Garment Sample Development with Turkish Factories
A Turkish development cycle moves from tech pack to fit sample to PP sample to TOP (top-of-production) in 25-40 days. Sampling fees average 80-220 USD per style. This page explains every sample type, what to specify in your tech pack, and how to avoid the 'second-sample never matches first' trap.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Turkish factories charge for samples?
Cotton tee fit sample: 60-120 USD. Knitwear sample: 120-280 USD. Denim sample: 150-350 USD. Most factories deduct sample fees from bulk order invoices once production confirms.
What is the difference between fit, PP, and TOP samples?
Fit sample: pattern and measurements only, often in muslin or random fabric. PP (pre-production) sample: final fabric, trims, prints, signed off as the production gold standard. TOP: first piece off the production line - confirms bulk matches PP.
How detailed should my tech pack be?
Front and back flats, dimensional spec at all POMs, fabric weight and composition, accessory codes (zipper brand, button size), stitch and seam call-outs, wash and care, label placements, and packaging instructions. Vague tech packs invite reinterpretation.
Can I send physical samples to copy?
Yes - reverse engineering is standard. Mail one piece of every size you want graded. Turkish pattern masters in Merter and Bursa typically rebuild patterns within 5-7 days.
How long does the full sampling cycle take?
Tech pack to fit sample: 7-12 days. Fit revision to PP sample: another 7-14 days. Total sampling: 20-35 days before bulk PO confirmation.
Related sourcing topics
Need help applying this in your next PO?
Talk to our sourcing team. We have walked over 200 brands through Turkish factory onboarding since 2018.