Some Pantone colors look fine on the computer screen, but the produced bathrobe fabric shows significant color variations. Even when the same color code is used for repeat orders, different production batches may show visible shade variations. For buyers, this not only affects product launch time but can also require rework for some bathrobes.
Pantone color codes are only the first step in confirming bathrobe colors. You need to specify an acceptable range for color variation. This article will help you understand how to provide a clear color reference, review Lab Dip color samples, and reduce color variations in bathrobes.
Why Screen Colors Cannot Be Used as Production Color Standards
The color you want to customize might look similar on a phone or computer, but it will appear significantly different when actually applied to a bathrobe. This is likely because screens display colors using RGB light, while the final color of a bathrobe generally depends on the color of the yarn and dye. Furthermore, the screen’s brightness, color temperature, and viewing angle will all affect the displayed color.
The reference picture of the bathrobe you provided and the WhatsApp screenshot can only help the factory understand the approximate color you want, but cannot be used as a standard for acceptance.
If you want to customize a bathrobe color, you can provide the actual Pantone color code. If the bathrobe factory has ready-made fabric samples, they can also send them to you in advance for you to choose from.
How Pantone Color Matching Works for Dyed and Printed Bathrobe Fabrics
The confirmation methods for Pantone color codes differ between solid-color and printed bathrobes. For solid-color bathrobes, the manufacturer can create lab dip A, B, and C color samples based on your chosen Pantone color code. You can then select your preferred color from the samples.
The color confirmation process for printed bathrobes is more comprehensive. The factory needs to confirm the Pantone color code for each color, the color combinations, whether the colors will bleed or spread, the accuracy of color registration, and the overall effect of the printing cycle. For printed bathrobes, a small patch of color usually cannot fully represent the overall effect of the garment.
| Item | Solid-Dyed Bathrobe | Printed Bathrobe |
| Initial Sample for Approval | Single-color lab dip or dyed fabric sample | Strike-off print samples made on actual base fabric |
| Review points | Light and dark shades, evenness of color, and color fastness | Color matching, print clarity, color matching and color bleeding |
| Final approval | Signed and Approved Fabric Swatch on the target fabric | Complete bathrobe pattern repeat |
| Common risks | Color difference between different batches and dyeing batch difference | Color matching deviation, influence of base fabric, color bleeding, and incomplete pattern cycle |
You ordered 800 bathrobes, 500 of which were made of 100% cotton terry robe, and the other 300 were made of fleece. However, you only provided one Pantone color code, intending for both bathrobes to look exactly the same. During sampling, the terry robe tended to absorb light, resulting in a softer color. The fleece robe, being more reflective, made the color appear more vibrant, leading to a slight difference between the two bathrobes.
For future orders, you can learn from this experience. The confirmed color standards are marked in the purchase order, one for the terry cloth bathrobes and one for the fleece bathrobes. Don’t use a single value or color as a universal inspection standard for all fabrics.
Why Fabric Texture and Pile Direction Change Color Appearance
Even if you’ve confirmed the color of the bulk bathrobe using color samples, the direction of the nap can still affect the reflective quality of coral fleece and flannel bathrobes. The same fabric may appear lighter or darker depending on whether you view or brush the pile with or against the nap direction.
Furthermore, other fabrics will exhibit similar effects. Cotton terry bathrobes tend to have a softer overall color, waffle bathrobes will have a more pronounced texture that enhances the color, and satin bathrobes will have a stronger sheen and a more appealing color.
The bathrobe’s GSM, the height of the nap, and the batch number will also influence the color. When comparing color samples with the bulk fabric, lay them flat on a table and examine them under the same light source.
How to Review Lab Dips and Set Practical Color Tolerances
A Lab Dip is a small-batch color sample of the fabric for your order, produced by the dyeing lab. It’s only for confirming the overall color of the bathrobes before the bulk production, and is merely a reference.
Before reviewing the Lab Dip, you need to check the fabric composition, GSM, texture, and processing to ensure they meet your order requirements. The factory will usually provide multiple Lab Dip samples (A, B, C, etc.) to allow you to compare color differences and saturation under the same conditions and confirm the color you want.
