The Fundamentals of Quality Assurance in the Textile Industry

The book describes the role of a quality professional in the apparel industry with the emphasis on working with overseas factories and how to ensure products delivered are to the agreed specification. It explains what tools are required and how to manage products from style conception to finished production and the methods used to track and evaluate samples and production at each stage of the critical path. Most importantly, the book explains how the partnership between quality, purchasing, and the vendor plays a key role in business success. Leaders will understand the dynamics involved from range selection to final delivery to the warehouse of merchandise that meets the required standard.

Stanley Braham's early career was spent in clothing manufacturing, working mainly in the design sector. After completing the City and Guilds course in men's tailoring, he progressed to working as a pattern cutter/designer specializing in clothing technology and pattern construction. As manufacturing declined in the UK, he moved to the retail sector working for a variety of companies in the field of garment technology and quality assurance. He worked closely with buyers and suppliers to improve the quality of the products, establishing brand loyalty with our customers. As products were increasingly sourced offshore, his role became pivotal in ensuring that the supply chain worked effectively. His responsibilities included creating detailed specifications covering all aspects of the products and approval of final samples before the start of production. This was done within a time scale to ensure the shipment was delivered to the customer on the agreed date. He visited and worked with factories in most of the major off shore textile producing areas.