INTRO — Authority + Context + Why Tech Pack Matters

As someone who has spent seven years managing supply chain and apparel production, I’ve seen firsthand why most designers get stuck at the very first step—creating a proper Tech Pack. In fashion manufacturing, producing a garment is much like constructing a building: beautiful sketches are not enough, and nothing moves forward without clear, technical instructions.

In this process, the Tech Pack serves as the engineering blueprint.

It transforms creative ideas into precise, executable information for pattern makers, sample sewers, factories, and suppliers.

A well-built Tech Pack ensures everyone works from the same technical truth—reducing errors, miscommunication, and costly delays.

What Is a Tech Pack?

A Tech Pack is the technical document a factory uses to build your garment exactly as intended.

Think of it as both a blueprint and a recipe.

It typically includes:

• Technical flats
• Measurement specs
• Bill of materials (BOM)
• Construction notes
• Stitching requirements
• Colorways
• Artwork placement
• Packaging
• Revision log

But beyond the list, it's crucial to understand how each section functions in real production—because this is where most beginners make mistakes.

Breaking Down Each Section of a Tech Pack

Technical Flats

Visual information that communicates your design clearly.

• Basic silhouettes don’t require overly complex drawings
• You may even use reference photos for standard products
• For unique shapes, detailed flats ensure the factory doesn’t misinterpret your intent

Measurement Specs (Spec Sheet)

Only the first sample size is needed at this stage.

• Do NOT fill in all sizes
• Pattern makers will grade using standard industry jump rules

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Must reference real supplier data, not made-up names.

• Use actual fabric codes, GSM, composition
• Use real trim model numbers
• Avoid inventing custom names—this causes mistakes

Construction Notes & Stitching

Explain exactly how the garment should be made.

Colorways

Use Pantone codes, not ambiguous names like “light purple.”

Artwork Placement

Different print/embroider techniques = different final effect.

• Mislabeling techniques = incorrect outcome

Packaging

Not required in early development. Leave it blank until later.

Why a Tech Pack Is Essential

A Tech Pack prevents mistakes, delays, and unnecessary cost.

Without clear documentation, factories will guess—leading to:

• Wrong materials
• Incorrect fit
• Repeated sample rounds
• Inaccurate pricing
• Production delays

A single unclear detail can snowball into wasted time, wasted labor, and wasted money.

A strong Tech Pack aligns everyone—pattern makers, sewers, and suppliers—and allows factories to quote accurately and plan efficiently.

It's the cheapest insurance in apparel manufacturing.

The Full Structure of a Professional Tech Pack

A professional Tech Pack typically follows a clear structure that guides factories through every technical detail of your garment.

It begins with a cover page outlining the style name, season, designer, revision number, and a thumbnail sketch—providing immediate context about the design. This is followed by the technical flats, which present clean, precise line drawings showing all stitch lines, seam placements, and construction elements.

Next comes the Bill of Materials (BOM), documenting every fabric, trim, and thread involved in the garment. The measurement specs then define key POMs, diagrams, tolerances, and the base size used for pattern development. Construction details explain how the garment should be assembled, including seam choices, reinforcement points, pocket construction, and collar structure.

Artwork and print placement instructions clarify the positioning, scale, Pantone colors, and techniques for logos or graphics.

Colorways provide standardized Pantone references to ensure color accuracy across production, while packaging instructions outline folding methods, bag size, hangtag placement, and carton requirements.

How to Create a Tech Pack (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Short, clear, sequential:

Step 1 — Gather References

Photos, details, fabric inspiration.

Step 2 — Create Technical Flats

Clean, vector-based drawings.

Step 3 — Build the BOM

List all real materials & trims.

Step 4 — Draft the Measurement Specs

Define first-sample measurements.

Step 5 — Add Construction Notes

Specify seam types, allowances, reinforcements.

Step 6 — Add Artwork Instructions

Dimensions, colors, placement, technique.

Step 7 — Add Colorways

Pantone codes.

