Your manufacturer cannot see the garment inside your head.

They cannot automatically know:

How oversized the T-shirt should be
Which cotton fabric you want
Where the shoulder seam should sit
How wide the collar should be
Which stitching should be used
How large the embroidery should be
Where the labels belong
How the product should be packaged

A mood board can communicate the atmosphere.

A reference photograph can communicate the general direction.

A tech pack communicates the product.

A clothing tech pack is the technical document that explains how a garment should look, fit and be manufactured. It normally combines technical drawings, materials, measurements, construction instructions, colours, artwork and branding information.

Tech packs are used by designers, pattern makers, product developers, manufacturers and quality-control teams as a shared product reference. Techpacker describes a tech pack as the blueprint that turns a product idea into manufacturing instructions.

The clearer the document, the easier it becomes for a manufacturer to:

Understand the design
Evaluate feasibility
Source the correct materials
Develop the pattern
Produce an accurate sample
Prepare a reliable quotation
Control bulk production
Identify whether the finished product matches the approved specification

This guide explains how to create a factory-ready clothing tech pack, page by page.

What Is a Clothing Tech Pack?

A tech pack—short for technical package—is a collection of product specifications sent to a clothing manufacturer.

It explains three fundamental things:

What the garment looks like
What the garment is made from
How the garment should be constructed

A typical tech pack may contain:

Style information
Technical flat drawings
Construction callouts
Bill of Materials
Fabric specifications
Colour references
Measurement chart
Grading
Tolerances
Artwork files
Print or embroidery positions
Label specifications
Packaging instructions
Sample comments
Revision history

The exact number of pages depends on the product.

A standard T-shirt may require a relatively simple document. A technical jacket with lining, zips, padding, internal pockets and custom hardware requires significantly more information.

What Is the Difference Between a Tech Pack and a Mood Board?

A mood board communicates inspiration.

It may include:

Lifestyle photographs
Colours
Textures
Styling
Architecture
Existing products
Graphic references
Brand atmosphere

A tech pack communicates manufacturing instructions.

It includes:

Exact measurements
Material composition
Fabric weight
Construction details
Stitching
Colour references
Artwork dimensions
Label positions

Mood boards are subjective.

Tech packs should be precise.

Both can be useful, but a mood board does not replace technical documentation.

Do You Always Need a Tech Pack?

Not every clothing order requires the same level of documentation.

You normally need a detailed tech pack when:

Developing a custom garment
Creating a new pattern
Changing an existing fit
Using custom fabrics
Producing custom colours
Adding original construction details
Developing outerwear
Producing denim
Creating performance apparel
Working with several materials or trims
Requesting quotations from multiple manufacturers
Scaling a product into several sizes

You may need less documentation when:

Selecting an existing blank
Using an established private label garment
Adding only a simple print
Adding standard embroidery
Choosing from existing colours
Using the supplier’s standard measurements

Private Label Clothes, for example, allows brands to choose an existing garment and submit artwork, garment sizes and label requirements through its product form. This simplifies development because the core garment has already been created.

Even in that situation, the brand should still provide accurate artwork dimensions, positions, colour references and size quantities.

What Should a Clothing Tech Pack Include?

A complete garment tech pack normally includes the following sections:

Section	Purpose
Cover page	Identifies the style and document version
Technical drawings	Shows the garment from all necessary angles
Construction details	Explains seams, stitching and assembly
Bill of Materials	Lists every fabric, trim and component
Colourways	Defines each approved product colour
Measurement chart	Establishes garment dimensions
Grading	Shows how measurements change by size
Tolerances	Defines acceptable production variation
Artwork	Specifies prints, embroidery and placement
Labels	Defines branding and care-label requirements
Packaging	Explains folding, bags, boxes and carton packing
Sample comments	Records corrections and approvals
Revision history	Identifies the latest approved document

Let us build each section properly.

1. Create the Cover Page

The first page should make the product immediately identifiable.

