How Do You Check the Quality of Collar, Cuff, Pocket & Other Parts?

The parts a customer notices first — and why symmetry is the single biggest thing inspectors look for.

Collar, cuff, and pocket being checked for construction quality

Reference illustration — will be replaced with a real photo.

Why Small Parts Get Their Own Checks

Overall stitch quality is one thing; whether the individual parts of a garment — collar, cuffs, placket, armhole, pocket — are built correctly is another. These are the parts a customer looks at and touches first, so they get checked as their own category, separate from general workmanship.

The common thread across almost every component check is the same question: does this part match its mirror-image part, and does it sit the way the tech pack says it should?

Key Components and What Gets Checked

Collar

Shape, symmetry between left and right collar points, and whether it lies flat without the undercollar rolling into view.

Cuff

Even width on both sleeves, correct closure (button, snap), and a smooth, un-puckered attachment to the sleeve.

Placket

The front opening strip holding the buttons/buttonholes. It should sit straight and vertical, with buttons and holes evenly spaced and aligned.

Armhole & Shoulder

Armhole shape and shoulder seam placement affect how a garment moves — a poorly set armhole restricts arm movement even when everything else is sewn well.

Pocket

Correct placement (matching the tech pack's marked position on both sides), even stitching, and a flat, non-bulky finish.

Hem

Even width all the way around, hanging straight and parallel to the floor, with no wavy or uneven edge.

Good Construction vs. Problem Construction

Signs of Good Construction

Collar points, cuffs, and pockets are symmetrical, left to right
Components are placed exactly where the tech pack marks them
Hem is even and hangs straight all the way around
No visible strain, puckering, or bulk at component seams

Signs of Problem Construction

One collar point or pocket sits noticeably higher/lower than the other
Placket crooked, or buttons/buttonholes unevenly spaced
Armhole too tight or too loose, restricting natural movement
Hem wavy, uneven, or hanging unevenly around the garment

Because these are the parts a wearer sees and touches constantly, even a technically "sewn correctly" component can still fail inspection if it simply doesn't match its pair.

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