Production
What Is a Tech Pack? A Complete Guide for Clothing Brands
A tech pack is the blueprint for your garment. It tells a manufacturer exactly how to make your product: every measurement, fabric, colour, print, label and stitch. A good one gets you accurate samples faster and protects you from expensive mistakes in bulk.
Why tech packs matter
Without a tech pack, a factory has to guess. Guesses lead to wrong fits, prints in the wrong spot, colours that don't match, and extra sample rounds that cost time and money. With a clear tech pack, your manufacturer can quote accurately, sample correctly, and reproduce the same garment every time you reorder.
What to include in a tech pack
1. Technical flats (front, back and side)
Flat line drawings of the garment showing seams, pockets, ribbing, drawcords, zips and any construction details. These aren't fashion illustrations; they're clean diagrams that show how the piece is built.
2. Measurement spec sheet
A table of measurements for every size: body length, chest width, shoulder, sleeve length, cuff, hem, hood height and so on. Include the point of measure (where each measurement is taken) and a tolerance, for example ±1 cm. For streetwear, this is where your oversized or boxy fit lives, so be specific.
3. Fabric and trims (bill of materials)
- Main fabric: composition (e.g. 100% cotton or 80/20 cotton-poly), construction (fleece, French terry, jersey) and weight in GSM.
- Rib for cuffs, hem and collar.
- Trims: zips, drawcords, aglets, eyelets, snaps.
- Thread colour.
Not sure what weight to choose? See our heavyweight hoodie GSM guide.
4. Colours
Give colour references a factory can match, such as Pantone codes, or send a physical swatch. Screens show colour differently, so "dark green" on your phone may not be what you get. For important colours, ask for a lab dip (a small dyed fabric sample) before bulk.
5. Artwork and placement
For every graphic: the artwork file (vector for screen print and embroidery), the decoration method, the size in cm or inches, and the exact placement, measured from a fixed point like the collar seam or centre front. Note any special techniques: puff, high density, rhinestones, distressing. Our print methods guide helps you choose.
6. Labels, tags and packaging
- Main woven label or neck print: size, position, artwork.
- Care and content label: required wording for the markets you sell in.
- Hang tags and how they attach.
- Folding method, poly bags, stickers and carton marks.
7. Construction notes
Stitch types (single needle, coverstitch, flatlock), seam finishes, raw or folded hems, and any washes or garment treatments such as acid wash, garment dye or enzyme wash.
Tech pack checklist
- Front, back and side flats
- Size range and full measurement chart with tolerances
- Fabric composition, construction and GSM
- Rib, trims and thread colour
- Pantone or physical colour references
- Artwork files, method, size and placement for every graphic
- Labels, hang tags and packaging details
- Stitching, hems and wash or treatment notes
- Reference photos of garments you like
Common tech pack mistakes
- Missing points of measure: "length 72 cm" means nothing without saying where it's measured from.
- Low-resolution artwork: send vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) for screen print and embroidery.
- Vague colour descriptions: use codes or swatches, not words.
- No reference garment: if you love the fit of a hoodie you own, send it or measure it. It's often the fastest route to the right fit.
Don't have a tech pack? You can still start.
Plenty of first-time brands come to a manufacturer with sketches, mood boards or a garment they like. A good streetwear factory will help you turn that into a spec. At Fast Tech Clothing, we regularly help clients spec hoodies, tees and sets from references before sampling.
Send us your tech pack, or your idea
Share designs, references or a full tech pack and we'll come back with pricing, MOQ and a lead time. No tech pack? We'll help you spec it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tech pack in fashion?
A tech pack is a document that tells a manufacturer exactly how to make a garment. It covers measurements, fabrics, colours, artwork placement, labels, trims and construction details.
Can a manufacturer make clothes without a tech pack?
Yes. Many manufacturers can work from sketches, reference photos or a sample garment and help you build the spec. A tech pack still makes results more accurate and reorders more consistent.
What file format should a tech pack be?
Most tech packs are shared as PDFs, often built in Adobe Illustrator or spreadsheet templates. Artwork for printing or embroidery should be sent separately as vector files.
How detailed does a tech pack need to be?
Detailed enough that someone who has never spoken to you could make the garment correctly. Measurements with points of measure, fabric weight, colour codes and print placement are the essentials.
