Your tech pack is complete when it is ready to be used in a factory for manufacturing, and it is called a factory-ready tech pack. It provides manufacturers with all the technical drawings, accurate measurements, material specifications, construction information and packing instructions, to quote jobs with precision, sample correctly, and manufacture the garments or accessories without any guesswork or revision charges.
A good tech pack can save fashion brands, product developers and sourcing teams a lot of time on sampling rounds, reduce misunderstandings and save costs when working with factories overseas or locally. Each section of this guide comes with practical tips from actual production workflows, and an editable clothing tech pack template that you can download and customize.
Start With a Clear Product Summary and Header
The header provides the context so that factories can instantly tell what they are looking at and which version to use. With many styles and revisions, a well organized header will help prevent confusion.
Product Header: Style ID, Season, and Version Control
Add identifiers at the top, such as the style name, style code (DT-HD-024), collection/season, brand name, target age/gender, issue date and version number (v03).
Always create a consistent naming system, such as StyleCode_TechPack_v03.pdf and always change the version if there are any changes in measurements, materials or details. Rarely can a factory manage more than a handful of styles; with clear version control, no longer will there be production on old files.
Short Product Description and Target Use
Include a brief 1-2 sentence description: “Oversized French terry hoodie with kangaroo pocket, rib cuffs and dropped shoulders for a relaxed streetwear look.”
Note the intended use (casual streetwear, performance, kidswear, etc.) and key design intent. This assists factories to recommend appropriate fabric and construction to achieve the desired hand-feel and durability.
Technical Flats: Show the Garment Like an Engineering Drawing
Technical flats are exact, accurate line drawings that convey the construction information. They differ from fashion illustrations in that they concentrate on detail and accuracy which the factories should adhere to.
Front, Back, and Any Necessary Side or Detail Views
Give a minimum of front and back elevation. Include side views or exploded views of complicated features such as collars, pockets, or plackets. Label any zipper, button, accessory, seam or panel with arrows using clean lines and line weight.
Callouts for Stitching, Edge Finishes, and Accessories
Mark the stitch types (single needle topstitch, coverstitch, flatlock), hem types, seam placements, and accessory positions. Indicate label locations (main label at center back neck, care label on side seam), and artwork locations.
Measurement Specs, Grading, and Tolerances
Good fit is based on accurate measurements. These numbers are used in the factory to produce the correct patterns and sizes.
Base Size Spec Sheet and Points of Measure (POM)
Determine the base size (typical size is M) and record all critical POMs – the body length, chest width, sleeve length, shoulder width etc. – on the flats with the measurement arrows.
Grading Rules Across Sizes
Use a grading table to indicate how the measurements increase from XS to XL or your sizing range. Grade rules are consistent across sizes to ensure the consistency of proportions and aid in the development of future styles.
Tolerances and How Fit Is Judged
Set realistic tolerances, e.g. ±1cm for chest or ±0.5cm for critical areas, such as waistbands. Indicate either flat or form measurements and the most significant POMs for relaxed, fitted or oversized fits.
Fabric, Trims, and Bill of Materials (BOM)
Specifics of the materials help factories to source properly and provide accurate quotations from the beginning.
Fabric Specifications and Performance Requirements
Include fibre content (320 GSM 100% cotton French terry, 95/5 cotton/spandex), construction (knit type, weave), colour (Pantone reference or lab dip) and performance (moisture wicking, abrasion resistance). Add the necessary tests either if they exist, or if they are applicable.
Trims, Labels, and Accessories Details
Include all labels, drawcord specifications, elastic width, type of zipper, size and color of the button. If possible, include references for suppliers to expedite sourcing.
BOM Table: Quantities Per Unit and Colorway
Draw a table with precise numbers for each garment (for example, 8 buttons, 1.2 m of ribbing) and different quantities for each colourway or size. This helps to achieve accurate costing and inventory planning.
Construction Notes and Sewing Instructions
Construction details explain drawings in terms of sewing instructions.
Seams, Stitch Types, and Seam Allowances
Set seams (overlock, French seams, flat felled), set stitch density and allowances. Communicate reinforcements, such as bartacks at pocket corners or stress points.
Interface, Lining, and Reinforcement Details
Mark areas for interfacing, lining or backing (e.g. on collar and placket use fusible interfacing). Explain how to reinforce high-wear surfaces.
Artwork, Prints, Washes, and Special Treatments
Make placement guides, sizes, colors, and technical requirements of prints, embroidery or washes. Provide reference files or mockups.
Labeling, Folding, and Packing Instructions
End of line information is for compliance and presentation at retail.
Care Labels, Size Tags, and Brand Labels
Provide information needed for care labels (fibre content, care symbols and country of origin), and exact placement positions. Set up size tag format and location.
Folding, Polybagging, and Carton Marking
Provide folding diagrams or instructions, polybag specifications (size, material, suffocation warnings), and carton labelling requirements (style, size breakdown, PO number, destination).
Comments, Sample History, and Version Tracking
Get everyone on the same page by making revisions.
Fit Comments and Sample Review Log
Keep a record of the feedback received from proto, fit and pre-production samples. Label required changes and suggestions.
Change Log and Version History
Monitor dates, change description and approvals. Update files quickly and clearly, highlighting changes.
How to Use the Included Tech Pack Template
Our clothing tech pack template for download is exactly the same as above, but with sections or tabs for easy navigation.
Template Structure: Tabs or Pages Overview
Ready-to-fill header and flats placeholders, ready-to-fill spec sheet, ready-to-fill grading table, ready-to-fill BOM, ready-to-fill construction notes, ready-to-fill labelling and change log are available in the template. Use it as a master file and duplicate for each style.
Adapting the Template for Different Categories
With basic tees, simplicity is the best approach. Include safety notes or performance tests for technical outerwear or kidswear. If you’re using an accessory, such as a bag, expand hardware details. Use only the most essential parts and sections and append only what each product needs.
The depth of detail you include in your factory-made tech pack can be the key difference between several rounds of frustrating sampling and production. Investing in clear documentation establishes better factory partnerships and gets brands better products to market sooner.
Click the Free Clothing Tech Pack Template in the resource center and begin using it on your next tech pack. Tell our team in the comments what specific category or challenges you’re looking to use your tech pack for and we’ll do our best to assist you in optimizing your pack for various manufacturing environments.