Pantone TCX, lab dips and getting colour right in production
What TCX means, why screen colours are approximate and how to approve colour with your factory.
Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels · Pexels License (https://www.pexels.com/license/)
A colour that looks perfect on screen can arrive in bulk looking completely different. A clear colour process prevents most of these problems.
What is TCX?
Pantone's fashion and textile system includes TCX references, which are dyed on cotton. Each has a code such as 16-0237 TCX. The code is a shared reference between designer, mill and factory.
Why screens are approximate
Screens emit light, while fabric reflects it, and every screen is calibrated differently. Forecut shows the nearest TCX reference to each palette colour, but always approve against a physical standard.
The approval process
- Send the TCX reference with fibre and fabric base.
- Agree a light source for approvals (for example D65 daylight).
- Review two or three lab dips and approve one.
- Keep the signed approved dip as the standard.
- Check bulk against that standard, not the screen.
Different fibres, different results
The same dye looks different on cotton, silk, polyester and wool. Approve colour separately on each fabric base in a collection.
