What Is a Tech Pack? A Clothing Founder's Guide
When you approach a manufacturer, the first thing they'll ask for is a tech pack. It's the blueprint that tells a factory exactly how to make your garment — and a vague one is the fastest route to a sample that looks nothing like what you pictured.
What a Tech Pack Includes
| Section | What it specifies |
|---|---|
| Flat sketch | The garment from all sides |
| Measurements | Points of measure + grading |
| Materials / BOM | Fabric, trims, thread |
| Construction | Stitches, seams, finishes |
| Labels / packaging | Tags, care labels, folding |
| Colorways | Each color version |
Notes
A tech pack removes guesswork. Factories don't design — they build to spec. Anything you leave out, they'll decide for you, and rarely the way you'd want. The more precise the tech pack, the closer your first sample lands and the less costly back-and-forth you pay for.
Measurements and grading matter most. The 'points of measure' and how they scale across sizes (grading) directly determine fit — and fit determines returns. This is where sloppy tech packs quietly cost you: a garment that runs off from the spec produces exactly the wrong-size returns your size chart is meant to prevent.
You don't have to draw it yourself. If you can't produce flat sketches, a freelance apparel designer or tech-pack specialist can turn your reference garments and notes into a proper spec affordably. It's one of the highest-leverage early spends because it prevents expensive sampling mistakes.
Version it. Your tech pack will change across sampling rounds. Label versions and dates so you and the factory are always working from the same one — mismatched versions cause errors that look like the factory's fault but started with unclear paperwork.
FAQs
What is a tech pack in clothing?
A tech pack is the technical blueprint of a garment — flat sketches, measurements and grading, a bill of materials (fabric and trims), construction details, labels, and colorways. Manufacturers build to it, so anything it leaves out, the factory decides for you.
Do I need a tech pack to work with a manufacturer?
Almost always, yes. Serious factories require one because they build to spec rather than design. A clear tech pack gets you a closer first sample, fewer costly revisions, and a garment that matches the size chart you'll publish.
How do I make a tech pack without design skills?
Hire a freelance apparel designer or tech-pack specialist to turn your reference garments, measurements, and notes into a proper spec. It's an affordable, high-leverage early investment because it prevents expensive sampling and fit mistakes down the line.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.