How to Make a Tech Pack for Your Clothing Brand: A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide

Every great fashion brand begins with a sketch…
But every successful fashion business begins with a tech pack.

Designers dream. Manufacturers build.
But without a tech pack, even the most beautiful idea can turn into a painful story of wrong samples, wasted money, missed deadlines, and endless corrections.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is my manufacturer not understanding my design?” — this guide is for you.

What Exactly Is a Tech Pack (In Simple English)?

A tech pack (technical package) is the master document that explains every detail a manufacturer needs to turn your clothing design into a perfect final product.

Think of it as the Google Maps of garment production.
If the map is unclear… you get lost.
If the tech pack is unclear… your sample goes wrong.

A good tech pack includes:

• Sketches/Flat drawings
• Measurements
• Construction details
• Fabric & trims
• Colors
• Label placements
• Printing/embroidery artwork
• Packaging info
• Size grading
• Bill of materials

It removes guesswork, saves money, and builds trust with your manufacturer.

Why Every Clothing Brand Needs a Tech Pack (Real Examples)

Example 1: A U.S. streetwear brand

A founder wanted an oversized hoodie.
The factory made it regular fit because “oversized” means different things in different countries.
One tech pack page describing the fit could have saved $1,200 in sampling costs.

Example 2: A startup swimwear brand in Australia

Their manufacturer accidentally used polyester instead of polyamide because the email simply said “stretch fabric.”
A clear fabric specification table in the tech pack could have avoided this.

Example 3: An Indian ethnic brand exporting to Dubai

The embroidery density wasn’t communicated.
Production took 15 extra days.
Adding a visual embroidery chart would have prevented the delay.

Moral:
Whether you’re in New York, Mumbai, Paris, or Dubai… your manufacturer cannot read your mind.
A tech pack becomes the universal language of fashion production.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Tech Pack for Your Clothing Brand

1. Start With a Clean Flat Sketch (Technical Drawing)

This is not a fashion illustration.
It’s a flat, clear, front and back drawing of your garment.

What it should include:

• Clean outlines
• Stitch lines
• Panels
• Pockets
• Seams
• Zippers
• Plackets
• Any functional detail

Example

If you’re designing a yoga legging, your flat sketch must show:

• Side pockets
• Gusset shape
• High-waist band
• Seam placements

Tip:
Even if you’re not a designer, use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate to create basic flats.

2. Add a Clear Description of the Style

Also called “Style Summary”, this explains your design in simple language.

Example Style Description

“Women’s high-waist activewear leggings with side pockets, 4-way stretch fabric, and flatlock stitching. Ankle length. Designed for high-intensity workouts.”

Why it matters:
Factories use this description to mentally visualize the garment before checking details.

3. Create a Detailed Measurement Sheet

This is one of the most crucial pages:
It defines the exact measurements for your sample size.

Example for a T-shirt (Size M):

• Chest: 38 inches
• Length: 27 inches
• Shoulder: 16.5 inches
• Sleeve Length: 8 inches

Pro Tip:

Choose a base size (usually M for women, L for men) and create measurements for ONLY that size first.
Size grading comes later.

Beginner-Friendly Tip:
Use clothes you love (that fit well) as measurement references.

4. Add a Size Grading Sheet (All Sizes S–XL or Your Range)

Grading means increasing or decreasing measurements from the base size.

Example Grading Rule

• Chest: +2 inches per size
• Length: +1 inch per size

Why grading matters

Without grading, your manufacturer will guess the size jumps — often leading to wrong fitting across sizes.

5. Add Fabric Details (The Materials Page)

This page includes:

• Fabric type
• GSM
• Composition
• Stretch %
• Color code
• Supplier name (optional)

Example

Fabric: 100% Cotton Jersey
GSM: 180
Color: Pantone 19-4052 “Classic Blue”
Stretch: 5%

Tip:
Always add Pantone codes.
Never say “off white.” Your off white and your factory’s off white may differ.

6. Add Trims and Accessories Information

Anything that is NOT fabric comes here:

• Zippers (brand, size, type)
• Buttons
• Elastic
• Drawcords
• Labels
• Tags
• Hooks
• Packaging polybags

Example

Zipper: YKK #5, metal, silver finish
Elastic: 1-inch soft waistband elastic, 20% stretch

This page avoids costly surprises in your final product.

