How to Make a Tech Pack for Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Brands
A tech pack is the document that turns your design idea into something a factory can build exactly. A good one saves weeks: fewer sample rounds, fewer misunderstandings and a bulk order that matches the sample you approved. A weak one means guessing, and guesses are what cost money. This step-by-step guide shows how to make a clothing tech pack, what to include in each section, and the mistakes that cause the most delays. If you are new to the term, start with our explainer on what a tech pack is.
What a Tech Pack Contains
| Section | What it answers |
|---|---|
| Cover and style info | Style name and number, season, size range, version, date |
| Technical flats | What the garment looks like from front, back and sides |
| Callouts | Which detail is where, such as pocket, zip, rib or seam |
| Bill of materials (BOM) | Every fabric, thread, trim and label, with specifications |
| Measurement chart | Size-by-size measurements with tolerances |
| Construction details | Stitch types, seams, finishes and sewing order |
| Colourways and artwork | Colours, prints, embroidery and where they sit |
| Labels and packing | Branding, care labels, folding, polybag and carton details |
Step 1: Draw Clean Technical Flats
A flat is a simple, line-drawn outline of the garment laid out flat, with no model and no shading. Draw the front and back at least, and add side or detail views where needed. Keep the drawing proportional, and show every seam, pocket, zip and stitch line. You can use free design tools or have a designer draw them. Our published example tech packs show the level of detail that works.
Step 2: Add Numbered Callouts
Number the important details on the flat and explain each one in a list beside it: “1. Kangaroo pocket, bartacked at corners”, “2. Ribbed cuff, 6 cm”. Callouts remove the need for the factory to interpret the drawing.
Step 3: List the Bill of Materials
Write down everything that goes into the garment: main fabric with composition and GSM, rib or lining fabric, thread, zips, buttons, drawcords, labels, hangtags and packaging. For fabrics, always give composition, knit or weave, weight and finish. Our GSM guide explains how to write the weight, and our guides on blends and winter fabrics help you choose.
Step 4: Build the Measurement Chart
List the points of measure for your garment (chest, body length, shoulder, sleeve length and so on) for every size, with a tolerance for each, for example “Β±1 cm”. Start from a base size, then grade up and down. If you don’t have a size chart yet, our free size chart maker can help you produce one.
Step 5: Describe the Construction
- Seam and stitch types (for example overlock, coverstitch, topstitch) and stitches per inch
- How collars, cuffs, hems and pockets are finished
- Reinforcements such as bartacks or tape
- Any special process: washing, brushing, pre-shrinking or garment dye
Step 6: Specify Colours, Prints and Placement
For colours, give a reference such as a Pantone code or a physical swatch. For logos and artwork, give the file, size, colours, technique (print, embroidery, puff or patch) and the exact position, measured from a landmark like the collar or hem.
Step 7: Add Labels, Packaging and Version Control
Show label positions and content (brand, size, fibre composition, care and origin where required), how the garment should be folded, and how it is packed. Finally, add a version number and date to every page and update it with every change, so nobody builds from an old file.
Common Tech Pack Mistakes
- Vague fabric descriptions such as “soft cotton” instead of composition, GSM and finish.
- No tolerances on measurements or GSM.
- Photos instead of flats. A picture of a garment does not show seams or construction.
- Missing placement details for logos and labels.
- Old versions in circulation because changes were sent by chat and never recorded.
Don’t Have a Full Tech Pack Yet?
Many first-time brands start with a sketch, a reference garment and a few measurements, and develop the tech pack together with the factory during sampling. That works, and it is a good way to learn. If you are deciding how to start, read our blank vs custom cut-and-sew guide. Sampling at Blaze Garments starts from a 1-set MOQ, and production from around 50 pieces per style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tech pack to order from a clothing manufacturer?
It is strongly recommended, but not always required for a first order. A sketch, reference garment and measurements can be enough to start sampling, and the tech pack can be built from the approved sample.
Can I make a tech pack myself?
Yes. You can build one in a spreadsheet or design tool using the sections above. The important part is clear flats, a complete bill of materials and a measurement chart with tolerances.
How long does it take to create a tech pack?
A simple garment like a T-shirt can take a few hours if you have the details ready. A complex style with many components takes longer, and it usually needs a sample round to confirm it.
Ready to turn your design into a sample? Start your private label project or send a wholesale inquiry, and attach whatever you have.