Apparel Merchandiser Interview Questions and Answers in 2023

Textile Merchandiser Interview Questions and Answers

In today's competitive job marketing world textile merchandiser job is one of the most desirable jobs. Freshers with no working experience can follow these questions and answers. To get knowledge about apparel merchandising jobs important aspects know basic garment merchandiser interview questions and answers are described as follows:  

Q: What is Apparel Merchandising?

Ans: Apparel Merchandising is the process of buying garments fabrics, trims, and accessories to sell the finished goods to the buyer through various processes.

Q: Who is Textile Merchandiser / Merchandiser meaning in Bengali?

Ans: Textile merchandisers are those who engage with buyer order approval, sample making, finding suppliers for the garments making, and engaging with them to get the garments fabric and accessories within the lead time. They were also involved with bulk production to confirm on-time shipment.

Q: What are the role and job responsibilities of a merchandiser?

Ans:

• Plan purchasing- fabric and trim
• Sourcing - the right kind of merchandise to satisfy buyer expectations
• Schedule production
• Follow up on sent shipments- interacting with customers to solve the problem if any.
• Works on the cost of garments.Has responsibility for inspections
• Increase sales
• Need to handle difficult customers to provide good customer service.
• Works on deadlines of various stages of the order -sampling, production, finishing, and shipment
• To provide fabric, trims, and accessories they need to communicate with store managers 

Q: What is Clothing?

Ans: The fabric, which takes different shapes as per the body measurement of a human being by cutting and sewing called clothing. It protects the body from adverse climate and is also used for decoration and identification.

Q: Why Woolen Garments are used in a Cooler Climate?

Ans: The general configuration of wool fiber is helical and this configuration works as a wall for protecting cold or warm

Q: What is Design?

Ans: In the clothing industry design means determining the shape of each part of a garment.

Q: Why pattern is produced?

Ans: 

• To make a set of templates of different components of a garment for cutting
• To produce specific shapes and quality
• To minimize wastage and cost of garments
• To produce specific shapes and quality garments

Q: What is Invoice?

Ans: It is one kind of document that contains information on selling items. Normally, there are two types of invoices:

• Proforma Invoice: It is needed at the primary stage of any order for opening L/C
• Commercial Invoice: It is needed at the final stage of any order for payment from the buyer

Q: What is Grainline?

Ans: It is a line that is marked on the patterns of a garment. It indicates the warp yarn. As a result, when the pattern is placed on the marking paper. Then the grain line follows the warp yarn of a garment.

Q: What are Trimmings and Accessories?

Ans: Fabric parts other than body fabrics are called trims. Things other than fabric are called Accessories.

Q: How grain line is indicated or mentioned on the pattern?

Ans: By arrow mark

Q: The grain line of the pattern must be parallel against the warp of the fabric?

Ans: Yes

Q: Define Category?

Ans: In the garment import and export business a definite type of garment is specified by a different number is called category or category number

Q: What is a garment sample in Textile Engineering?

Ans: In the garment industry, the sample that comes from the buyer and is followed for bulk production is called the sample

Q: What is an Approved Sample?

Ans: The sample approved by the buyer is called the approved sample

Q: What is a Counter Sample?

Ans: The manufacturers produce several samples following the approved sample which is known as a counter sample.

Q: What is a Salesman Sample?

Ans: The sample that is made for market appraisal or marketing purposes then it is called a salesman sample

Q: What is a Photo Sample?

Ans: The sample is made for modeling, it is worn by the model in the event of shooting for a catalog or it is used for a fashion show.

Q: What is Mock Up Sample?

Ans: It is a sample of any part of a garment i.e. a collar for a shirt or a sleeve for a shirt, etc. When any part of a garment is made for a particular purpose, not the complete garment, then it is called Mock Up Sample

Q: What is a Pre-Production Sample?

Ans: When the sample is made before starting production and taken to the pre-production meeting for approval to start the production is called a pre-production sample

Q: What is a Production Sample?

Ans: When the sample is collected from the floor and sent to the buyer for approval of quality then it is called a production sample.

Q: What is a Size Set Sample?

Ans: When samples are made from the production floor for all the sizes and colors and sent to the buyer for checking the fitting of all sizes and color matching then it is called a size set sample.

Q: What is a Shipping Sample?

Ans: After final inspection, when samples are collected from the carton and sent to the buyer for checking then it is called shipping sample

Q: What do you mean by Allowance?

Ans: In the case of a garment making some additional measurements are added with body measurements which are called allowance.

Q: What is Back Tacking?

Ans: During sewing, it needs to start and end it. To secure the starting and ending point few stitches are given towards the back which is termed as back tacking.

Q: What is Bar Tacking?

Ans: When sewing is continued several times within a very short distance to increase the load or strength of that particular portion which is termed bar tacking.

