A tech pack is the technical file that tells a manufacturer exactly how to make your garment. It includes flat drawings from every side, a measurement chart with tolerances, the fabric and trims list, construction and stitching details, colourways, label and packaging instructions. A complete tech pack means fewer sample rounds, accurate quotes and production that matches what you designed.
Key points
- A tech pack replaces guesswork with written instructions.
- Flats, measurements and a materials list are the core of every tech pack.
- Tolerances tell the factory how much variation is acceptable.
- Update the tech pack after every sample round so it always matches the approved sample.
- You can start without one; a manufacturer can build it with you.
What a tech pack is for
A sketch shows how a garment should look. A tech pack explains how to make it. It is the single document that the pattern maker, sample room, fabric buyer, production team and quality inspectors all work from.
Without one, every detail is decided by someone else's assumption. With a good one, quotes are accurate, samples come closer to your idea on the first try and your hundredth reorder matches your first.
Technical flats
Flats are clean line drawings of the garment laid flat, front and back, sometimes with side views and close ups. Unlike fashion illustrations, they are drawn to proportion and show every seam, dart, pocket, closure and topstitch.
Measurements and tolerances
The measurement chart lists every point of measure, such as chest, waist, hip, length and sleeve, for your base size and how they change across sizes. Each measurement has a tolerance, the small difference that is still acceptable in production.
Clear points of measure, with a note on exactly where and how each is taken, prevent most fit disputes.
Bill of materials
The bill of materials lists everything the garment is made of: main fabric, lining, interfacing, thread, zips, buttons, elastic, labels and packaging, with composition, weight, colour references and quantities per garment.
Construction details
Construction notes explain how the garment is put together: seam types, stitch types and density, seam allowances, how edges are finished and where reinforcement is needed. Close up drawings or photos of a reference garment help here.
Colourways and artwork
For each colourway, list the colour of every component with a Pantone or fabric reference. Add placement drawings and files for prints, embroidery and logos with their exact size and position.
Labels and packing
Specify the main label, size label and care label, with position and content, plus hang tags, folding method, polybags, hangers and carton marks. Packing instructions are often forgotten and cause avoidable delays at the end of production.
Tech pack checklist
Before you send a tech pack to a manufacturer, check that it contains each of these.
- Front and back flats, with details and close ups
- Measurement chart for the base size, grading and tolerances
- Bill of materials with fabric, trims and quantities
- Construction and stitching notes
- Colourways with colour references
- Print, embroidery and logo placements
- Label, packaging and carton instructions
- Version number and date, updated after each sample