Include:

Brand name
Product category
Style name
Style reference or SKU
Season or collection
Sample size
Size range
Designer or product developer
Manufacturer
Creation date
Latest revision date
Version number
Product image or main technical drawing

Example

Brand: North Archive
Style: Oversized Heavyweight T-Shirt
Reference: NA-TS-001
Season: Spring/Summer 2027
Sample size: Medium
Size range: XS–XXL
Version: V3
Revision date: 6 August 2026

Every product should have a unique style reference.

Avoid using only names such as:

Black hoodie
New T-shirt
Oversized style
Sample number two

These descriptions become confusing when the collection expands.

2. Add Technical Flat Drawings

Technical drawings—also called fashion flats—show the garment as a flat, proportionate product rather than as an artistic fashion illustration.

They should normally be:

Clear
Clean
Black and white
Proportionate
Drawn without dramatic poses
Detailed enough to show construction

Techpacker recommends showing the garment from several necessary angles, including front, back, side, internal and close-up views where appropriate.

Include at least:

Front view
Back view

Add when necessary:

Side view
Inside view
Hood detail
Pocket detail
Collar detail
Cuff detail
Waistband detail
Zip construction
Label positions
Lining
Reversible side
Detachable parts

The drawing should show details such as:

Seam placement
Panels
Pockets
Darts
Pleats
Ribbing
Topstitching
Fastenings
Drawcords
Embroidery
Print positions
Hem shape
Collar construction

Technical Drawing Example: T-Shirt

A T-shirt flat may show:

Front

Ribbed crew neck
Drop shoulder
Set-in sleeve
Oversized body
Straight hem
Small chest embroidery

Back

Centre-back main label
Large printed artwork
Twin-needle sleeve and bottom hems

Detail views

Neck rib construction
Shoulder seam
Inside neck tape
Embroidery placement
Care-label position

Do not rely on arrows without written explanations.

Every callout should clearly identify what the arrow refers to.

3. Write a Product Description

Add a concise technical summary beneath the cover or technical drawings.

The description should explain the overall garment before the manufacturer reads the detailed pages.

Example

Oversized unisex short-sleeve T-shirt made from 100% cotton heavyweight single jersey. The style features dropped shoulders, a wide ribbed crew neck, internal shoulder-to-shoulder neck tape, a straight bottom hem and twin-needle stitching at the sleeves and hem. Small embroidery at the left chest and screen-printed artwork at the centre back.

This description establishes the product category and main features.

Avoid subjective instructions such as:

Make it look premium
It should feel expensive
Make the shoulders cool
We want luxury quality
Make it similar to this brand

Translate those ambitions into measurable product decisions.

4. Build the Bill of Materials

The Bill of Materials, usually called the BOM, lists everything required to manufacture and deliver the product.

It is essentially the garment’s ingredient list.

A clothing BOM can include fabrics, thread, buttons, zips, elastic, labels, hardware and packaging.

A typical BOM should identify:

Component
Description
Material
Composition
Weight or dimension
Colour
Supplier
Supplier reference
Placement
Quantity per garment
Approval status
Notes

Example BOM

Component	Specification	Colour	Placement
Main fabric	100% cotton single jersey, 280 GSM	Pantone 19-0303 TCX	Full body
Neck rib	97% cotton, 3% elastane, 2×1 rib	Matching body	Collar
Sewing thread	Polyester core-spun thread	Matching body	All seams
Main label	Woven damask, 50 × 20 mm	Black and white	Centre-back neck
Size label	Woven label, 12 × 12 mm	Black and white	Below main label
Care label	Satin printed label	Black on white	Inside left side seam
Hang tag	350 GSM recycled card	Black	Attached at neck
Packaging bag	Recycled transparent polybag	Clear	One per garment

5. Specify the Main Fabric

“Cotton” is not a complete fabric specification.

At minimum, include:

Fibre composition
Fabric construction
GSM
Colour
Finish
Stretch requirement
Supplier or reference, when known

Example

100% combed cotton compact single jersey, 280 GSM, enzyme washed, pre-shrunk, low-pilling finish.

For blended fabrics, provide the complete composition:

80% organic cotton, 20% recycled polyester brushed fleece, 380 GSM.