Q: What is a Blind Stitch?

Ans: A particular type of stitch that is not visible from the face side of a garment is called a blind stitch.

Q: What do you mean by C.B.L and C.F.L?

Ans: Center Back Line=CBL and Center Front Line= CFL

Q: What are disposable garments?

Ans: The garments that are used for one time only are called disposable garments.

Q: What do you mean by Flap?

Ans: It's part of the pocket which covers the pocket opening

Q: What is Interlining?

Ans: A layer of a special type of fabric is used between two layers of fabric to give the particular area the desired shape and enhance the strength of that particular position which is called interlining.

Q: What are the types of Interling?

Ans: 1. Sewable Interlining 2. Fusible Interlining

Q: What are the advantages of Fusible Interlining?

Ans:

• It takes less time to attach to fabric
• No need expert to attach interlining
• It gives better quality

Q: How much is the Fusing Temperature?

Ans: It is normally 150-170 C

Q: What are the Types of Fusible Interlining?

Ans: 

• Polyethylene coated
• Polypropylene coated
• Polyamide coated
• Polyester coated
• PVC-coated (Polyvinyl chloride)
• PVA-coated ( Pole vinyl acetate)

Q: What are the Methods of Fusible Interlining Coating?

Ans:

1. Scatter Coating
2. Dry Dot Coating
3. Paste Coating
4. Film Coating
5. Emulsion Coating

Q: What is the System of Fusing?

Ans:

1. Reverse Fusing
2. Sandwich Fusing
3. Double Fusing

Q: What are the Factors of Quality Fusing?

Ans: For quality fusing, have to control the following:

1. Correct Temperature
2. Correct Pressure
3. Correct Fusing Time, etc.

Q: What do you mean by lining?

Ans: This is a layer of fabric that is used in the inner side of garments to improve the comfortability of the garments e.g. Lining for Coats, Lining for Jackets, etc.

Q: What do you mean by FDI?

Ans: FDI full form Foreign Direct Investment. These types of investments directly come from foreign countries.

Q: What is Over Locking or Neating?

Ans: When the sewing is done just after cutting the edge of fabric is called Overlocking. So that the slack yarn cannot be opened.   

Q: What is Seaming?

Ans: The attaching procedure of different components of a garment.

Q: What is a Stitch?

Ans: The unit of Sewing or seaming.

Q: What is Seam: 

Ans: The line of sewing of more than one layer of fabric or the line of joining of fabric

Q: What do mean by Trimmings or Accessories?

Ans: Besides fabrics the components that are needed to complete the garments are termed Trimmings e.g. Button, Sewing thread, etc.

Q: What is the Ticket Number?

Ans: It indicates the fineness or coarseness of sewing thread

Q: What is Pattern Grading?

Ans: Grading means stepwise increase or decrease of a master pattern to create large or small size

Q: What are the Methods of Grading?

Ans: Grading can be applied by two methods.

1. Manual Method 
2. Computerized Method

Q: Is Marker a guideline for cutting?

Ans: Yes

Q: Fabric width and length must be higher than the marker width and length?

Ans: Yes

Q: Should the Grainline be parallel to the warp direction in a woven fabric or the wales In a knitted fabric?

Ans: Yes

Q: The less the fabric wattage, the higher the marker efficiency?

Ans: True 

Q: The more the marker length, the higher the marker efficiency?

Ans: True

Q: What are the Features of a T-shirt?

Ans: 

1. Casual Tops
2. Narrow Neck Line
3. Usually Short Leave
4. No Collar

Q: Mention the Features of a Polo Shirt?

Ans: 

1. Tops 
2. Short or Long Sleeve 
3. Collar
4. Short Button Placket or Neck Opening

Q: Classify the Garments?

Ans: All types of garments can be divided mainly into two groups

1. Tops e.g. Shirts, Jackets, etc.
2. Bottoms e.g. Pants, Shorts, etc

Q: What are the Features of Pull Over or Sweater?

Ans: 

1. Warm Shirt
2. Long Sleeve 
3. Waist Band
4. Pull on OverHead

Q: Mention the features of the Cardigan?

Ans: 

1. Open Front 
2. Fastened with a Zip or Button 
3. Waist Band

Q: What is CAD for garments?

Ans: CAD means computer-aided design. In the apparel industry systems are mainly used for making garments design, pattern preparation, pattern grading, and marker marking.

Q: What do you mean by CAM for garments?

Ans: CAM means computer-aided manufacturing. It includes computerized sewing machines, fabric spreading, cutting systems, etc.

Q: Note the following?

FOB = Free On Board

FOA= Free On Air

C & F = Cost and Freight, Clearing & Forwarding

CIF = Cost, Insurance and Freight

CIFC = Cost, Insurance, Freight & Commission

L/C= Letter of Credit

AAMA = American Apparels Manufacturer Association the Methods of Fabric Cutting?

