Key Information You Need in a Tech Pack for Garments

A tech pack is an essential tool in the fashion industry, serving as a blueprint that communicates all the necessary details of a garment to the manufacturer. It ensures that the designer’s vision is translated accurately into the final product, while also providing the manufacturer with the specifications required to produce the garment efficiently and consistently.

Whether you’re a new designer or an established brand, creating a comprehensive tech pack is crucial for streamlining production, avoiding costly errors, and ensuring quality control. But what exactly should be included in a tech pack?

Below is a breakdown of the key information you need to include in a garment tech pack:

1. Cover Page / General Information

The cover page provides essential information about the garment and serves as the first point of reference for both the designer and manufacturer.

  • Brand Name and Collection: Include the name of the brand or the collection to which the garment belongs.
  • Style Name and Number: This is a unique identifier for the garment.
  • Designer’s Name: The name of the designer who created the piece.
  • Date: The date when the tech pack was created or updated.
  • Season: Indicate the season for which the garment is intended (e.g., Fall/Winter 2025).
  • Product Description: A brief description of the garment, including key features (e.g., “Slim fit, mid-length jacket with detachable hood”).

2. Flat Sketches / Technical Drawings

Flat sketches (also known as technical drawings) are one of the most important elements of a tech pack. These drawings visually represent the garment and show how it should be constructed and assembled.

  • Front, Back, and Side Views: Include at least three views of the garment to show how it looks from all angles.
  • Detailed Close-ups: If there are intricate elements (like embroidery, trims, or pleats), provide zoomed-in sketches to highlight these details.
  • Construction Details: Show key stitching patterns, seams, and any special construction techniques (e.g., French seams, overlocking).
  • Label Placement: Indicate where the brand label, care label, and size label should be placed.

3. Bill of Materials (BOM)

The BOM is a detailed list of all the materials, trims, and components required to make the garment. It helps the manufacturer source everything needed to complete production.

  • Fabric Type: Specify the fabric (e.g., 100% cotton, polyester blend, silk satin) and any treatments or finishes (e.g., washed, waterproof).
  • Trims and Notions: Include information about zippers, buttons, rivets, thread, labels, etc. Be specific about materials (e.g., brass zipper, leather button).
  • Fabric Swatches: Where possible, provide swatches or samples of the fabric, ensuring the correct color, texture, and weight are used.
  • Color Codes: Use Pantone codes or other color references to specify fabric colors and trims.

4. Size Specifications and Size Chart

A detailed size chart is crucial to ensure the garment fits as intended across various sizes.

  • Garment Measurements: Include measurements for every size (e.g., bust, waist, hip, inseam, sleeve length). Be specific about how measurements should be taken.
  • Grade Rules: If producing the garment in multiple sizes, include the grading rules to adjust proportions across sizes. This ensures that the garment fits consistently from one size to another.
  • Fit Instructions: Describe the intended fit of the garment (e.g., relaxed, fitted, oversized).

5. Construction Details

This section outlines how the garment should be constructed, from the type of stitching to the finishing techniques. It is essential to ensure the garment is manufactured correctly and meets quality standards.

  • Seam Types: Specify the types of seams to be used (e.g., overlock, French seam, double-needle stitching).
  • Stitching Details: Indicate the stitch type (e.g., single needle, chain stitch) and thread thickness (e.g., 40/2).
  • Hemming and Finishing: Outline how hems, cuffs, collars, and other finishing details should be completed (e.g., rolled hem, blind hem).
  • Special Techniques: If your design requires special techniques (e.g., pleating, embroidery, beading), provide detailed instructions and visuals.

6. Colorways and Print Details

If the garment comes in multiple colors or patterns, it’s essential to provide clear color specifications.

  • Pantone Color Codes: For precise color matching, include Pantone references for fabric, trims, and prints.
  • Print Design: If the garment features prints or patterns, include details on placement, scale, and any specific design elements.
  • Colorways: Provide a breakdown of the different color options for each garment style, specifying how the colors should be applied across the garment.

7. Tech Pack Instructions / Construction Notes

This section includes any additional information that the manufacturer needs to know to ensure the garment is made correctly.

  • Fit and Styling: Describe any fit preferences (e.g., relaxed, slim, or tailored) and styling details.
  • Fabric Behavior: If there are any special fabric considerations (e.g., fabric shrinkage, stretchability), provide this information.
  • Care Instructions: If certain fabrics or trims require special care during production or handling, note these instructions.
  • Packaging: Outline how the finished garments should be packaged (e.g., folded, hung, with protective plastic bags) and any labeling requirements.

8. Production Timeline

A clear production timeline is essential to keep the manufacturing process on track.

  • Sample Approval Timeline: Indicate how long it will take to create and approve samples.
  • Production Phases: Outline the phases of production (e.g., initial production, final production, quality control).
  • Delivery Dates: Specify the desired delivery date for the finished garments.

9. Costing and Pricing

While this section may not always be included in the tech pack, it is beneficial for budgeting and tracking costs.

  • Material Costs: Breakdown of costs for fabrics, trims, and other materials.
  • Labor Costs: Estimate the labor costs associated with producing the garment.
  • Other Costs: Include any additional costs (e.g., shipping, packaging, or overhead).

10. Quality Control Specifications

To ensure that the final garment meets the desired quality standards, it’s essential to provide guidelines for quality control.

  • Inspection Points: Highlight key areas where the manufacturer should focus on during inspection (e.g., stitch quality, fabric defects, measurement accuracy).
  • Tolerance Levels: Specify acceptable tolerances for things like measurements, fabric imperfections, or color variations.
  • Final Inspection Process: Include any requirements for final inspection before shipping the garments.

11. Fit Model Photos (Optional)

If you have a fit model or sample photo, including these in the tech pack can help the manufacturer understand how the garment should fit and look on a real person.

  • Photos of the Fit Model: Provide photos of the garment on a fit model to show how it should look in real life. This helps guide the manufacturer in terms of fit, drape, and overall look.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured and comprehensive tech pack is crucial to the success of any fashion collection. By including all of the above information, you ensure that your design is communicated clearly to manufacturers, minimizing errors and miscommunications. This reduces the chance of costly mistakes and delays, ultimately making the garment production process more efficient and cost-effective.

The key to a successful tech pack lies in its detail and clarity. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for your manufacturer to produce the garment exactly as you envisioned it.