How to pack garments for sea freight

Agree a garment-specific packing brief

Specify the folding layout, garment bag, separators, trim supports, carton and stacking arrangement for each style. Identify vulnerable features such as dark fabric against pale lining, raised embroidery, moulded cups and decorated fastenings. Keep an approved packed sample and photographs showing the layers before the carton is closed.

Use the garment inspection checklist for garment quality checks. This packing brief should add what happens during enclosed storage, pressure and unpacking, rather than treat a satisfactory garment inspection as proof that the sea-freight pack works.

Control moisture before sealing

Allow washed or steamed garments to dry and cool before bagging. Ask the factory how it checks dryness, including thicker seams, linings and padding. Check cartons, separators and pallets for dampness too. A sealed bag can retain moisture already inside; adding desiccant does not make wet garments suitable for packing.

Agree the moisture barrier and its closure with the packaging supplier. Ask the desiccant supplier to specify suitability, quantity and placement for the actual pack and route, with protection against leakage or contact damage. Keep packed cartons away from rain and damp floors. Use the container loading guide for checks on the container and loading conditions.

Trial dye transfer at packed contact points

Map where coloured surfaces touch pale fabric, prints, labels, lining or neighbouring garments. Separate dark and pale items where practical, and trial the actual bag and separator materials. An individual bag does not separate contrasting parts within the same garment.

Ask a textile laboratory to assess storage contact transfer using production fabrics and the intended packing arrangement. Include pressure and warm, humid exposure appropriate to the route, then inspect both touching surfaces for staining and sticking. Use the wash-performance guide for laundering checks; a wash result alone does not establish packed-contact performance.

Keep carton pressure off vulnerable trims

Position buckles, buttons, zip pulls, beads and raised decorations so they do not press into neighbouring fabric. Trial non-staining separators, protective covers or shaped supports. Support moulded cups and structured areas rather than folding them flat merely to close the carton.

Check the fully packed carton under the proposed stacking load, including humid conditioning where relevant. Open it and look for bent fastenings, cracked decorations, crushed shapes, fabric impressions and snagging. Use route-specific packaging tests to plan wider handling trials alongside these garment checks.

Approve compression through a recovery trial

Compare conventionally packed production garments with garments packed using the proposed vacuum or compression process. Record the machine settings, folded arrangement, materials and packed dimensions. Agree a hold period reflecting expected transport and warehouse storage, including a delay allowance. Include vulnerable fabrics and trims rather than testing only the easiest style.

After opening, follow the unpacking and recovery method your warehouse can actually provide. Compare measurements, shape, loft, handle, creases, colour and trims against the control and approved sample. Agree the recovery period and acceptable condition before the trial. Record any steaming or rework and its cost. Reject the method if saleable condition depends on treatment you cannot reliably deliver.

Release bulk packing against the approved method, with records linked to the style and batch. Recheck after changes to fabric, trims, packing materials or compression settings. At receipt, retain photographs of unopened and opened packs and compare recovery with the trial before releasing affected stock.