quality · 5 min read

How to read a fabric inspection report

An inspection report is only useful if it records what was measured, on which rolls, against which standard. Most weak reports are weak because those three things are missing.

By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11

What a useful report contains

Lot and PO number, and the number of rolls in the lot.
How many rolls were inspected, and the sampling rule used.
Measured weight and width per roll, with the tolerance.
Shade check against the approved dip, with the light source.
Defect count and 4-point score, per roll.
Photos of every major defect, with the roll number visible.
A clear pass or fail conclusion, signed and dated.

The numbers to look at first

Field	Why it matters
Rolls inspected / rolls in lot	Tells you whether this was a sample or a full check
Points per 100 sq yd	The comparable defect metric, not the raw defect count
Width range	A minimum width below spec breaks cutting plans
Shade deviation	Grey scale rating against the approved dip

Red flags

A report with no roll numbers.
Defect totals without a scoring system.
Photos of fabric with no context or measurement.
A pass conclusion that does not reference the standard in the PO.
Reports issued after the goods were loaded.

FAQ

Can I rely on the mill report?

As a record, yes. As assurance, no — the mill is assessing its own goods. Independent inspection is what protects you.

How long should a report be kept?

At least until the order is paid and the garments are sold. It is the evidence if a claim appears later.