For woven products:

98% cotton, 2% elastane woven twill, 280 GSM.

For performance products, you may also need to specify:

Four-way stretch
Moisture management
Breathability
Water resistance
Abrasion resistance
UV protection
Recovery
Pilling standard

Do not copy a technical claim from another garment unless you genuinely require and can test it.

6. Add Accurate Colour References

Descriptions such as “dark beige,” “warm cream” and “luxury green” are open to interpretation.

Use an established colour reference wherever possible.

For textile products, brands commonly use Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors cotton references identified by the TCX suffix.

Example

Black: Pantone 19-0303 TCX
Off-white: Pantone 11-0602 TCX
Sand: Pantone 14-1118 TCX

Digital colour displays are not reliable final production standards. Pantone itself warns that colours shown on a screen are simulations and should be visually evaluated using its physical colour publications.

For critical colours:

Send a physical Pantone reference
Request a lab dip
Review the colour under controlled lighting
Approve the physical sample before bulk production

Do not approve a fabric colour based only on an email attachment.

7. Define Every Colourway

A colourway page should show the complete product in each approved colour combination.

For every colourway, specify:

Main fabric colour
Rib colour
Stitching colour
Zip colour
Button colour
Print colour
Embroidery colour
Label colour
Drawcord colour
Hardware finish

Example

Colourway 1: Washed Black

Body: Pantone 19-0303 TCX
Rib: Matching body
Thread: Matching body
Chest embroidery: Off-white
Back print: Off-white
Main label: Black with off-white lettering

Colourway 2: Natural

Body: Pantone 11-0602 TCX
Rib: Matching body
Thread: Matching body
Chest embroidery: Black
Back print: Black
Main label: Natural with black lettering

Do not assume that “matching” always produces the same result across fabric, ribbing, thread and zips.

Different materials absorb dye differently.

8. Add Construction Instructions

Construction details explain how the product should be assembled.

Use technical callouts on the drawings and add close-up diagrams when necessary.

Specify:

Seam type
Stitch type
Topstitching
Seam allowance
Stitch count
Reinforcement
Binding
Facing
Lining attachment
Edge finishing
Hem construction
Bartacks
Fastening application

Example Construction Notes for a T-Shirt

Four-thread overlock at shoulder and side seams
Shoulder-to-shoulder internal neck tape
2×1 rib collar
Collar attached with overlock and single-needle topstitch
Twin-needle cover stitch at sleeves and bottom hem
Side seams
Main label centred at inside back neck
Care label inserted into left side seam
Ends secured cleanly with no loose threads

Example Construction Notes for Sweatpants

Elasticated waistband with internal drawcord
Two side-entry pockets
One back patch pocket
Reinforced pocket openings
Ribbed ankle cuffs
Four-thread overlock internal seams
Cover stitch around waistband
Bartacks at pocket openings
Eyelets positioned symmetrically

A technical drawing should show exactly where each instruction applies.

9. Create the Measurement Specification

The measurement chart—also called the spec sheet—defines the finished garment dimensions.

It tells the pattern maker and manufacturer how the approved product should measure.

A measurement table should normally include:

Point of Measurement
Measurement method
Sample size
Measurements for each size
Positive tolerance
Negative tolerance

Techpacker’s current measurement structure includes Points of Measurement, size specifications and acceptable tolerances.

Example T-Shirt Measurement Chart

Point of Measurement	XS	S	M	L	XL	Tolerance
Chest, 2.5 cm below armhole	53	55	57	59	61	±1 cm
Body length from HPS	67	69	71	73	75	±1 cm
Shoulder width	51	53	55	57	59	±0.7 cm
Sleeve length	21	22	23	24	25	±0.7 cm
Sleeve opening	19	20	21	22	23	±0.5 cm
Bottom opening	53	55	57	59	61	±1 cm
Neck width	18	18.5	19	19.5	20	±0.5 cm
Front neck drop	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	±0.5 cm

All measurements above are illustrative only.

The correct measurements depend on your actual product and approved sample.

10. Explain How Every Measurement Is Taken

A measurement name alone can still be interpreted differently.

