How to Create a Tech Pack - Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cover Sheet

The cover sheet is the first page of your tech pack and gives your manufacturer a quick overview of your product.

It should include essential information such as your brand name, style name, garment category, season, sample size, and contact details. Additionally, include front and back views or mockups of your garment to clearly communicate the overall design and intended final look.

A well-organized cover sheet helps manufacturers quickly understand your product and provides an easy reference throughout the development and production process.

2. Measurement Sheet

The measurement sheet defines the exact dimensions and fit specifications of your garment.

This section is essential when working with custom patterns, as every measurement must be clearly communicated to ensure consistency during production. Include all relevant Points of Measurement (POMs) in a table and clearly mark where each measurement is taken on your technical sketch.

Always include acceptable tolerances to account for minor production variations. The required measurements depend on the garment type, as hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants, and other products each have specific measurement requirements.

Mesurements for hoodies
Mesurements for Tshrits
Mesurements for Sweatpants

3. Technical Flat Sketches

Technical flat sketches are detailed vector drawings that show your garment from the front and back.

Unlike fashion illustrations, technical drawings are not focused on aesthetics. Their purpose is to communicate construction details clearly.

Every important feature should be visible, including seams, pockets, zippers, stitching, panels, trims, and other design elements.

These sketches create the visual foundation of your tech pack and help your manufacturer understand exactly how the garment should be constructed.

You can create technical drawings yourself using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, or you can purchase professional templates and adapt them to your product.

4. Printing Information

On this page, you provide the production with detailed information on how your product should be printed. In the header, you mention the desired printing technique/finishing technique (e.g., Screenprint) and the color or colors of the print. It is also extremly important to tell the name of your print file to avoid misunderstandings.

Note! Remember to vectorize your print file. This is especially important for the following reasons:

1. Vector graphics ensure clear and sharp prints.
2. Colors remain constant and precise when printing with vector graphics.

You can vectorize your design in a few steps using Adobe Illustrator.

5. Bill of Material (BOM)

The Bill of Materials, also known as BOM, provides a complete overview of every material and component needed to manufacture your product.

For fabrics, you should specify important details such as composition, fabric construction, GSM, shrinkage, and finishing treatments. For example, if your garment uses a brushed cotton fabric or an acid wash finish, this information needs to be clearly communicated.

The BOM also includes all additional components used in the garment, such as zippers, buttons, drawstrings, labels, packaging materials, and other trims.

A detailed BOM ensures that the manufacturer sources and uses the correct materials.

6. Construction Details

The construction section explains how your garment should be manufactured and assembled.

Here, you provide all important technical details, including seam types, stitching methods, seam allowances, reinforcement areas, and any special construction techniques.

This information is essential because even garments with the same design can have different results depending on how they are constructed. Clear and precise instructions help your manufacturer bring your product to life exactly as you envisioned it.

7. Call Outs

Callouts are your way of communicating the small but important details of your product to the manufacturer. They highlight specific areas of the garment and explain exactly what needs to be done, such as stitching details, measurements, prints, or special finishes. By adding clear callouts, you make sure your vision is understood correctly and avoid unnecessary mistakes during production.

8. Care Label and Label Information

Labels are an important part of your brand identity and should be clearly defined in your tech pack.

This section covers all label details, including care labels, size labels, woven labels, and any additional branding elements. Provide information about dimensions, materials, colors, placement, and artwork to ensure your manufacturer produces them exactly as intended.

9. Reference Pictures and Why You Should Use Them

Reference images are a simple but powerful way to communicate your vision.

Certain details, such as garment fit, washing effects, distressing, stitching styles, or special finishes, are often difficult to describe with words alone.

Adding reference images gives your manufacturer a clearer understanding of the desired result and helps prevent misunderstandings.

10. How to Properly Specify Colors on Your Tech Pack

Colors should always be communicated as accurately as possible during the production process.

Instead of using general descriptions such as "dark red" or "light blue," you should provide specific Pantone color codes. Pantone is a standardized color matching system used worldwide in the fashion and manufacturing industry. Each color has its own unique code, allowing designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to reference exactly the same shade.

Using Pantone references helps prevent color inconsistencies and ensures that the final product matches your original vision as closely as possible.