# L4-TEE-01 Sampling Brief

Date: 2026-07-06
Status: Draft for reference and OEM sampling
Use: Send or summarize this before requesting China OEM tee samples.

## Objective

Find an existing heavyweight oversized tee body that can become `L4-TEE-01`
with LANE4-specific print placement, neck label, color, and fit adjustments.

The first route should be ODM / existing body first, not full custom pattern.
Full cut-and-sew should come after the preferred body, fabric weight, and fit
direction are approved.

## Reference Principle

Use reference products to extract construction details only:

- boxy oversized silhouette
- dropped shoulder seam
- wide sleeve opening
- straight hem and slightly cropped balance
- thick rib crewneck
- heavyweight cotton jersey texture
- quiet front mark and long matte rubber/silicone back-collar label

Do not copy third-party logos, artwork, product names, labels, rubber patch
artwork, hangtags, or exact graphic placement.

## Current References

| Type | Reference | What to extract | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official tee reference | Fear of God ESSENTIALS Merch Tee Boxy Fit | 300 GSM jersey, boxy relaxed fit, dropped shoulders, wide sleeve balance, rib crewneck, back-collar label function | https://fearofgod.com/en-jp/products/essentials-merch-tee-rw00268-ivory |
| Official category reference | Fear of God Athletics & Team Apparel | Athletics styling context and restrained team-apparel language | https://fearofgod.com/en-jp/collections/athletics-team-apparel |
| Domestic control | United Athle 4411-01 | Print scale, athlete fit, wash test, quick photo sample | https://united-athle.jp/ua/item/441101/ |
| China OEM target | 260 GSM heavyweight boxy tee | Private-label body photos, size chart, MOQ, swatches | https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Private-Label-Custom-Logo-260gsm-Heavyweight_1601785614601.html |

## China Small-Lot Route

Use China as the private-label tee lane after the Japan-side control sample is
visible. Do not start with full cut-and-sew unless the factory's existing body
cannot get close enough.

| Step | Action | Pass condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shortlist 8-10 suppliers | Existing 260-300 GSM oversized/boxy body, private label support, real photos |
| 2 | Message 5-8 suppliers | Replies with size chart, GSM, fabric composition, colors, sample cost, MOQ, lead time |
| 3 | Sample from 2 suppliers | 1-3 physical pieces, swatches, print test, rubber-label option |
| 4 | Pilot with 1 supplier | 50-100 pcs only after pre-production sample approval |

Target first pilot:

- One style: `L4-TEE-01`
- Two colors: black 70%, greige/natural 30%
- Sizes: M / L / XL first
- One print system: one-color matte chest print
- One shared trim: long matte black L4 rubber label
- Packing: folded, polybag, size sticker, simple hangtag

## Supplier Filter

Pass:

- Can share actual body photos, not only catalog renders.
- Can share size chart, fabric composition, GSM, shrinkage guidance, and color
  options.
- Can make or source matte black silicone / soft PVC labels.
- Can support neck label, care label, hangtag, and polybag later.
- Can accept written measurement tolerance, sample approval, and pre-shipment
  inspection.

Reject:

- No size chart or no fabric specification.
- Pushes a large MOQ before any physical sample.
- Offers copied third-party labels, patches, product names, or graphic layouts.
- Cannot explain collar rib, shrinkage, print method, or rubber-label
  attachment.
- Refuses wash-test guidance or defect criteria.

## Target Spec

| Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fit | Boxy relaxed, dropped shoulder, wide sleeve, straight hem, not longline; test 3/4 sleeve balance if available |
| Fabric | Start with 260-300 GSM cotton jersey; request 260 / 280 / 300 GSM swatches |
| Collar | Thick rib crewneck, clean recovery after wash, no loose bacon neck |
| Body colors | Black, greige/natural, off white |
| Chest mark | `LANE4`, centered chest, 100-115 mm wide |
| Back collar label | Long matte black silicone or soft PVC label with tonal raised or debossed `L4 / LANE FOUR`, 70-80 mm wide x 20-24 mm high |
| Print | Matte soft-hand screen print first; embroidery only as a later test |
| Label | Custom neck label or printed neck label after body approval |
| Rubber label attachment | Ask for stitched-edge and heat-press options; confirm wash durability and edge lift after wash |

## Factory Search Terms

```text
260gsm oversized boxy t shirt custom private label
300gsm cotton drop shoulder blank tee OEM
heavyweight cropped boxy t-shirt manufacturer
streetwear oversized tee 100 cotton private label
custom silicone rubber patch clothing label supplier
matte black silicone garment label embossed logo
```

## First Message to Factory

```text
Hello,

We are developing a swim-origin athleticwear tee called L4-TEE-01.

Please share existing oversized boxy tee bodies close to the following:
- 260-300 GSM cotton jersey
- dropped shoulder
- wide short sleeves
- thick rib crewneck
- straight hem, not longline
- black / natural / greige / off-white body options
- long matte black silicone or soft PVC L4 back-collar label
- tonal raised or debossed lettering on the rubber label

We want to customize logo placement, back-collar rubber label, neck label,
color, and small finishing details. We are not asking to copy another brand's
artwork, label artwork, exact patch dimensions, or graphics.

Please send:
1. product photos
2. size chart
3. fabric composition and GSM
4. available colors
5. sample cost
6. MOQ
7. sample lead time
8. private label options
9. rubber/silicone label options and wash-test guidance
10. whether heat press or stitched edge is more durable for the long back label

Thank you.
```

## Inspection And Quality Gates

Before pilot production, require:

- Approved pre-production sample.
- Measurement tolerance agreed in writing.
- Wash test for shrinkage, collar recovery, print cracking, and rubber-label
  edge lift.
- Factory progress photos at cutting, sewing, printing, label attachment, and
  packing.
- Pre-shipment inspection or at minimum final production photos before balance
  payment.

Suggested AQL target for first pilot:

- Critical defects: 0
- Major defects: 2.5
- Minor defects: 4.0

Critical defects include wrong logo, copied third-party artwork, wrong body
color, wrong composition/care label, severe stain, needle/metal contamination,
and missing rubber back label.

## Sample Decision

Order two lanes first:

1. `United Athle 4411-01` as the Japan-side control body.
2. One China ODM heavyweight oversized tee body in 260-300 GSM.

Compare on athlete fit, shoulder drop, collar quality, fabric feel, print
scale, wash behavior, and photo readiness before writing a final tech pack.

Related China route plan: `docs/production/china-oem-small-lot-plan.md`.