Color is without doubt the most influential factor for any lifestyle product.  

Textile and apparel brands know the importance of color consistency more than anyone else. It is because even a slight variation can affect the product’s appeal and lead to disapproval and rework.  

The global fashion market is expected to reach $880 billion in 2025 and projected to touch $1.18 trillion by 2029. The growth is influenced due to several factors from fast fashion, increasing consumption, and acceptance of elaborate styles.  

For an apparel brand, success lies in perfecting color among other factors. However, it is not easy ensuring color uniformity across materials, collections, and batches. The difficulty arises from variables such as fabric type, dye behavior, and changes in lighting and environment conditions. 

Moreover, the global textile supply chain involves multiple stakeholders using different equipment and techniques that make it difficult to implement any color standard from concept to finished product. The conventional color matching processes are time consuming and prone to error that increases the risk of delays and cost of production.  

With rising problems and the need to uphold quality standards, investing in a digital color management solution is essential to establish color standards and improve consistency across all products. 

The Common Challenges in Textile Color Management 

It is essential for textile and apparel brands to achieve the desired color accurately and as quickly as possible during the production stage. However, the traditional approach only allows subjective and inconsistent evaluations, so it is hard to control and perfect the right color in the first attempt.  

Usually, the fashion designers and suppliers are in different physical locations. Subsequently, the data is scattered across different platforms and causes miscommunication between teams and the supply chains.  

Instead of using objective spectral data, teams communicate the reasons for rejection to suppliers using subjective words only. As a result, minor changes to the formulation are made until the desired color is achieved. This leads to multiple approval cycles with back and forth shipments of samples increasing the cost and carbon footprint. 

Let us review the problems that arise in production color management 

Controlling all Factors 

Ensuring that the exact color is being replicated precisely with each batch requires control of all factors such as material, colorant, and illuminant. Even a slight deviation in any one of these elements can result in an undesirable finished product.    

Limited Color Expertise 

Only a small number of individuals can understand the high-level, scientific language of color and communicate whether the desired color can be achieved on a given material substrate. 

Subjective Color Assessment 

Manual and visual assessments are susceptible to error and inconsistencies due to differences in color perception and viewing color in various color sources.  

Lengthy Color Approval Cycles 

The traditional method of shipping physical samples for approvals not only delays the timelines but adds to the overall cost. 

Inconsistent Lab Dips and Bulk Production  

Discrepancies between lab samples and bulk production lead to costly re-dyes. 

Managing Multiple Substrates and Dyes 

The use of different fabric types and dye formulations react uniquely, which complicates the color matching process. 

Lighting Condition Variability 

One of the most common challenges is metamerism, where two samples may appear to match color in one light source but differ in color in another light source. Color mismatches complicate accurate assessment. 

Lack of Standardization 

Absence of any centralized method or standard causes miscommunication and misunderstanding between the brand and supplier.  

Inadequate Reporting  

Limited or no visibility across the color selection and approval cycle impacts transparency and informed decision making.  

Supplier Coordination Issues  

Lack of proper notification and feedback system results in redundant work and stretches the lead time.  

The traditional color management methods are well established but time-consuming, costly, inefficient, and unsustainable due to delays and inaccuracies.  

What is ColordesQ?  

It is a holistic, real-time solution for color management and color quality control. ColordesQ is a digital platform that replaces subjective visual checks with objective data to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction from design to production.  

The purpose is to not only improve productivity and operational efficiency but also accelerate the color evaluation process for apparel and non-apparel brands. ColordesQ enables numeric and visual comparisons of colors and shows conformity under any light source.  

Developed by Triple Tree Solutions, the goal is simple  

‘’Match the Color Standard as Closely as Possible, and as Quickly as Possible.’’ 

At the heart of ColordesQ is a cloud-based ‘color engine’ that processes accurate spectral data in real time and immediately presents results in a highly fluent way to enable informed decision-making.   

All color-related information is combined in one holistic application from start to finish. Brands and suppliers can easily access detailed information on why a lab-dip has passed or failed. Conversely, suppliers can increase profitability by improving their initial approval rate. ColordesQ seamlessly maps the entire color process by merging physical color samples and digital evaluation.  

