What Is a Tech Pack?
A tech pack (short for technical package) is the instruction manual for making a garment. It tells a factory exactly what to build: the shape, the measurements in every size, the fabric and trims, how it is sewn, and how it is labeled and packed.
Why a tech pack matters
A factory can only make what you describe. A clear tech pack means fewer sampling rounds, more accurate price quotes, and less room for the factory to substitute materials or guess at details. It also gives you a record you can send to a second factory if the first one does not work out.
What goes into a tech pack
1. Cover page and flat sketches
The first page names the style (brand, style name, style number, season) and shows front and back flat sketches. Flats are simple technical drawings without models or shading, so seams and details are easy to read.
2. Measurement spec and grading
The measurement spec lists every point of measure (POM), such as body length or chest width, with a short note on how to measure it. Grading gives the value for every size, and a tolerance says how far the finished garment may be off. Start from one base size, usually M, and grade up and down from there.
3. Bill of materials (BOM)
The BOM lists every material in the garment: shell fabric with composition and weight (GSM), rib, thread, zippers or buttons, drawcords, labels and packaging. Include placement and color so nothing is left to interpretation.
4. Construction details
Construction notes explain how the garment is sewn: seam types (for example 4-thread overlock or twin-needle coverstitch), stitch density, where bartacks go, and finishing requirements such as shrinkage limits.
5. Colorways, labels and packaging
List each colorway, the label positions and content, and how the garment should be folded and packed. These are small details, but they are what make a product feel finished.
How to make a tech pack
- Choose the garment type and a base size.
- Draw or upload front and back flats.
- Fill in the measurement spec, starting from a template if you have no pattern yet.
- List every material and trim in the BOM.
- Write the construction notes and colorways.
- Send it to your sample maker, then update the measurements after the first fit sample.
The free tech pack generator walks you through these steps and exports a PDF or Excel file.
Common mistakes
- Missing tolerances. Without them, any measurement the factory produces is technically "correct".
- Vague materials. "Cotton fleece" is not enough; give composition and weight.
- No grading. If you only give one size, the factory will grade it with its own rules.
- Mixing units. Pick inches or centimeters and use it everywhere.
Tech pack vs spec sheet
A spec sheet usually means just the measurement page. A tech pack includes the spec sheet plus sketches, materials, construction and labeling, so it is the complete document a factory needs.
FAQ
Do I need a tech pack for my first sample?
You can get a sample without one, but the factory will make many decisions for you. Even a simple tech pack makes the first sample much closer to what you want.
Can I make a tech pack without design software?
Yes. Photos of hand-drawn flats are fine for a first sample, and the measurements, BOM and construction notes can be filled in with a template.
Should I use inches or centimeters?
Use whatever your factory prefers. Many US brands use inches, while most factories in Asia work in centimeters. The generator converts between them.
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