For example, “chest” could mean:

Directly below the armhole
2.5 cm below the armhole
Around the complete body
Half circumference
Measured flat
Measured under tension

Create a Points of Measurement diagram using numbered arrows.

Example

POM 01 — Chest width: Measure straight across the garment, 2.5 cm below the underarm seam, with the garment laid flat and relaxed.

POM 02 — Body length: Measure from the High Point Shoulder beside the collar seam to the bottom edge.

POM 03 — Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder seam to the finished sleeve edge.

The diagram and measurement table should use the same POM numbers.

11. Add Grading Rules

Grading determines how the garment changes from one size to another.

Do not simply add the same amount to every measurement.

Different parts of the garment may require different increments.

For example:

Chest: +2 cm per size
Body length: +2 cm per size
Shoulder: +1.5 cm per size
Sleeve length: +1 cm per size
Neck width: +0.5 cm per size

The grade should preserve the intended silhouette across the complete size range.

An oversized medium should not become a narrow extra-small or an excessively long XXL merely because the measurements were scaled mechanically.

When possible, review a size set before bulk production.

12. Define Measurement Tolerances

Bulk production cannot always reproduce every measurement to the exact millimetre.

Tolerance defines the acceptable difference between the requested measurement and the finished garment.

Example

Requested chest width: 57 cm
Tolerance: ±1 cm
Acceptable result: 56–58 cm

Tolerances should be realistic and should not be identical for every measurement.

A small collar measurement may require a tighter tolerance than a large garment circumference.

Quality-control teams can compare finished measurements against the approved specification and identify dimensions falling outside the permitted range.

Do not use an excessively large tolerance to make an unstable product appear acceptable.

13. Specify Prints and Artwork

Create a separate page for each print.

Include:

Artwork name
Artwork reference
Technique
Final dimensions
Placement
Colours
Pantone references
Orientation
File name
Scale
Approval status

Example

Artwork: Rear Mountain Graphic
Reference: ART-002
Technique: Water-based screen print
Dimensions: 32 cm wide × 39 cm high
Placement: Centre back, 7 cm below collar seam
Colour: Pantone Black C
File: NA_ART002_BACK_PRINT_V4.ai

Submit Production-Ready Artwork

Preferred files often include:

Adobe Illustrator
EPS
Vector PDF
SVG
High-resolution transparent PNG when appropriate

Do not send:

Screenshots
Compressed messaging-app images
Photographs of a laptop screen
Artwork copied from social media
Low-resolution JPEGs
Mock-ups without separate artwork files

The mock-up shows the visual intention.

The artwork file is what the manufacturer uses for production.

14. Define Embroidery Correctly

Embroidery requires different information from printing.

Include:

Final width and height
Exact placement
Thread colours
Pantone or thread references
Stitch direction when important
Maximum number of colours
Backing requirements
2D, 3D or appliqué technique
Approved embroidery sample

Very small text, thin lines and gradients may not reproduce accurately in embroidery.

The design may need to be simplified before digitization.

Example

Technique: Flat embroidery
Size: 65 mm wide
Position: Left chest, 90 mm below HPS and 85 mm from centre front
Colours: Two thread colours
File: NA_LOGO_CHEST_V2.ai

15. Add Branding and Label Specifications

Do not simply write “add our labels.”

Create a specification for every label.

Main label

Specify:

Material
Construction
Width
Height
Fold type
Background colour
Text or logo colour
Position
Attachment method

Size label

Specify:

Dimensions
Material
Size text
Position
Orientation

Care and composition label

Include:

Fibre composition
Care instructions
Country of manufacture when required
Company or responsible-party information
Product reference
Language requirements
Certification information when applicable

Hang tag

Specify:

Card material
Dimensions
Printing
Hole position
Cord
Safety pin or attachment
Placement

Example Label Page

Main label

Woven damask
50 mm × 20 mm
Centre-fold construction
Black ground
Off-white logo
Sewn at inside centre-back neck

Size label

Woven damask
12 mm × 12 mm
Inserted below main label
Black ground with off-white size text

Care label

White satin
30 mm × 70 mm
Black print
Inserted into inside left side seam, 10 cm above bottom hem

Add the artwork for each label as a separate file.