How ColordesQ Helps Textile and Apparel Brands 

ColordesQ is a sophisticated color quality control solution that allows brands to define, share, approve, and analyze color standards digitally. The application stands out as a winner when it comes to  

Quality: Excellent right first-time rate  

Speed: Thousands of dyes saved 

Costs: 80% less courier shipment  

Planning: Optimum production process 

Sustainability: Massive decrease in carbon footprint 

Here is how ColordesQ help streamline and improve the entire color workflow 

Easy Understanding  

For brands and suppliers to communicate on target colors and achieved results, colors are converted to spectral values, independent from the influence of light.  

Avoiding Color Issues 

Lab-dips can be assessed against the target color and get checked for repeatability in different pieces/batches. The lap dips can also be examined for color constancy and metameric failure under different lighting conditions.  

Reduce Enivronmental Impact 

By eliminating the back-and-forth shipments of lab-dips, ColordesQ helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, suppliers significantly increase their productivity by reaching the targets faster.   

Efficient Workflow 

ColordesQ establishes transparency between brands and suppliers from production to development. Brands have access to real-time data regarding speed, accuracy, quality and consistency for better insights to reduce inefficiencies and optimize results.  

Get Desired Results Faster 

Seamless transparency at all stages of the process lap dips, shipping samples, and feedback are digitally transferred that helps to control issues such as metamerism  

Objective Comparisons 

Based on spectral data, ColordesQ provides objective comparison of colors under any light source. This aspect is particularly important when dealing with multiple materials being produced in a single target color.  

No need to Send Physical Swatches 

All results are compared across the suppliers without the need to send physical swatches. Decisions are taken on accurate data that are accessible to all stakeholders in real time.  

Advanced Dashboard 

Dashboard not only has multiple features and options but help keep brands and suppliers updated at all times. The analysis feature help understand and improve vendor performance, and color accuracy 

ColordesQ has Already Helped Brands and Results are Evident

• ''Our Right-First-Time Hit Rate for Lab Dips went up to 87%.'' - Head Colorist / US Sportswear Brand
• "We shortened the Leadtime by saving 23 days on Lab Dip Development.” - Color Manager / US Kidswear Brand
• “In the first season we were able to save 76% on Courier Costs.” Merchandiser / Chinese Fabric Mill
• “In seconds, ColordesQ shows the best Matching Trim Colors.” Head of Design / European Womenswear Brand
• "Our Carbon Footprint tied to color matching processes has been reduced by 85%." Head of Sustainability / US Outdoor Brand.  

💡READ NOW: Insights from Our Product Manager: How to Achieve Standardized Color Quality Control with ColordesQ 

Traditional Color Management Methods vs ColordesQ  

The Extensive Color Management Features of ColordesQ 

ColordesQ offers a robust set of features designed to bring precision, speed, and traceability to textile color management process. Its digital-first approach modernizes every step of the color evaluation process. 

Here are its features and what each does

Color Standards 

Define and manage precise color standards for effective color reproduction. Also, it supports industry standard .QTX files from built-In default color systems from popular color standrds. Other options include 

• Upload individual Color Cards from any Trim Supplier  
• In-House Color Library 
• Upload Individually Measured Target Colors 
• Show next neighbor Colors of Uploaded Target Color 
• Compare Color Standard & Measurements with Color Standards of specific Trim Suppliers 

Illuminants 

Evaluate color under various light sources using spectral data. This provides objective assesments and reduces any inconsistencies due to any lighting variations.   

Color Workflow and Oversight 

Streamlines color approval processes from job creation to bulk production. Improve communication to reduce lead time. ColordesQ makes it quite easy to define 

• Any Number of Tolerance Bands for Lab Dip Level Define  
• Any Number of Tolerance Bands for Bulk Production  
• Time Periods for Milestones 

Job Creation  

Enables brands to initiate color tasks, assign responsibilities, track progress, and ensure timely completion of color-related activities. It allows you to create jobs manually, through CSV files or PLM/ERP system and transfer it to ColordesQ.  

