The Outer Banks brand was founded on the promise of enduring quality and a passion to create exceptional apparel. It’s more than just words, it’s the
way we do things here.

Since day one, we’ve been committed to crafting high-quality apparel and we continue to stand behind each and every garment we make. You have our promise.

Yarn count and strength Before Outer Banks yarns are knit into fabrics, we test them for width consistency and strength. We allow only a 3% width variation (extremely small variation on a 1/1000 of an inch yarn count) and wind 120 yards of yarn into a skein to determine the pounds of pull required to break the skein. Outer Banks has rigid standards that result in unmatched fabric uniformity and strength.

Stitches per square inch All Outer Banks fabrics are sampled for stitch count. The stitches are viewed through a stitch glass (a magnifying glass mounted over an open base that reveals precisely one square inch of fabric). Variations of more than plus or minus 5% are not tolerated. This is how we are able to create a heavier, more substantial fabric.

Ounces per square yard Outer Banks fabrics are tested and weighed with very precise measurements to ensure consistency among production lots.

Fabric strength Outer Banks conducts a Mullens or ball burst test on all fabric. This test determines the amount of pressure it takes to make a hole through the fabric. Most of our fabrics can withstand 80 to 100 pounds of pressure per square inch. This added strength is particularly important for fabrics that will be embroidered.

Shrinkage Both sample production fabric and finished garments are test washed, according to the care label, three times to ensure shrinkage standards are met.

Colorfastness Dye lots are tested to ensure our dyes do not bleed. Specially made strips of multi-fiber fabric are attached to samples of Outer Banks fabric. The samples are washed in warm and cold water, as well as a chemical solution designed to simulate perspiration. We also employ “dry crocking” testing to see how our dyes perform when rubbed against other fabrics to simulate what actually happens during shipment and in normal wear.

Color to standard All dye lots are evaluated electronically with state-of-the-art software and technology to make sure they are consistent, not only from shirt to shirt, but also from dye lot to dye lot, over time.

Better fit Outer Banks uses actual fit models, as opposed to forms, to achieve a more consistent fit.