16. Specify Trims and Accessories

Trims can include:

Buttons
Zips
Snaps
Drawcords
Eyelets
Elastic
Buckles
Rivets
Metal plates
Patches
Velcro
Cord ends

For every trim, provide:

Material
Colour
Finish
Dimensions
Supplier reference
Quantity
Position
Branding
Reference image

Example

Zip: Two-way metal zip, size 5, antique silver finish, black cotton tape, branded rectangular puller.

“Silver zip” is not detailed enough.

17. Add Packaging Instructions

Packaging affects presentation, storage, shipping and product protection.

Specify:

Folding method
Garment bag
Tissue paper
Stickers
Hang-tag placement
Barcode
Size sticker
Box
Carton quantities
Carton dimensions
Carton markings

Example

Steam and inspect garment.
Fold sleeves toward the back.
Fold garment once horizontally.
Insert into recycled transparent bag.
Apply size sticker to bottom-right corner.
Place 20 garments of one size per carton.
Protect each colourway from transfer or contamination.

Include a folding diagram when presentation is important.

18. Add Quality Requirements

Define any mandatory quality criteria before production.

These may include:

Shrinkage limits
Colourfastness
Pilling resistance
Seam strength
Print durability
Embroidery appearance
Measurement tolerance
Needle detection
Metal detection
Restricted-substance compliance
Fabric certification
Wash testing

Do not write “high quality.”

Define what quality means for the specific product.

Example

No visible oil marks
No loose threads longer than 5 mm
No skipped stitches
Symmetrical embroidery
Print centred within ±5 mm
Main label centred within ±3 mm
Measurements within approved tolerances
No shade variation within the same garment
Garment free from holes, stains and fabric defects

19. Include Reference Images Carefully

Reference photographs can be useful for:

Fit
Wash
Texture
Pocket shape
Stitching
Hardware
Finishing
General proportion

Add written callouts explaining exactly which feature should be referenced.

Bad instruction

Make it exactly like this hoodie.

Better instruction

Reference image used only for the hood volume and front overlap. Do not copy the pocket, drawcord, body fit or stitching.

Reference images should clarify your original product—not replace the design process or encourage copying another brand.

20. Record Sample Comments

The tech pack should evolve throughout sampling.

After receiving a sample, create a clear comments page.

For each correction, include:

Comment number
Photograph
Current result
Required correction
Measurement difference
Approval status

Example

Comment 01 — Body length

Current sample: 74 cm
Required measurement: 71 cm
Correction: Reduce body length by 3 cm, maintaining the existing bottom-hem depth.

Comment 02 — Collar

Current result: Collar appears loose and rippled.
Correction: Increase rib recovery and reduce finished neck opening according to the revised measurement chart.

Comment 03 — Back print

Current position: 4 cm below collar.
Approved position: 7 cm below collar.
Correction: Move print down by 3 cm.

Avoid comments such as:

Looks wrong
Make it nicer
Fit is strange
Print is too weird
Please improve quality

Explain the observable problem and the required solution.

21. Control Tech Pack Versions

Every important revision should create a new version.

Example

V1 — Initial quotation
V2 — Updated fabric and measurements
V3 — First-sample comments
V4 — Approved pre-production specification
V5 — Final bulk-production version

Version control prevents the factory from accidentally using an outdated measurement chart, artwork file or material specification.

Current tech-pack platforms allow brands to lock document versions and share the approved version with manufacturers.

Use consistent file names:

BRAND_STYLE_DOCUMENT_VERSION_DATE

Example

NA_TS001_TECHPACK_V5_2026-08-06.pdf

Never send multiple documents named:

Final.pdf
Final-new.pdf
Final-final.pdf
Final-corrected-last.pdf

Recommended Tech Pack File Structure

Organize the project folder clearly.

