A tech pack for clothing is the foundation of successful apparel production. As industry professionals, we understand that a meticulously prepared tech pack eliminates uncertainty, enhances communication, and ensures product consistency across every manufacturing stage. In this comprehensive guide, we present everything brands, designers, and manufacturers must know to create flawless, production-ready tech packs that minimize cost, reduce sampling errors, and accelerate time to market.
What Is a Tech Pack for Clothing?
A clothing tech pack, short for technical package, is a detailed blueprint that communicates every construction, material, and measurement specification for a garment. Manufacturers depend on this document to accurately execute the design vision without repeated clarifications.
A complete tech pack typically includes:
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Technical sketches
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Bill of Materials (BOM)
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Measurement specifications
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Construction details
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Stitching and seam specifications
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Colorways and artwork placement
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Label and trim details
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Packaging specifications
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Fit comments and revisions
With a precise and well-structured tech pack, brands experience fewer production delays and achieve consistent quality across all runs.
Why Tech Packs Are Essential in Apparel Production
A tech pack for clothing is more than a document—it is a communication tool that streamlines the entire product development cycle. The benefits include:
1. Streamlined Communication
Tech packs remove guesswork by offering detailed instructions. Manufacturers, pattern makers, and production teams gain clarity on garment expectations.
2. Reduced Production Costs
Errors caused by ambiguity often lead to resampling. A complete tech pack prevents misinterpretation, saving time and money.
3. Improved Quality Control
With defined materials, measurements, and construction standards, every piece produced aligns with the brand’s quality requirements.
4. Faster Turnaround Time
Tech packs minimize back-and-forth revisions, enabling manufacturers to move quickly from development to mass production.
5. Consistency Across Production Runs
Clear documentation ensures uniformity, especially when working with multiple suppliers or producing in different regions.
Key Components of a Professional Tech Pack
To create a highly efficient tech pack for clothing, each section must be detailed and free of ambiguity. Below, we outline the core components that every complete tech pack should include.
1. Technical Sketches (Flats)
Technical flats provide a visual blueprint of both the front and back views of a garment. These sketches must be clean, precise, and dimensionally accurate.
Important details include:
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Silhouette
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Neckline design
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Sleeve type
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Pockets and placements
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Zippers or closures
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Hem finishes
Well-executed flats guide pattern makers and factories, ensuring accurate interpretations of your design.
2. Bill of Materials (BOM)
The BOM lists all materials and components required to construct the garment. This includes:
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Fabrics
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Lining materials
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Threads
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Zippers
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Buttons
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Elastic
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Interfacing
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Labels
Each material should be specified in detail:
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Fabric composition
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Weight and GSM
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Color codes
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Supplier information
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Finishes (e.g., anti-wrinkle, waterproof)
A strong BOM streamlines sourcing and guarantees that the final product aligns with the brand identity.
3. Measurement Specifications
Accurate measurement charts are crucial in ensuring consistent sizing and fit.
Measurement details include:
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Chest/Bust
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Waist
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Hip
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Sleeve length
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Body length
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Shoulder width
In addition, measurement tolerances must be included. These tolerances indicate acceptable variations and ensure quality control during mass production.
4. Construction and Stitching Details
This section outlines how the garment should be assembled. It includes:
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Seam types
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Stitch counts
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Topstitching instructions
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Hem finishes
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Reinforcement placements
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Special techniques (e.g., binding, piping)
Providing structured construction notes ensures that every detail of the design is executed professionally.
5. Artwork and Print Placement
For garments with logos, graphics, embroidery, or prints, artwork placement details are essential.
Information included:
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Exact artwork dimensions
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Position measurements
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Color codes (Pantone)
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Type of printing (screen print, sublimation, DTG)
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Embroidery thread specifications
Accurate artwork placement eliminates production inconsistencies, especially across large product runs.
6. Colorways
Colorways define the full color variations of a garment. Include:
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Fabric color codes
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Trim color codes
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Pantone references
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Contrast stitching colors
This helps manufacturers source the correct materials and avoid color mismatches.
7. Label and Packaging Details
Professional brands include packaging and branding elements, such as:
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Hang tags
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Woven labels
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Care label instructions
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Poly bag sizes
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Barcode placement
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Folding instructions
These details maintain uniformity across product packaging and presentation.
8. Revision and Fit Comments
A well-organized tech pack includes updates throughout the sampling process:
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Fit comments
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Design revisions
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Sample evaluation notes
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Updates to measurements or materials
Clear documentation supports transparent communication throughout development.
How to Create a Tech Pack for Clothing
Developing a comprehensive tech pack involves detailed planning and a structured approach. Below is the professional method we follow.
Step 1: Start with Technical Sketches
Begin by preparing clean, detailed flats. These sketches represent your design concept and anchor the rest of the tech pack.
Step 2: Specify Fabrics and Materials
List fabrics, trims, and hardware. Provide full technical descriptions to avoid sourcing confusion.
Step 3: Prepare Detailed Measurements
Develop size charts for every size in the range. Include grading rules to define how measurements increase between sizes.
Step 4: Document Construction Requirements
Record precise stitching, seam, and assembly instructions. Provide cross-sections or diagrams where necessary.
Step 5: Add Colorways and Artwork
Clearly specify artwork placements and color details using Pantone references.
Step 6: Include Branding, Labels, and Packaging
Define every branding element and packaging standard used in retail presentation.
Step 7: Conduct Review and Update Regularly
Tech packs evolve during production. Updating revisions ensures accuracy and alignment with manufacturer feedback.
Why a Strong Tech Pack Improves Manufacturer Efficiency
A complete tech pack minimizes miscommunication, enhances productivity, and supports a smooth workflow. Manufacturers like Vel Clothing rely on these documents to:
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Reduce the number of samples
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Improve accuracy and consistency
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Deliver high-quality finished garments
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Prevent production delays
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Align with brand expectations
When both parties operate from a single source of truth, production becomes predictable and reliable.
Final Thoughts
A professional tech pack for clothing is essential for transforming creative concepts into high-quality products. It ensures accuracy, reduces production time, and maintains quality standards across every stage of apparel development. With a detailed tech pack in place, brands gain control over manufacturing, minimize costly mistakes, and build long-term relationships with reliable suppliers.