Q: What are the Methods of Fabric Cutting?

Ans. (A) Manual Cutting Method

• Scissor Cutting
• Round Knife Cutting
• Band Knife Cutting
• Straight knife Cutting
• Dies Cutting
• Notcher Cutting
• Drill Cutting

(B) Computerized Cutting Method -

• Straight Knife Cutting
• Water Jet Cutting
• Laser Beam Cutting
• Plasma Torch Cutting

Q: What is Fusible Interlining?

Ans. The interlining with resin coating, which is attached to the garment component by application of temperature and pressure is called fusible interlining

Q: How Fusible Interlining is manufactured? 

Ans. By using a resin coating of thermoplastic materials on a piece of fabric.

Q: For Symmetrical Fabric, Marker Efficiency is high, and Less Efficiency for

Asymmetrical Fabric (True/False)? 

Ans. True.

Q: The more Large Patterns used in a Marker, the more marker efficiency(True/false?

Ans. True.

Q: For more Small Patterns are used in a Marker, marker efficiency will be increased

(True/false)?

 Ans. True.

Q: What is Symmetrical Fabric?

Ans. The fabric that can retain the same appearance in case of turning at in 180° angle is called symmetrical fabric. eg Solid Dyed Fabric.

Q: What is Asymmetrical Fabric?

Ans. Asymmetrical fabric is those that can not retain the same appearance while (arrange

180" angle eg. Pile Fabric, Brushed Fabric, Printed Fabric, etc. 

Q: What are the Methods of Marker Making?

Ans: (1) Manual Method (11) Computerized Method

Q: What are the Types of Fabric Wastage in the Cutting Department? 

Ans. (1) Inside Marker Wastage:

• Big Gaps for Big Pattern

• Small Gaps for Small Patterns

(II) Outside Marker Wastage:

• Ends of Ply Losses (2-4) inch
• Loss of Fabric Ends [ end of roll ]
• Selvage Losses
• Purchase Losses

Q: What is a Sample Garment?

Ans. The garment that is followed for bulk production is called the sample garment

Q: What is Sewing?

Ans. The process of joining fabric by the use of a needle and sewing thread is called sewing 

Q: What are the Basic Components of Sewing?

✓ Needle

✓ Throat Plate

✓ Pressure Foot

✓ Feed Dogs

✓ Sewing Thread and Fabric.

Q: What is Pressing or Ironing?

Ans: The process by which the unwanted creases and wrinkles are removed by calendaring and the outlook of the garments is improved is called ironing or pressing 

Q: Which Iron is used for industrial purposes? 

Ans: Steam Iron.

Q: What do we mean by Label?

Ans: The label is an attached Component of the garment on which important information regarding the garment is written or printed. 

Q: What do we mean by WWSC and RSWD?

Ans:  WWSC = Wash With Similar Color 

RSWD = Re Shape Whilst Damp.

Q: Which Inspection System is widely used in the garment industry? 

Ans 4-Points System. for Fabric & AQL for Garments Inspection.

Q: What do we mean by TAP and AQL?

Ans. TAP = Total Acceptable Product 

 AQL= Acceptable Quality Level.

Q: What is Core Spun Thread?

Ans. This thread has continuous filament polyester wrapped by cotton fibers.

Q: What do we mean by OE & CE zipper?

Ans: OE zipper = Open End zipper -using in Jackets

CE zipper = Closed End zipper - using in Trousers.

Q: How many Types of Accessories?

Ans. Two types:

1) Visible Accessories e.g. Button, Sewing Thread, etc 

(2) Invisible Accessories e.g. Interlining, Elastic, etc.

Q: What do we know about Synthetic Thread?

Ans: This is a large of thread made mainly from Nylon, Polyester, Rayon, and Polyamide filaments or fibers.  Normally polyester  thread is used for garment sewing

Q: What is Ligne!

Ans: A Lige is the measuring unit of a button. To measure the outer diameter of a button we use a line number

1 ligne = 1140 inch-0025 inc=0.636 m

Q: How many Types of labels?

Ane There are many types of label

1. Main Label 2. Size Label 3 Care Label 4. Health Label 5. Name Label 6. Cartoon Label 7 Country of Ongin Label, 8. Style Label, etc.

Other than Man Label, all labels are called Sub Label

Q: What do we know about Motif?

Ane The special component which is attached outside of the garment for decorative purposes called motif Company Name, trademark, etc. can be designed on the motif.

Q: What do we know about Dart and Pleat?

Ans. (1) A dar is a part of clothes, which is folded and stitched to slenderize it 

(2) A pleat is a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it by cad stitching or, The pleat shows the form being folded and stitched. 