Main folder

NA_TS001_OVERSIZED_TSHIRT

Subfolders

01_TECH_PACK
02_ARTWORK
03_LABELS
04_REFERENCE_IMAGES
05_SAMPLE_COMMENTS
06_APPROVALS

Example files

NA_TS001_TECHPACK_V5.pdf
NA_TS001_FRONT_EMBROIDERY_V2.ai
NA_TS001_BACK_PRINT_V4.ai
NA_MAIN_LABEL_V3.ai
NA_CARE_LABEL_EN_PT_V2.ai
NA_TS001_SAMPLE_COMMENTS_V2.pdf

A manufacturer should be able to identify the correct file without opening ten attachments.

Can You Create a Tech Pack in Excel?

Yes.

A basic tech pack can be created with:

Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Canva for simple layouts
Specialized fashion product-development software

Excel is particularly useful for:

Measurements
BOMs
Size breakdowns
Costing
Grading
Quantity tables

Illustrator is useful for:

Technical drawings
Artwork
Label files
Placement diagrams

Specialized tech-pack and PLM platforms can combine sketches, materials, measurements, costing, comments and version control in one environment.

The software matters less than the clarity and accuracy of the information.

Can You Create a Tech Pack Without Being a Designer?

Yes, but you still need technical information.

A founder can begin by preparing:

Product references
Desired measurements
Fabric specifications
Colours
Artwork
Labels
Quantity
Target market
Product description

A technical designer can then convert those decisions into:

Accurate flat drawings
Measurement charts
Construction instructions
BOM tables
Factory-ready files

Do not hire someone to “create a tech pack” when you have not yet decided what the product should be.

A technical designer can document and develop your idea.

They cannot make every commercial and creative decision for you without direction.

Example Tech Pack Structure for a T-Shirt

A complete T-shirt tech pack could include:

Page 1 — Cover

Brand
Style name
Reference
Collection
Version
Sample size

Page 2 — Technical drawings

Front
Back
Side
Collar detail

Page 3 — Product description

Fit
Fabric
Main features
Construction summary

Page 4 — Bill of Materials

Main fabric
Rib
Thread
Labels
Packaging

Page 5 — Colourways

Black
White
Sand
Artwork colours

Page 6 — Construction

Seams
Stitching
Neck tape
Hems

Page 7 — Measurements

XS–XXL
POM descriptions
Tolerances

Page 8 — Measurement diagram

Numbered POM arrows
Measuring instructions

Page 9 — Artwork

Front embroidery
Back print
Dimensions
Positions

Page 10 — Labels

Main label
Size label
Care label
Hang tag

Page 11 — Packaging

Folding
Bag
Size sticker
Carton packing

Page 12 — Sample comments

Corrections
Approvals
Revision status

Information a Manufacturer Needs for an Accurate Quotation

A tech pack explains the product, but the manufacturer normally needs additional commercial information.

Provide:

1. Product documentation

Tech pack
Reference samples
Artwork
Label files

2. Quantities

State:

Total units per style
Units per colour
Approximate size breakdown

3. Deadline

Explain:

Required sample date
Required production-delivery date
Planned launch date

4. Target production price

When possible, state the maximum workable production price per design.

A manufacturer may otherwise propose materials and construction that are technically excellent but commercially incompatible with your retail model.

5. Delivery destination

Provide:

Country
City
Postal code
Required commercial terms when known

A quotation based on “approximately 100–1,000 units” will not be as useful as a quotation based on a realistic initial order.

Common Tech Pack Mistakes

1. Using Only Mood Boards

A mood board does not include the information needed to make a pattern or calculate material consumption.

2. Missing Back Views

The factory should not guess how the back of the garment is constructed.

3. No Fabric Weight

“Premium cotton” is not a technical specification.

4. No Measurement Chart

Without measurements, the factory must create the fit based on its own assumptions.

5. No Tolerances

Quality control cannot determine which measurement variations are acceptable.

6. Inconsistent Colours

Using different colour names and references across several pages creates avoidable errors.

7. Artwork Without Dimensions

A logo shown on a mock-up does not communicate its real production size.

8. Missing Label Positions

“Custom labels included” does not explain how or where they should be attached.

9. Contradictory Instructions

The drawing, BOM, measurement chart and written notes must describe the same product.

