A tech pack is the document that tells a manufacturer exactly how to make a garment. In fashion it is the bridge between a design and a product: it turns an idea into a specification so the sample room, the cutting table and the quality inspector all work to the same instructions.
Why a tech pack matters
Without clear instructions a manufacturer has to guess, and guesses turn into extra sample rounds, delays and surprises in bulk. A good tech pack:
- Gets you an accurate quote, because the price depends on fabric, trims, decoration and construction.
- Cuts sample rounds, because the first sample is closer to what you want.
- Protects quality in bulk, because inspectors check garments against the measurements and tolerances you set.
- Makes re-orders match, because the same document is used every time.
What goes in a tech pack
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Cover page | Style name and number, season or drop, size range, version number and date, your contact details |
| Flat sketches | Front, back and side views drawn flat, with call-outs for seams, stitching, pockets, zips and details |
| Bill of materials (BOM) | Every material and where it goes: main fabric (composition, GSM, colour), rib, lining, thread, zips, drawcords, aglets, labels and packaging |
| Size chart and points of measure | Each measurement for every size, how it is taken, and the tolerance (for example ±1 cm on body width) |
| Colourways | Each colour version with Pantone references for fabric, rib, thread, print and trims |
| Artwork and placement | Vector artwork files, print or embroidery size in cm, position measured from a fixed point such as the high point of the shoulder, and the decoration method |
| Construction | Seam types (overlock, flatlock, coverstitch), topstitching, stitch density, hems and finishing |
| Labels and trims | Neck label, care and composition label with country of origin, size label, hangtag, and where each one is attached |
| Packaging and packing | Folding method, polybag, stickers or barcodes, and how pieces are packed into cartons by size and colour |
Points of measure: a hoodie example
Points of measure (POM) tell the factory and the inspector exactly where each measurement is taken. Here is a typical set for a pullover hoodie; your own size chart gives the numbers for each size.
| Point of measure | How it is measured |
|---|---|
| Body length | From the high point of the shoulder to the bottom of the hem rib |
| Chest width | Straight across, about 2.5 cm below the armhole |
| Hem width | Across the bottom edge of the hem rib, relaxed |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder seam (or centre back for raglan) to the end of the cuff |
| Cuff width and height | Across the cuff relaxed, and the rib height |
| Hood height and width | From the neck seam to the top of the hood, and across the hood opening |
| Pocket position | From the high point of the shoulder down to the top of the pocket, and pocket width |
Tech pack checklist
Before you request a quote, check that you have:
- Front and back flat sketches with construction notes
- Main fabric composition, GSM and colour, plus rib and lining
- A size chart with points of measure and tolerances
- Pantone references for every colour in every colourway
- Vector logo files (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) with size and position for each placement
- The decoration method for each logo (see DTF vs screen printing vs embroidery)
- Trims: zips, drawcords, aglets, buttons, snaps
- Labels and hangtags, with care-label wording for your market
- Packaging and carton packing instructions
- Quantities by size and colour, and your delivery country and date
Common tech pack mistakes
- Style names instead of measurements. “Oversized” means different things to different people; give the chest width and length.
- No tolerances. Without them, no one can say whether a measurement is acceptable.
- Low-resolution logos. A screenshot of a logo can’t be embroidered or printed cleanly.
- Colours by name only. “Navy” covers dozens of shades. Use Pantone references or send a physical swatch.
- Several versions in circulation. Keep one version number and log every change.
- Forgetting labels and packaging. These have their own lead times and affect your launch date.
Don’t have a tech pack yet?
You can still start. A clear reference photo, a short description of the fabric and fit, and your logo files are enough to begin. Our AI Design Studio turns a description into a mockup with a spec sheet you can send for a quote, and our team clarifies the rest during the specification review before sampling.
Tip: once your sample is approved, update the tech pack with any changes made during sampling. That final version is what bulk production and re-orders are checked against.
More guides
- How to start a private label clothing brand
- Hoodie GSM chart: how to choose hoodie fabric weight
- Private label vs white label clothing
Ready to turn your idea into a product? Design it in the AI studio or request a quote and attach your tech pack.