Q: How many types of Woven Fabric?

Ans. Normally three types: 

(1) Yam Dyed 

(II) Solid Dyed 

(III) Printed 

Q: Desizing is mandatory or obvious before washing (True/False)?

Ans. True.

Q: Why Hot Wash is necessary?

Ans. To clean the sizing chemicals or materials (introduction to cold water re-solidify the fat and

Wax)

Q: Why M:L ratio is important?

Ans, Without the M: L ratio we can not determine the required amount of dyes, chemicals, and water during dyeing, washing, and other wet processing. That's why ML is important.

Q: What is the Mechanism of Producing the Fading Effect in Garments Manufacturing?

Ans. Three processes of fading mechanisms are as follows:

• Chemical Action.
• Mechanical Action 
• Biological Action.

Q: How many types of Mechanical Abrasions are in garment washing? 

Ans: Three Types: 

1) Garments to Garments.

ii) Garments to M/C

iii) Garments of Solid Material (e.g. stone) 

Q: How many Types of Chemical Action in Garments Washing?

Ans Three types:

1. Regular(Bleach wash)
2. Irregular(Acid wash)
3. Local (P.P.Spray, P.P.Sponge)

Q: What are the Factors that depend on the Action of Washing?

Ans

(1)  Time

(11) Temperature

(III) Mechanical Abrasion

(IV) Chemical Action

Q: What do we mean by Costing and Pricing? 

Ans. Costing = Total cost of garments without profit

Pricing = Costing + profit.

Q: What do we know about Back to Back L/C?

Ans. It is one type of L/C that is open for purchasing fabric and accessories against the main

LC.

Q: What is the Lead Time for an order in the Garments Business? 

Ans. The time from L/C opening or order receiving to garments delivery is called lead time.

Leal Time: 45- 60 days, if local materials are used for manufacturing garments. 

Lead Time: 90 to 120 days, if imported materials are used for manufacturing garments

Q: What is a Stock Lot?

Ans: When goods are made for the buyer but not possible to send the goods to a buyer due to failure of commitment with the buyer as a result goods stay in store. These goods are called stock lot

Q: What is Shell Fabric?

Ans When two or three layers of fabric are used in a garment Jackets ] then the upper or the top of the outer layer is called shell fabric. The lower or inner layer is called the lining fabric. The middle layer is called the interlining

Q: What are the other Commercial Name of Interlining? 

Ans. Padding/Wedding/Bedding/Poly-fill

Q: What Types of Garments are made from Feathers? 

Ans Overcoats, Jackets, Pillow, etc.

Q: What Types of Feathers are used for making garments?

Ans. Dick Chest Feathers

Q: What do we mean by Quality?

Ans Quality is the difference between the products or It is the goodness or badness in Products

or The features of a product that satisfy customers or end users. 

Q: If 40 or more 40 defects are present in 100 square yards then the fabric is

considered as rejected in the Four Point Inspection System (True/false)?

Ans. True

Q:  How much time is needed to bring a new Fashion of Garment in the market?

Ans Normally it takes 25 to 3 years.

Q: What do we mean by Garments Final Inspection?

Ans. It is the last step of inspection, which is done by the buyer's representative and makes a decision

whether the lot will be passed for shipment or it will be rejected.

Q. What are the different types of Sampling Inspection of Garments?

Ans: (1) Without Inspection. (II) 100% Inspection. (111) Spot Inspection,

(IV) Arbitary Inspection. (V) Acceptance Inspection or AQL 

Q: What are the Main Sections of shirt making?

Ans. (1) Collar Section (11) Cuff Section (11) Body Section 

Q: What do we mean by PD, WR, WP, TC, SD & YD?

Ans. PD Plain Dyed, WR Water Repellent, WP Water Proof, TC-Tetron & Cotton SD Solid Dyed, YD= Yarn Dyed.

Q: What is Pattern [ according to Korean Designer 1?

Ans. The pieces of thick paper required in the form necessary to make a style of garments is called pattern,

Q: What is Fabric Consumption?

Ans. Needed quantity of fabric for a unit dozen) of garments according to the marker. 

Q: What do we mean by Assortment?

Ans. To determine the number of garments according to size and color.

Q: What are the Types of Collar according to the style of shirts? 

Ans. (1) One Piece (Banded) Collar, 

(II) Two Pieces (Banded) Collar,

(III) Sport Open (Without Band) Collar.

Q: How many Types of Cuff according to the style of shirt?

Ans. Four Types: (1) Notched (II) Squared (III) Rounded (IV) Pointed.

Q: How many Types of Cuff according to Construction?

Ans. Two Types: 

(1) One Piece Cuff (The cuff which includes both front & back in one piece of fabric) 

(II) Two Piece Cuff (Two pieces of fabric) for upper & underpants.