Shorts Tech Pack Template
Shorts are a quick win for a new brand, but inseam length and leg opening are easy to get wrong. This template gives you 11 graded points of measure, a French terry BOM with elastic waistband, drawcord and pocket bags, and construction notes for an elastic-waist short.
Shorts measurement spec (inches)
Graded XS–XXL with M as the base size. Switch to centimeters in the generator.
| Code | Point of Measure | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | Tol ± |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Waist Width (Relaxed) Across top of waistband, relaxed | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 0.5 |
| B | Waist Width (Extended) Across top of waistband, fully stretched | 17.5 | 18.75 | 20 | 21.25 | 22.5 | 23.75 | 0.5 |
| C | Hip Width 3" above crotch, side to side | 20.5 | 21.5 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 0.5 |
| D | Front Rise Crotch seam to top of waistband, front | 10.75 | 11.125 | 11.5 | 11.875 | 12.25 | 12.625 | 0.25 |
| E | Back Rise Crotch seam to top of waistband, back | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 | 16.5 | 17 | 0.25 |
| F | Inseam Crotch point to leg opening edge | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0.25 |
| G | Thigh Width 1" below crotch, across leg | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 0.25 |
| H | Leg Opening Straight across leg hem | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 0.25 |
| I | Waistband Height Height of finished waistband | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 0.125 |
| J | Side Pocket Opening Length of side pocket opening | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 0.25 |
| K | Hem Height Height of finished leg hem | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.125 |
Bill of materials
| Component | Material / Description | Placement | Color | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Fabric | 100% cotton French terry, 280 GSM | Legs, waistband | Per colorway | |
| Waistband Elastic | 1.5" knitted elastic | Waistband | White | 1 |
| Drawcord | Flat cotton drawcord, 3/8" wide, 50" long | Waistband | Match shell | 1 |
| Eyelets | Metal grommets, 8 mm | Front waistband | Antique brass | 2 |
| Pocket Bag | Self fabric or 140 GSM cotton jersey | Side pockets | Match shell | 2 |
| Thread | Polyester core-spun, Tex 27 | All seams | Match shell | |
| Main Label | Woven label, 2" x 0.75" | Center back neck | 1 | |
| Care / Content Label | Printed satin label | Left side seam, 3" above hem | 1 | |
| Size Label | Woven size tab | Under main label | 1 | |
| Polybag | Recycled LDPE, with suffocation warning | Packaging | Clear | 1 |
Construction notes
- Waistband: elastic fully encased, drawcord exits through front eyelets.
- Side seam pockets: bartack at top and bottom of each pocket opening.
- Inseam and outseam: 4-thread overlock.
- Leg hems: 1" twin-needle coverstitch.
- Stitch density: 12-14 stitches per inch.
- Fabric must be pre-shrunk; max shrinkage 5% in length and width after 3 home washes.
Fabric
French terry around 260–300 GSM is the usual choice for lounge and athletic shorts. For a cleaner, lighter short, consider a cotton twill or nylon and change the construction notes accordingly.
Tips before you send it to a factory
- Decide the inseam first (for example 5", 7" or 9"). It changes the look more than any other measurement.
- Leg opening should be wider than thigh minus a little taper; check it on the sample while standing and sitting.
- Write whether the drawcord is functional or decorative, and where it exits.
FAQ
What inseam is most common for shorts?
It depends on the style. Many lifestyle shorts sit around 7"; athletic and retro styles go shorter, and longer styles reach 9" or more.
Can I reuse my joggers tech pack for shorts?
You can reuse the waistband, rise and BOM details, but inseam, thigh and leg opening need their own measurements.
Customize this shorts tech pack
Need fabric or a sample made? Ask us for a quote.