A tech pack is the single most important document when working with custom clothing manufacturers. It serves as an unambiguous contract between the brand designer and the factory pattern makers. An incomplete tech pack leads to endless sample revisions, unexpected costs, and production delays.
The Core Sections of an Industry-Standard Tech Pack
1. Style Overview & Cover Sheet
Provide high-level metadata identifying the garment:
- Brand name, style code (e.g., TRV-HD-001), season (e.g., FW26), and date created.
- Garment title (e.g., "Men's Heavyweight Boxy Hoodie").
- Colorway names and corresponding Pantone (PMS) color codes.
- Clear CAD front and rear line drawings showing general proportions.
2. Technical Flat Sketches with Callouts
Black-and-white flat vector illustrations detailing construction specifics:
- Collar width, hood panel count (e.g., 3-panel lined hood).
- Pocket dimensions, distance from hem, and bartack locations.
- Stitching types: double-needle topstitch width (e.g., 1/4" gauge), overlock, flatlock.
- Cuff and hem ribbing heights (e.g., 7 cm 2x2 elastane rib).
3. Bill of Materials (BOM)
A comprehensive inventory of every component required to assemble one garment:
- Main Body Fabric: Fiber content, knit structure, weight in GSM, and yarn dye specifications.
- Secondary Fabric: Rib knit, pocket bag cotton, or mesh linings.
- Threads: Core spun polyester thread count and matching color codes.
- Hardware & Trims: Drawcords (diameter, length, weave), aglets (metal finish, engraving), eyelets, zippers (teeth size, tape color, puller type).
- Labels & Tags: Neck label dimensions, fold style (center fold, loop fold, end fold), and hang tag cord type.
4. Point of Measure (POM) Measurement Chart
The quantitative dimensions of the garment across the full size gradient:
- Measurements must specify whether they are taken relaxed or stretched.
- Include industry manufacturing tolerances (typically ±1 cm to ±1.5 cm for knitwear).
- Specify base sample size (usually Medium or Large) from which all other sizes grade proportionately.
5. Embellishment & Placement Sheet
Detail all screen prints, embroideries, or heat transfers with exact coordinates: measuring from high point shoulder (HPS), center front seam, or cuff edge.
