Design and Development Why Your Fashion Samples Keep Failing (and How to Fix Them)?

If you’re a fashion startup founder, there’s a good chance you’ve spent hundreds, or even thousands, on samples that don’t fit, look nothing like your vision, or are flat-out unwearable.

You’re not alone.

Sample failure is one of the most common and expensive problems new fashion founders face. But it’s also one of the most avoidable... when you know what’s going wrong.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• The most common reasons fashion samples fail
• What goes into a proper tech pack
• And how to set yourself (and your factory) up for sample success
• Why Fashion Samples Fail (And How to Spot It Early)

Top Reasons Fashion Samples Fail

1. No Tech Pack (or a Bad One)

A tech pack is your factory’s blueprint. If it’s missing details like exact measurements, stitching instructions, or fabric specs, you're leaving the final result up to guesswork. And guesswork costs money.

Need help? Download my free “What’s in a Tech Pack?” guide here.

2. You’re Communicating Like a Designer, Not a Product Developer(and that's ok!)

Saying “just make it like this photo” or “I want it to feel high-end” sounds good… until your factory partner has to interpret that.

Clear language = fewer revisions. Use measurements, not vibes.

3. You’re Rushing the Process

Samples take time, especially your first ones. If you’re pushing to skip steps like fit samples or color testing to hit a self-imposed deadline, you’ll almost always pay for it later in delays or remakes.

4. You’re Working With the Wrong Partners

Some factories are great at woven tops. Others specialize in performance stretches. If you’re sampling in the wrong place, no amount of clear instruction will fix it.

Tip: Ask a factory what they’re best at before you even request a quote.

How to Set Your Samples Up for Success

Start with a solid tech pack, not just a sketch. Ask for one sample at a time to test communication.

Make sure to schedule time for revisions (and build this into your launch plan)

Talk to your factory like a partner, not just a vendor!!!

If something feels off get a second opinion on your development process.

Need Help Fixing Your Sampling Process?

I work with fashion founders who are stuck in sampling purgatory and help them launch smarter — with tech packs, timelines, and strategy that save time, money, and sanity.