping rounds or rushing the process often results in disappointing production runs.

On average, it takes two to three rounds of sampling before a garment is ready for bulk production. This is normal and an important part of creating professional-quality pieces. What makes the process smoother is clear communication with your manufacturer, providing professionally well-done and complete tech packs, and most of all, patience. Understanding that multiple rounds are not a setback but a necessary step will help you stay calm and confident throughout the process.

The smartest move is to budget and plan for multiple rounds of sampling from the very beginning. Build extra time into your launch timeline and allocate funds specifically for this stage. That way, instead of feeling stressed when the second or third sample arrives, you’ll feel prepared and confident knowing you’ve accounted for it.

I'm working on Part 3 of the Kidswear Brand Foundation Series and it's all about production methods, working with designers & manufacturers, and more! Make sure you don't miss the launch and be the first to get notified!