10. Sending Outdated Files

Always identify one approved production version.

11. Copying Another Product

A reference photograph is not a substitute for original product specifications.

12. Adding Unnecessary Information

A tech pack should be complete but easy to navigate.

Do not fill it with decorative pages that the factory must search through to find essential instructions.

Factory-Ready Tech Pack Checklist

Before sending the file, confirm that it includes:

Product information

Brand name
Style name
Style reference
Version
Date
Sample size
Size range

Drawings

Front
Back
Additional necessary views
Construction callouts
Detail diagrams

Materials

Fabric composition
Fabric construction
GSM
Colour references
Ribbing
Thread
Trims
Hardware

Measurements

Points of Measurement
Measurement method
Sample-size measurements
Full size range
Grading
Tolerances

Artwork

Production-ready vector files
Final dimensions
Exact positions
Technique
Colour references

Branding

Main label
Size label
Care label
Hang tag
Position and attachment

Packaging

Folding
Individual packaging
Stickers
Barcodes
Carton packing

Commercial information

Quantity per style
Quantity per colour
Deadline
Delivery destination
Target production price

File control

Version number
Latest revision date
Consistent file names
One approved production document

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a clothing tech pack cost?

The cost depends on the garment’s complexity and the level of product development required.

A simple T-shirt tech pack will normally cost less than documentation for a technical jacket, tailored suit or performance garment.

Pattern development, artwork creation and sampling may be charged separately.

How many pages should a tech pack have?

There is no mandatory number.

A basic T-shirt may require approximately 8–12 clear pages. A complex product may require considerably more.

The objective is not to produce the longest document.

It is to include every instruction necessary to manufacture the product correctly.

Does a tech pack include the pattern?

Not necessarily.

A tech pack explains the product specification.

The pattern is the set of shapes used to cut and construct the garment.

Some brands provide both. In other cases, the manufacturer develops the pattern from the tech pack and approved measurements.

Does a tech pack include grading?

It should include measurements for the intended size range or clear grading rules.

A base-size measurement chart alone does not fully explain how every production size should fit.

Can a factory create the tech pack?

Some manufacturers offer product-development services and may create or complete technical documentation.

However, the brand must still communicate the desired fit, materials, colours, details, quantity, target price and deadline.

Can I send a physical sample instead?

A physical reference sample is extremely useful.

It can help communicate:

Fit
Construction
Fabric
Washing
Finishing

The tech pack should explain which aspects of the sample should be copied, changed or ignored.

Do I need Pantone colours?

Pantone references are strongly recommended for custom textile colours, prints and embroidery.

A physical colour approval or lab dip may still be required because screen colours do not reliably represent the final textile result.

Should measurements be in centimetres or inches?

Either can work, provided one system is used consistently and clearly identified throughout the document.

For European manufacturing, centimetres are commonly used.

Do I need a tech pack for private label blanks?

A complete cut-and-sew tech pack may not be necessary when you are selecting an existing product.

You should still provide clear artwork files, dimensions, placement, colour references, labels, quantities and packaging instructions.

When is the tech pack final?

The document normally develops throughout sampling.

The final bulk-production version should include every approved correction and should be clearly identified as the current production specification.

Final Answer: What Makes a Good Tech Pack?

A good tech pack removes assumptions.

It clearly communicates:

What the garment looks like
What it is made from
How it is constructed
How it should measure
How it should be branded
How the finished product will be evaluated

The manufacturer should not have to guess the fabric weight, fit, artwork dimensions, label positions or acceptable measurements.

The more accurately you define the product, the more accurately a factory can assess feasibility, prepare a quotation and develop the first sample.

Start with a clear design.

Turn every visual decision into a technical instruction.

Keep the document organized.

Record every revision.

Then send the manufacturer one clearly approved version.

Private Label Clothes allows emerging brands to create customizable T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants and shorts in Portugal using established products, custom artwork and branded labels.

For fully custom projects, prepare complete technical documentation together with realistic quantities, deadlines and commercial targets before requesting production analysis.

Choose the right level of product development and start building your collection professionally.