A custom uniform order is made for one customer and cannot be sold to anyone else. If the fabric feels wrong, the sizes run small or a logo sits in the wrong place, the whole order is affected. A sample is the simplest way to catch those problems before they happen.
This guide explains what a sample checks, how it differs from a mockup, when you might skip it, and how sampling works at FJ Sportswear.
Mockup or sample: what is the difference?
Both are useful, but they answer different questions.
| Design mockup | Physical sample | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A digital picture of your design on the garment | A real garment made to your design |
| What it shows | Colours, layout, logo and number placement | Fabric, fit, sizing, decoration quality and finish |
| Cost at FJ | Free for every design | Paid; the cost is given with your quote |
| Time | Sent with your quote | About 3 weeks |
A mockup gets the design approved. A sample confirms that the finished product is what you and your customer expect.
What a sample lets you check
- Fabric: the weight, feel and stretch, and whether it suits the sport and climate.
- Fit and sizing: how the size you ordered fits a real player, so you can guide your customers on sizes.
- Colours: colours on a screen can look different on fabric, especially bright or dark shades.
- Decoration: the position, size and finish of logos, names and numbers.
- Construction: stitching, seams, collar and cuffs.
- Branding: your labels, hang tags and packaging, if you sell under your own name.
When a sample matters most
- Your first order with a new manufacturer
- A new style, fabric or decoration method you have not used before
- A large league or club order, where a mistake would be costly
- A new brand launch, where the product has to be right from day one
When you might skip it
If you are reordering a design you have already approved, in the same fabric and style, many buyers go straight to bulk. The choice is always yours.
How to review a sample
- Try it on players of different sizes, not just one person
- Compare the colours with the approved mockup in daylight
- Check every logo, name and number against your order details
- Wash it once, the way your customers will
- Write down any changes before you approve bulk
How sampling works at FJ Sportswear
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Request | Send the product, size, design and shipping address using our sample request form |
| 2. Quote | We reply within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday, with the sample cost |
| 3. Production | Your sample is made in about 3 weeks |
| 4. Delivery | It is shipped to you by FedEx, DHL or UPS |
| 5. Bulk | Once you approve, bulk production takes 3–4 weeks, depending on quantity |
Ready to check our quality for yourself? Request a sample, or see the full wholesale programme.
Frequently asked questions
Are sportswear samples free?
At FJ Sportswear samples are paid. The sample cost is given with your quote.
How long does a sample take?
About 3 weeks, plus courier shipping by FedEx, DHL or UPS.
Is a design mockup free?
Yes. We prepare a free mockup for every design.
Do I need a sample for a reorder?
It is your choice. Many buyers skip the sample when they reorder a design they have already approved.
Is the sample cost taken off my bulk order?
Sometimes. It depends on the order, so ask us when you request your quote.