How to Create Factory-Ready Tech Packs

A tech pack is the single most important document you'll hand to a manufacturer. Get it wrong, and you're looking at sample delays, miscommunication, and wasted money. Get it right, and production moves fast. Here's how to create one that actually works.

What Is a Tech Pack?

A tech pack (technical package) is a blueprint for your garment. It tells the manufacturer everything they need to know to produce your product—without you on a call explaining things every five minutes. Think of it as the instruction manual for your clothing.

Most founders skip this or half-ass it because they think their sketch is enough. It's not. Factories work with hundreds of clients. They need detailed, standardized documentation to produce what you actually want.

The Essential Components

1. Technical Flat Sketches

These are 2D line drawings of your garment—front, back, and any detail views needed. No shading, no color, just clean lines showing every seam, stitch, and construction detail. Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard, but you can also use free tools like Canva or hire a freelancer on Upwork.

2. Detailed Measurements (Spec Sheet)

Every measurement matters. Length, width, sleeve length, collar width, hem width—all of it. Include tolerances (usually +/- 0.5" to 1") so the factory knows what's acceptable. Create a size chart with measurements for every size you're producing.

3. Bill of Materials (BOM)

List every material: fabric type and weight (GSM), thread color, zippers, buttons, labels, hang tags, and packaging. Include supplier names and reference numbers if you have them. The more specific, the better.

4. Construction Details

How should seams be finished? What stitch type? Where do labels go? Include callouts for specific construction methods: lock stitch, overlock, flatlock, blind hem, etc. If you don't know these terms, research them or work with someone who does.

5. Colorways & Artwork Placement

Specify Pantone colors (not hex codes—factories don't use screens to match colors). Show exact placement for prints, embroidery, or labels with measurements from reference points.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

• Vague measurements: "Regular fit" means nothing. Use numbers.
• Missing tolerances: Without them, a 1" variance might be "acceptable."
• No reference samples: If possible, send a physical sample of the fit or fabric you want.
• Skipping the BOM: Factories will substitute materials if you don't specify.
• Using RGB/Hex colors: Always use Pantone. Always.

Tools to Create Your Tech Pack

You don't need expensive software to start:

• Adobe Illustrator: Industry standard, steep learning curve
• Techpacker: Purpose-built for tech packs, cloud-based
• Google Sheets + Canva: Free option for bootstrapped founders
• Freelancers: $50-200 per tech pack on Upwork/Fiverr

The Bottom Line

Your tech pack is your communication tool with factories. The clearer it is, the fewer samples you'll go through, and the faster you'll get to production. Invest the time upfront—it pays off.