What key contents should Tech Pack contain?

I once felt uncertain about Tech Pack¹ details. Problems kept appearing, and frustration grew. I realized proper guidance was the only solution. Now, I help peers avoid these pitfalls, so they can focus on creating good products.

A complete Tech Pack includes a spec sheet with sizes and tolerances, detailed construction steps, clear illustrations, a Bill of Materials (BOM)², and packaging instructions. It also provides a standard template. This structured document speeds communication between brands and factories, reduces misinterpretation risks, and ensures accuracy from design to production.

I learned this lesson when I first launched a new dress line. The constant back-and-forth made me pause. I dug deeper into Tech Pack essentials. My findings saved me time and headaches. Let me share them with you now.

What is Tech Pack? What is its role in apparel product development?

I realized many designers skip Tech Packs, focusing only on drawings. That mistake leads to gaps in communication. Without a clear document, details get lost, causing production delays.

A Tech Pack is a structured document that unites design, materials, measurements, and production details. Its role is to standardize communication among teams. It ensures that factories understand exact specifications, preventing mistakes caused by unclear instructions or missing data.

Dress Pattern CAD

Why is Tech Pack a "language unification tool" between brands and factories?

I see Tech Pack as a bridge. It has all details in a common format. Factories and designers interpret the same info. That limits misunderstandings, speeds up processes, and lessens repeated clarifications.

Tech Pack is not only a design drawing, but also a guide document for production execution

I emphasize that a Tech Pack addresses questions beyond sketches. It shows how to cut, sew, and finish a garment. This clarity helps streamline workflows. It also enables faster onboarding of new workers.

Spec Sheet: Basic size and tolerance range must be clearly stated

I once produced dresses without a complete spec sheet³. That led to incorrect measurements. I saw the chaos it caused. Now, I always advise precise measurement tables.

The spec sheet must show every dimension, such as length, chest circumference, and sleeve length, with defined tolerances. This eliminates guesswork and builds consistency. Factories cannot correct unclear data. So a detailed spec sheet prevents money loss and delays.

What key part sizes should be listed? (Such as length, chest circumference, shoulder width, sleeve length, etc.?)

I suggest starting with the core garment measurements. That includes body length, chest, waist, hips, shoulder width, sleeve length, and collar circumference. Each measurement ensures the final product meets design expectations.

How to mark the size of finished garments, sample sizes and tolerance ranges?

I list the dimensions for each size, like S, M, L. I also set tolerances (±1 cm). Sample sizes offer a reference. Factories need these clear distinctions. That reduces confusion when scaling patterns.

Construction Details: From sewing method to pressing line, nothing can be vague

I once received samples with uneven stitching. The factory asked for clarity. That taught me to document every stitch type and seam method. Then I avoided surprises.

Clear construction details specify stitch type, seam allowance, and pressing techniques. Written instructions leave no room for guessing. Factories rely on these guidelines to produce consistent garments. Without them, small mistakes multiply, causing flawed results.

How to describe the stitching method, hemming method, stitch density, etc. in Tech Pack?

I detail each seam with naming conventions. For example: “1 cm double-needle topstitch.” I note hemming instructions like “overlock + single-fold hem.” Stitch density, such as 8–10 stitches per inch, appears in the document.

Recommendations for the standardization of common terms, such as "1cm double needle visible stitch"/"three-thread overlock + overlock"

I maintain a glossary to unify terms. This table highlights preferred language and examples:

Illustrations and structural diagrams (process diagrams): Make images more convincing than words

I used to rely on text alone. Factories missed key points. Now I see that diagrams speak louder. Simple visuals clear up big misunderstandings.

Include front, back, and zoomed views in Tech Packs. Process diagrams show the assembly flow. This saves factory staff from guesswork. Visual details prevent mistakes by showing how parts connect. A well-labeled diagram outperforms descriptive text alone.

Do you need a front view, back view, or detailed enlarged view? How to express the hierarchy?

I usually add front, back, and side sketches. For complex areas, I add enlarged zoom-ins. Labels appear in layers, highlighting construction order. Arrows point to seams or special points.

Can process flow charts and local structural diagrams improve communication efficiency?

I’ve witnessed factories complete tasks faster when they see a clear flow chart. Local structural diagrams guide them step by step. This reduces repetition and shortens production cycles.

List of materials (BOM): The more detailed the raw material information is, the more errors can be prevented

I once received the wrong fabric composition because the BOM was vague. That forced me to reorder everything, losing time and money. I now detail every material.

A full BOM lists fabric composition, weight, width, supplier info, and more. It also includes accessories like zippers and buttons. Detailed listings protect from misdelivery or mismatched materials. Factories need these specifics to buy correct components.

What information should the BOM include? (Fabric composition, gram weight, width, supplier, etc.)

I always write fabric composition (e.g., 100% cotton), weight (e.g., 120 gsm), width (e.g., 58 inches), and color codes. Supplier info is also there. This helps trace materials if issues arise.

Should the auxiliary materials (zippers, buttons, linings) be accompanied by physical pictures or numbers?

I think pictures help avoid mix-ups. If not possible, I detail product codes, color names, or item numbers. Factories need any reference that leaves no confusion.

Packaging and tag instructions: Don't ignore the most "error-prone" link

I once overlooked the packaging step. Tags were misplaced. Buyers complained. I realized the Tech Pack must clarify all packaging details to avoid last-minute confusion.

Packaging instructions specify folding methods, bag types, and label positions. The Tech Pack also states if the washing label matches online data. These details keep brand consistency. A small mistake can ruin the buyer's first impression.

What packaging requirements should the Tech Pack explain? Folding method, plastic bag specifications, tag location, etc.?

I list fold dimensions, bag thickness, and label insertion points. This removes guesswork for the factory. Ensuring uniform packaging prevents wrinkles and rework. It also supports brand presentation standards.

Does the tag/washing label content need to be synchronized with the e-commerce information?

Online product data should match the actual garment label. Mismatched information causes buyer confusion. A properly updated Tech Pack closes any gap.

Standard template suggestions: What page structures does a qualified Tech Pack usually contain?

I found that standard templates keep my team organized. Each page is dedicated to key content. I avoid scattering crucial data across multiple files.

A thorough Tech Pack often starts with a cover page, then a design page, followed by a dimension table, process drawings, the BOM, and a packaging page. Uniform page structure helps factories jump directly to needed info, boosting efficiency and reducing back-and-forth communication.

Recommended page structure: cover page, design page, dimension table, process drawing, BOM, packaging page

I use a one-page-per-topic approach. The cover page shows project name and contact. The design page has sketches or reference images. The dimension table clarifies measurements. Process drawings show sewing steps. The BOM lists materials, and the packaging page wraps it all up.

What are the advantages of using Excel, Illustrator, PLM system or AI template?

Excel offers easy data entry. Illustrator is great for visuals. PLM systems keep everything in one place with version control. AI templates can speed up repetitive tasks. I choose the tool that best fits the team’s workflow.

Conclusion

Tech Packs are the backbone of precise communication. They unify design, specifications, and instructions into one reference. This saves time, cuts errors, and ensures a smoother production process.