AQL inspection for apparel, explained
Final QC follows international quality standards (AQL), agreed with every client. Apparate accepts zero critical defects, AQL 2.5 for major defects and AQL 4.0 for minor defects.
Updated 2026 / 11
AQL in one paragraph
AQL stands for Acceptable Quality Limit. At final inspection, a sample is checked from the finished order, and the defects found are compared with the acceptance level agreed in advance for each defect class.
Our acceptance levels
Critical defects: Zero
Safety or regulatory failures, such as a stray needle or an unsafe sharp component.
Major defects: AQL 2.5
Defects that reduce usability, such as open seams, fabric holes, or broken stitches.
Minor defects: AQL 4.0
Small finishing defects that do not affect use, such as loose threads.
AQL is the last of four gates
Sample inspection
The sample is checked against the pattern and the brief: measurements, materials, construction, trims, branding, and finishing.
First-piece inspection
The first piece entering the production line is checked progressively at relevant stages to confirm the approved requirements transfer correctly.
Inline quality control
While production is running, work in progress is tested to detect and fix errors at the earliest stage: recurring defects, measurement variation, construction, and finishing.
Final quality inspection
The completed order is checked for workmanship, appearance, quantities, branding, finishing, and packing.
Supporting controls may include
- Measurement, tolerances, fabric, shade and GSM checks
- Shrinkage, colorfastness and composition verification
- Branding placement and needle or metal detection where required
- Corrective action and reinspection
Production acceptance is based on approved samples and documented inspections.
Frequently asked questions
What quality standards do you inspect to?
Every order passes four quality gates: sample inspection, first-piece inspection, inline QC at 10–20% of production, and final inspection. Final QC follows AQL standards agreed with the client: zero acceptance for critical defects, AQL 2.5 for major defects and AQL 4.0 for minor defects.
What does AQL stand for?
AQL stands for Acceptable Quality Limit: the level of defects agreed in advance that a finished order may contain, set separately for critical, major and minor defects.
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