Quick answer: Give your factory Pantone codes for every colour, approve lab dips or a physical sample under daylight, and only then release bulk production.
Your brand colours are part of your identity, so a red that comes back orange or a navy that looks black is a real problem. Colour matching in clothing is different from matching on screen or paper. This guide explains how it works for each decoration method and how to give your manufacturer what it needs.
Quick answer
To match your brand colours, give the factory Pantone codes, ideally from the textile (TCX/TPX) guide, not only screen colours. Sublimation and screen printing are matched with ink recipes and test prints; dyed fabric is matched with a lab dip; embroidery is matched to the closest thread colour. Always approve colour on a physical sample under daylight before bulk.
Which Pantone guide to use
| Guide | Use |
|---|---|
| Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (TCX cotton / TPX paper) | Best for fabric and garment colours |
| Pantone Coated / Uncoated (C / U) | Print and logo colours; acceptable for prints |
| RGB / HEX | Screens only; not reliable for fabric |
How each method is matched
| Method | How the colour is matched | Typical accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | Colour profile and test strips on the actual fabric | Very close; slight shifts on bright neons |
| Screen printing | Ink mixed to the Pantone recipe | Very close |
| Dyed fabric | Lab dip: small dyed swatches for approval | Close; small lot-to-lot variation |
| Embroidery | Nearest thread colour from the thread card | Close, limited by thread range |
| DTF | Digital colour profile | Close; neons limited |
Why colours shift
- Fabric base: the same ink looks different on mesh, interlock or cotton.
- Light: shop lights, daylight and phone screens change how colour looks. Approve under daylight.
- Neon and metallic colours cannot be fully reproduced by sublimation or DTF.
- Dye lots: separately dyed batches can vary slightly.
How to get it right
- Send Pantone codes for every colour in your design.
- Send a physical reference (a previous garment or swatch) if you have one.
- Approve a physical sample in daylight, not a photo.
- Keep the approved sample as your colour standard for reorders.
Related: sample vs bulk production, branding and decoration methods, sublimation printing.
From our factory floor in Daska, Sialkot
At Ravix Pro Industry we have manufactured sportswear and clothing since 2008. Design, pattern making, cutting, stitching, sublimation, screen printing, DTF, embroidery, quality control and packing all happen under one roof, so we control colour, fit and timing ourselves. Our advice in this guide comes from what we see on real orders every week: the questions buyers ask, the mistakes that delay production, and the details that make a sample match bulk.
Ready to start? Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. MOQ from 30 pieces per design. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQs
Can you match any Pantone colour?
Most Pantone colours can be matched closely. Very bright neon, fluorescent and metallic shades are limited with sublimation and DTF.
What is a lab dip?
A small swatch of fabric dyed to your colour for approval before the bulk fabric is dyed.
Why does my sample look different from the screen?
Screens use light (RGB) while fabric uses dye or ink. Always judge colour on the physical sample in daylight.
Will reorders match the first order?
We keep your approved sample and colour recipes on file so reorders match as closely as possible.
Sources
- Ravix Pro Industry colour matching process, 2008–2026.