7. Construction Details (How the Garment Is Made)

This is where you explain how each part should be stitched or assembled.

Include:

• Stitch types (flatlock, overlock, single needle)
• Seam allowances
• Panel construction
• Hem finishing
• Collar attachment
• Pocket construction

Example

Neckline Stitch: 1/4″ twin needle stitching
Side Seam: 4-thread overlock
Hem: 1-inch double fold hem

Tip:
If you don’t know stitch types, ask your manufacturer or use reference photos.

8. Artwork, Prints & Embroidery Placement

If your design has logos, prints, patches, or embroidery, this page is mandatory.

Include:

• Artwork image
• Size in cm/inches
• Placement (example: 2 inches below neckline)
• Technique (screen print, DTG, rubber print, chenille patch, etc.)

Example

Logo: 3×3 inch rubber print
Placement: Left chest, 2.5 inches below shoulder seam

9. Labeling & Packaging Instructions

This includes:

• Main label
• Size label
• Wash care label
• Hang tags
• Polybag size
• Barcode placement

Example

Polybag: 12×15 inches, 60 micron
Sticker: Size + Style code

Clear packaging instructions help you maintain brand consistency across batches.

10. Add the Bill of Materials (BOM)

This is the shopping list of everything required to make your garment.

Example BOM

Manufacturers use this to calculate production cost accurately.

11. Add a Final “Reference Image” Page

This helps your manufacturer understand your design inspiration.

You can add:

• Similar product reference
• Color moodboard
• Fit reference images

This is NOT copying.
This is clarity.

Checklist: Your Tech Pack Is Ready When It Includes…

• Flat sketches
• Style description
• Measurement chart
• Size grading
• Fabric info
• Trims info
• Construction details
• Print/embroidery details
• Labeling & packaging
• BOM
• Fit reference images

If any one page is missing, your sampling will suffer.

Pro Tips From Global Manufacturing Experts

1. Keep your tech pack simple and clean

Manufacturers read hundreds of pages weekly.
Clarity saves mistakes.

2. Add photos whenever possible

Photos + measurements = accuracy.

3. Avoid descriptive words like “a little,” “slightly,” or “more comfortable.”

Use numbers instead.

4. Update your tech pack after every sample

This is a living document.

5. Always export as PDF

Never send editable files unless needed.

Common Mistakes Clothing Brands Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Sending inspiration instead of technical details

Solution: Add actual measurements and flat sketches.

Mistake #2: Not specifying fabrics

Solution: Add composition + GSM + Pantone.

Mistake #3: Assuming manufacturer “already knows”

Solution: Explain everything clearly.

Mistake #4: No grading

Solution: Add a proper size chart S–XL.

Mistake #5: Using screenshots of chat messages as tech packs

Solution: Never do this.
Create a proper PDF.

Real-World Mini Case Study:

How One Startup Saved ₹70,000 With a Proper Tech Pack

A small activewear brand in Bangalore ordered samples without a tech pack.
The factory stitched the pocket incorrectly three times.
Each sample cost ₹2,500 + courier + 10 days delay.

After creating a tech pack:

• Final sample approved in first attempt
• Saved money
• Launched collection faster
• Reduced miscommunication

This is what a good tech pack does — it protects your time and money.

Conclusion: Your Tech Pack Is the DNA of Your Clothing Brand

A great design gets attention.
A great product builds a brand.
But a great tech pack builds a successful fashion business.

If you want:

• Fewer mistakes
• Faster production
• Better fitting
• Lower costs
• Happier customers

Then start every collection with a professional, complete tech pack.

Whether you’re a startup or a global brand, your tech pack becomes your biggest competitive advantage.

FAQs (Short & Clear Answers)

1. Can I create a tech pack without design skills?

Yes. You can use templates or hire an expert. Clear measurements + basic flat sketches are enough.

2. How many pages should a tech pack be?

Usually 8–20 pages, depending on complexity.

3. Do manufacturers charge extra for working without a tech pack?

Yes, many do.
Without a tech pack, sampling takes longer and costs more.

4. Should I add Pantone color codes?

Absolutely. This ensures color accuracy across all batches.

5. How often should I update a tech pack?

After every sample or design change.

6. Can I reuse one tech pack for multiple colors?

Yes. Just update the color page.

7. Who owns the tech pack?

You, the brand owner or designer.
Factories cannot claim rights over it.