TOP checks (Top of Production / Top of Bulk)
What this service is
TOP checks (Top of Production / Top of Bulk) are an apparel production and quality control service that reviews the first piece off the production line so any issues can be caught before it is too late to change them across bulk. We assess the earliest bulk-made unit against the approved standard to confirm the factory is executing the style correctly in real production conditions. This helps identify workmanship issues, measurement errors, trim or branding mistakes, colour inconsistencies, and construction problems before they repeat through the wider order. The result is stronger production control, earlier corrective action, and better protection of bulk production quality.
Where brands use it
TOP checks are used at the beginning of bulk production, especially on first runs with a new factory, higher-risk styles, repeat programs that must match previous approvals, and orders with strict branding, packaging, or quality standards. They are especially useful for uniforms, teamwear, swimwear, activewear, fashion basics, and garments with prints, embroidery, specialist trims, or more complex construction where early bulk verification matters.
What you receive
A structured top of production check against the approved reference, covering workmanship, construction, measurements, trim and component matching, colour consistency, branding, and presentation. We document what passes, what needs correction, and what must be watched before production continues. Where required, this includes clear action points for the factory so corrective changes are made before defects spread through the full bulk run.
How delivery works
We review the first available bulk unit once production starts and compare it to the approved sample, sealed standard, tech pack, measurement specifications, approved trims, artwork, and any known risk points. The purpose is to check whether the factory is producing to the approved make standard from the very start of the run. We then organise findings into a clear review summary so issues can be escalated early and corrected before larger quantities are completed.
What we cover
Workmanship, construction execution, measurements against the approved spec, trim and component matching, colour or shade consistency, print and embroidery quality, branding placement, label application, finishing, pressing, and pack-out presentation where relevant. We also review whether the first production piece matches the approved standard in overall appearance and whether any recurring issues are starting to show in the line.
What we need from you
The latest tech pack, approved sample or sealed standard, measurement spec, approved trims and artwork references, and any known risk points you want checked closely. If you already have PPS comments, QC notes, or previous factory issues, we use those to focus the review. If not, we can still run a structured TOP check against the core approved standards for the style.
FAQ
What is a TOP check? A Top of Production or Top of Bulk check reviews the first piece off the production line to confirm the factory is producing to the approved standard.
When should a TOP check happen? It should happen right at the start of bulk production, once the first finished unit is available for review.
Why is a TOP check important? It helps catch factory issues early, before production goes too far and changes become slower, more expensive, or harder to implement.
How is this different from PPS approval? PPS approves the pre-production sample before bulk starts. A TOP check confirms that actual bulk output is matching that approved standard.
Is this the same as final inspection? No. TOP checks happen at the beginning of bulk production, while final inspection happens after goods are finished and ready to ship.