The final bathrobe color you choose needs to include the Pantone color code, fabric specifications, approval options, etc., before giving RENREE written approval for bulk production.
| Field | Example |
| Pantone reference | Pantone 18-1664 TCX — reference only |
| Fabric | 100% polyester flannel fleece, 300 GSM |
| Approved option | Lab Dip B |
| Viewing condition | D65 daylight cabinet; pile brushed in one direction |
| Tolerance | Color difference tolerance agreed upon by both parties |
| Approval record | Buyer’s initials, approval date, and purchase order number |
Common Causes of Shade Variation Between Production Batches
Even if a bathrobe factory produces according to a single color standard, color variations can still occur between different batches. You need to distinguish between “uneven dyeing within the same dyeing vat” and “batch differences between different dyeing vats or different orders.” Large orders may have to be divided into several batches due to the limited capacity of a single dyeing vat.
In this case, the factory will confirm the acceptable range of vat-to-vat variation with you in advance and develop a plan for order splitting and packing.
Before placing your bathrobe order, you also need to clarify whether the fabric needs to be produced in separate vats. During inspection, you shouldn’t only take samples from the same batch, as this won’t provide sufficient coverage.
How to Maintain Color Consistency on Repeat Bathrobe Orders
When reordering bathrobes, you can’t simply tell the supplier “the same as the previous order.” You must specify the Pantone color used and cite the signed confirmation sample from the original order. This prevents the color of the reordered bathrobes from differing from the initial batch.
The factory usually keeps the order for confirmation when you reorder. If you frequently reorder, you can establish a sealed master color sample with RENREE.. This is because physical color samples may oxidize and fade over time. When you reorder, the new lab dip will be compared with the gold sample and the Pantone color of the bulk bathrobes. This allows you to determine color deviations.
You initially ordered 400 bathrobes. Six months later, you placed a follow-up order for 800 burgundy flannel bathrobes in the same color and style. However, you only specified “color same as the previous order,” while the factory handles numerous orders daily. You then provided the Pantone color code from your previous order and requested a comparison of the new Lab Dip with the previous one.
After comparison, it was discovered that the color of the bathrobes you ordered in your first order was out of stock. The factory then used a substitute backing fabric to make the Lab Dip and sent it to you for confirmation. Although this process took a few days, it prevented the bathrobes from appearing visually different in the follow-up order, even when using the same Pantone color code.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Bathrobe Color Matching
1. Should bathrobe fabric be in Pantone C, U, or TCX color codes?
For bathrobe fabrics, TCX color codes are commonly used, but the final color is based on the bathrobe. Pantone color codes are only for reference.
2. Can the same Pantone color be used for fleece, terry cloth, waffle, and satin?
Each fabric color requires a sample. This is because different fabrics will have different sheens.
3. How many Lab Dip options should the supplier provide?
RENREE typically offers three options: A, B, and C. You select and approve the closest option for bulk production.
4. Is it okay to confirm the color based solely on a Lab Dip picture?
The photo is for reference only, as the lighting from the screen or camera may cause color deviation.
5. What light source is needed to check the color of the bathrobe?
Can use D65 standard sunlight.
6. Can the factory guarantee that the bathrobe color is completely true to color?
RENREE will confirm the actual color of the bathrobe fabric with you before production, to achieve a color difference range acceptable to both parties.
7. Do manufacturers also need to make lab dips for printed bathrobes?
Printed bathrobes also require a print sample. You need to check every color, the accuracy of color registration, and the degree of blending at the edges of the floral pattern.
8. How should approved color samples be stored?
RENREE will mark the PO number, fabric information, and specifications on the color sample. Store in a sealed, dry place away from light.
Final Thoughts
When confirming the color of the bathrobe, you can’t just rely on the Pantone color code of the bathrobe. Before mass production, you need to confirm the color based on the actual fabric and indicate the acceptable range of color difference. You can send your Pantone reference color number, fabric, and order quantity to RENREE together. We will provide you with Lab Dip or Strike-off printing samples before production to help you reduce the risk of bulk orders.