Dashboard 

It provides a real-time overview of all color jobs statuses, performance metrics, and notifications to get immediate insights and make informed decisions. One can easily  

• View all available color jobs.
• Utilize diverse filters such as division, supplier, color, material, and status for detailed searches.
• Create and save personalized filter sets.
• Access color jobs directly via notifications.
• Review performance metrics and status indicators, including timelines, quality benchmarks, approval statuses, review cycles, and purchasing insights for lab dips and production orders, across selected or all suppliers.

Color Evaluation 

Utilize spectral data to objectively compare color samples against standards. Ensure accurate and consistent color matching across different materials and conditions. Other options include 

• Analyze color accuracy by comparing standards to lab and production measurements.
• Display approved color matches for production and enable automatic approvals.
• Evaluate results across various suppliers, materials, batches, and seasonal contexts.
• Customize and manage selections for cross-job analyses.

Color Comparison 

Detects color deviations early in the production process, allowing for timely corrections and preventing costly errors in final products. Compare  

• Match target colors against standard references in trim shade collections.
• Align production color measurements with standardized trim shade references.
• Compare any chosen color—uploaded or from existing collections—to other library shades.

Material Library 

Maintain a centralized digital library of materials and their color properties. Get easy access to information for accurate color matching and selection. Use ColordesQ Color Data within any Material Library Software e.g., Swatchbook etc. 

Digital Options 

Use digital tools for virtual color sampling, evaluation, and approval. The purpose is to reduce need of physical samples and enable seamless coordination with suppliers back and forth. ColordesQ digital eco-system allows you 

• Convert spectral color data into any ICC-profiled color space, such as sRGB or Adobe RGB.
• Integrate ColordesQ color data from 3D design software like Clo 3D or Browzwear.
• Utilize digital photoshoot software to produce images suitable for design, sales, and marketing.
• Generate high-resolution images using your preferred rendering software.

Notifications and Comments 

Facilitates quick communication through automated notifications and comment features. ColordesQ ensures all stakeholders are informed and aligned on color decisions. 

Analytics and Reports 

Generates detailed analytics and reports on color accuracy and vendor performance. You can get a compilation of Color Job Data that helps in data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. 

Explore How ColordesQ Simplifies the Color Selection/Approval Workflow 

Color management is a collaborative process between brands and suppliers. ColordesQ streamlines this two-way interaction with efficient communication, accurate color development, and faster approvals across the entire workflow. 

Let us breakdown the entire process below 

Stage 1: Job Creation Level 

Brand Side 

• Define target color and materials: 
  Specify the desired color standard and relevant materials for accurate reproduction. 

• Assign job to suppliers: 
  Send job details and requirements to the selected suppliers for color development and submission. 

Supplier Side 

• Receive color job: 
  Suppliers instantly receive the digital color specifications and job requirements from the brand and begin planning for color development. 

Stage 2: Lap Dip Level 

Supplier Side 

• Develop Lap dips: 
  Suppliers create physical fabric color samples (lab dips) based on the brand’s target color for review. 

• Measure lap dips: 
  Lap dips are accurately measured using a spectrophotometer to assess sample accuracy against color standards before submission. 

• Upload lap dip results: 
  The measured color data and corresponding lab images are uploaded to ColordesQ platform for brand evaluation. 

Brand Side 

• Evaluate lap dips results: 
  Brands review the lap dip data results and visual representations to check accuracy against the target color. 

• Compare results across materials: 
  ColordeQ allows brands to compare color consistency across different fabric types and materials. 

• Approve Lap Dip: 
  Brands can approve lap dip that meets the specified requirements for production or can request re-submission if needed. 

Stage 3: Production Level 

Supplier Side 

• Start production: 
  After brand’s approval, suppliers will begin bulk dyeing process using the approved lap dip color formulations. 

• Measure shipping samples: 
  Production samples are evaluated to ensure that the production meets the approved standards. 

• Upload production results: 
  The sample color data from production samples and images is uploaded on ColordesQ for brand review and final approval. 

Brand Side 

• Evaluate Production Results: 
  Brands verify if production samples meet visual and measured color tolerances set in initial job. 

• Approve productions: 
  Brands authorize approval for bulk production shipments once color quality meets all specified criteria and standards. 