Step 8 — Add Packaging (Optional)

Add later when ready.

Step 9 — Version Control

Update with each revision.

Common Tech Pack Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Unclear technical flats
• Missing BOM details
• Incomplete measurements
• Vague construction instructions
• Incorrect artwork sizes or Pantone codes
• No revision tracking

Each of these leads to sampling issues, cost overruns, or delays.

How Much Does a Tech Pack Cost? (Pricing Overview)

Option	Cost	Pros	Cons
DIY	Free–$50	Cheap	Time-consuming
Freelancer	$80–$300	Affordable	Skills vary
Professional Designer	$200–$800+	Accurate, reliable	Higher price
Agency / Production House	$300–$1,500	Includes consulting	Premium

More complex garments cost more.

Recommended Software for Creating Tech Packs

• Adobe Illustrator
• Google Sheets / Excel
• Techpacker
• CLO 3D / Browzwear

What Happens After the Tech Pack?

Once your Tech Pack is finalized, the actual manufacturing process begins. A complete Tech Pack acts as the roadmap for every team involved, guiding the garment through a series of technical stages that turn your concept into a physical product.

The first stage is Pattern Making, where a pattern maker translates your measurement specs and technical flats into precise 2D template. These patterns define the shape, proportions, and balance of the garment, forming the foundation for every sample that follows.

After the patterns are created, the next step is Sample Development. Here, the factory produces the first physical prototype using your chosen fabrics and trims. This sample allows you to evaluate the garment’s fit, construction, and overall execution before committing to larger-scale production.

Once the sample is completed, you move into the Fit Review stage. You will examine the garment’s fit on a model or mannequin, assess comfort, movement, proportions, and any structural issues. Feedback from this stage informs necessary corrections to both the pattern and the Tech Pack.

After revisions are made and a refined sample is produced, you will approve a PPS (Pre-Production Sample). This is the final reference garment that represents what your bulk production should look like. Factories rely on the PPS to ensure consistency across every unit.

With PPS approved, the factory proceeds to Bulk Production, cutting and sewing the full quantity of garments. This stage requires strict adherence to the Tech Pack, as even minor deviations can multiply into major issues across hundreds or thousands of pieces.

The final stage is QC & Packaging, where each garment is inspected for defects, trimmed, steamed, folded, packed, and prepared according to your packaging instructions. This step ensures your products leave the factory in retail-ready condition, aligned with your brand’s quality standards.

Together, these steps form the complete journey from Tech Pack to finished product—each relying heavily on the accuracy, clarity, and completeness of your Tech Pack.

Tech Pack FAQ

1. Do I need a Tech Pack to manufacture clothing?

Yes. Factories rely on a Tech Pack for accurate quoting, sampling, and production. Without it, mistakes and delays are very likely.

2. What’s the difference between a Tech Pack and a spec sheet?

A spec sheet only includes measurements. A Tech Pack covers everything—measurements, materials, construction details, artwork, colors, and packaging.

3. Can I make a Tech Pack myself?

Yes, but beginners often miss important technical details. Using a template or hiring a professional reduces risk.

4. What software is best for creating a Tech Pack?

Adobe Illustrator + Google Sheets/Excel are industry standards. Optional tools include Techpacker, CLO 3D, or Browzwear.

5. How many pages should a Tech Pack be?

Most are 6–12 pages, depending on garment complexity.

6. What happens if my Tech Pack is incomplete?

You may get incorrect samples, wrong materials, poor fit, added costs, or inconsistent bulk production.

7. Do factories help create Tech Packs?

Some do, but most expect you to provide a complete Tech Pack before sampling begins.

8. How often should I update my Tech Pack?

Every time a measurement, material, artwork, or construction detail changes. Always track revisions.

Need a Professional Tech Pack?

If you’d like professional advice or have questions about creating a Tech Pack, garment development, or the production process, feel free to contact us.

We offer consultation services to help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline your workflow, and bring your designs into production with confidence.

👉 Get in touch with us to learn more.