Case Study: Custom Plus Size Arm Shaper for a Cruise Line in Japan
Source:Plus Size Arm Shaper /
Time:2026-09-18
Plus Size Arm Shaper for a Cruise Line in Japan
A Cruise Line approached us with a plus size arm shaper requirement for Japan. The brief was specific: a defined look, a hard launch date and a unit cost that had to survive shipping and duty. This case study records what was specified, what went wrong in sampling and how the bulk order was delivered.
The challenge
- No reliable way to track a order once it enters production
- Color drift between lab dips and bulk fabric
- Packaging that arrives crushed and unsellable
What we specified
| Product | Plus Size Arm Shaper |
|---|---|
| Client type | A Cruise Line |
| Market | Japan |
| Order volume | 1,200 pieces across 6 colourways |
| Base fabric | Lambswool |
| Decoration | Smocking |
| Size range | Custom grading |
| Sampling rounds | 2 |
| Delivery window | 10 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around Lambswool and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Smocking after strike-off tests showed better wash durability.
- A pre-production sample was approved and retained as the golden reference.
- Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
- Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and size ratio specification.
Result
- 1,200 pieces delivered inside the 10-week window.
- Unit cost held within 4.5% of the original quotation.
- Return rate linked to fit or workmanship stayed under 2.0%.
- The specification is now on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Fix the size ratio early. Changing the ratio after cutting starts is the single most expensive change a client can request.
Planning something similar?
Book a 20-minute call with our merchandising team and get a written quotation within 48 hours.
