Identify the kind of reference
Write whether the item is inspiration, a physical cutting, an existing article or a labelled development direction. State what it can answer and what remains unknown. A photograph can communicate rhythm and surface but cannot establish every article property. A website direction can explain a preference while having no material or measured dimensions. An existing article still needs its current identity and applicable information retained with the project rather than assumed from an old label.
Give the physical sample a stable identity
Retain the supplied ID or assign a project reference that your team can use consistently. Keep the confirmed article code in a separate field when it becomes available. Use the physical ID on photographs, measurements and trial records. If you compare two cuttings, do not merge their most attractive features into one supposed article. Keep both identities and ask the textile team which actual candidate can support the combination of preferences.
Keep measurement evidence with dimensions
A ruler, flat physical measurement or documented method is needed when a repeat value becomes important. Record units, direction and the endpoints used for a complete repeating feature. A displayed photograph size is not the sample size. If you have no reliable measurement basis, leave the dimension open and state that the reference is for appearance. Ask the team for the actual article dimensions before using them in a pattern layout or required-metreage estimate.
Label face, back and orientation
Take or request clearly identified views of the intended garment face and any back view needed for the question. Record length direction and label a reversed or rotated comparison. The same physical sample should remain identifiable across close and larger views. Do not turn an arrow overlay into a proven nap property or alter the photograph to make its pattern or colour look like a different article. Keep the original view available for context.
Confirm sharing permission
Use images and designs that you can share for the intended discussion. Record the source and any limits on reuse. The local observation tool does not upload your image, and the website does not automatically attach it to a factory enquiry. You choose what to include in your own message. If rights or the reference's origin are unclear, explain the appearance in words and request an authorised sample rather than treating the image as freely reusable product photography.
Translate the reference into a garment question
State which feature you want to retain and where it matters in the garment. A close texture, larger-panel rhythm or pocket direction should lead to a sample task. Keep composition constraints and target dimensions in separate fields so the team can propose suitable articles without assuming unverified properties. Request the next physical sample and written information needed to resolve the question. Retain the response with the original reference and identify any change of article or stage.
Your decision and record
| Check | Decide | Keep with the reference |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Distinguish inspiration, direction and article evidence. | Reference type and intended use. |
| Identity | Use one stable physical ID across records. | Sample label and confirmed code if available. |
| Dimensions | Keep real values connected to a method. | Ruler, units, direction and endpoints. |
| Views | Label face, back and any orientation change. | Close and larger files with the same ID. |
| Rights | Share material within its permitted use. | Source, permission and limits. |
Questions for this step
Can an image be the only article specification?
It can describe appearance, while composition, dimensions and supply need identified article information. Keep the image's limits explicit.
Should I assign a code to an inspiration?
A project reference can help organise it, but it should not be presented as a real factory article code. Keep those identities distinct.
What if I cannot share the photograph?
Describe the visual priorities in words and ask for an authorised reference or sample. Do not invent permission or publish it as product photography.