Stage 4: Analysis Level 

Brand Side 

• Analyze suppliers and colors: 
  Brands can review color performance data across jobs to identify trends and supplier reliability. 

Supplier Side 

• Analyze performance: 
  Suppliers can assess job outcomes to improve future accuracy, turnaround time, and compliance with color targets. 

ColordesQ Advantages for Textile and Apparel Brands 

Faster Time-to-Market 
Accelerates decision-making and approvals with digital workflows. It reduces the development cycles and speeds up product launches across global supply chains. 

Cost Savings 
Minimize physical sample shipments and rework altogether. The color management solution enables accurate, first-time-right color matching that reduces material waste and operational costs. 

Improved Color Accuracy 
Uses spectral data and standardized evaluation to ensure consistent, precise color reproduction across fabric types and suppliers. 

Enhanced Transparency 
Provides real-time visibility into color jobs, sample evaluations, and approvals, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned throughout the process. 

Global Accessibility 
Cloud-based platform allows brands and suppliers worldwide to collaborate seamlessly, access color data, and manage workflows anytime, anywhere. 

Supplier Performance Monitoring 
Tracks color accuracy, approval rates, and timeliness, helping brands evaluate supplier reliability and drive continuous quality improvement. 

Better Brand Consistency 
Maintains uniform brand colors across products and regions, reinforcing brand identity and reducing consumer-visible color discrepancies. 

Reduced Environmental Impact 
Decreases reliance on physical samples and shipping, lowering carbon emissions and supporting more sustainable product development practices. 

👉 READ: How ColordesQ ensure Superior Color Matching with Reduced Carbon Footprint 
 

ColordesQ Pros and Cons 

Pros

• Eliminates subjective color assessment, ensuring objectivity. 
• Drastically reduces color approval time and production delays. 
• Centralizes all color data, improving accessibility and accuracy. 
• Offers powerful analytical tools for process optimization. 
• Reduces material waste and energy consumption. 

Cons

• Initial investment in hardware (spectrophotometer) may be required. 
• Requires training for staff to fully leverage its capabilities. 

👉 Learn More: The Competitive Advantage of Implementing a Digital Color Management Solution 

FAQs 

1. Why use ColordesQ? 

ColordesQ optimizes the evaluation and approval of color results in the material procurement process of a brand/retailer with its suppliers. Being a browser-based One-Stop-Solution, this applies to both phases, lab dip development and production 

2. Is ColordesQ customized to a customer’s needs?  

Yes. An individual ColordesQ portal is set up for each brand/retailer to meet specific requirements. 

3. On the brand and supplier side, who can work with ColordesQ?  

Designers, Product Managers, Colorists, Laboratory Stass , Quality Managers, Merchandisers, Buyers, Production Managers, all Management Levels etc. 

4. How are color jobs created for processing in ColordesQ?  

Usually, the respective color material requests are initiated in the brand’s/retailer’s existing IT solution (e.g., PLM). The color-relevant data is then automatically transferred to ColordesQ. 

5. What basic features help users evaluate uploaded color measurements in ColordesQ?  

As spectral curves in numbers (Lab* and delta values) on a drift indicator showing the deviation from the color standard or approved lab dip as color patches compared to the color standard 

6. Can ColordesQ be used to compare results across different sources (suppliers, materials, seasons, etc.) with regard to the same color standard?

Yes. ColordesQ shows the results of different, freely definable sources at a glance to ensure color continuity and color harmony between multiple components. 

7. What advantages does ColordesQ o er when it comes to the digital assessment of production samples?  

Once a lab dip has been accepted, the approval of the production samples can be performed reliably in digital form. 

8. Can a supplier work with multiple brands/retailers through ColordesQ?  

Yes, suppliers can switch between different brands/retailers and their individual user interfaces, with the respective data managed absolutely separately and confidentially. 

Stop battling Color Inconsistencies, Costly Reworks, and Endless Approval Delays. 

With ColordesQ, Ensure Flawless and Consistent Colors across Every Product, Every Time 

Don't just Manage Color, Master it! 

Contact Us and Learn How to Integrate ColordesQ