A tech pack is a document that tells a factory exactly how to make a garment: technical sketches, a measurement spec sheet by size, fabric and trim details, construction notes, artwork placement and label instructions. You do not strictly need one to manufacture clothing; a reference garment and artwork are enough for a factory to sample and draft the tech pack for you.
Tech packs are where a lot of first-time brands stall: they assume they need an expensive formal document before any factory will talk to them. This guide explains what a tech pack contains, when it matters, what we can work from instead, and how to write one if you want to. We draft tech packs for clients as part of sampling, so this is also a description of what you will receive.
What does a tech pack contain?
| Section | Contents | Needed for a first sample? |
|---|---|---|
| Technical sketches | Front and back flat drawings with callouts | Helpful; a photo of a reference garment works |
| Spec sheet | Points of measure per size with tolerances | No; we measure your reference and grade it |
| Bill of materials | Fabric, rib, thread, zips, labels, packaging with suppliers and codes | No; we quote from a description |
| Construction | Seam types, stitch counts, hem widths, reinforcements | No; our defaults are on each product page |
| Artwork placement | Print and embroidery positions, sizes, colours | Yes; artwork files and rough placement |
| Colourways | Pantone references for fabric, trims, thread | Yes if custom colour; stock colour names otherwise |
| Labels and packaging | Label types, positions, artwork, folding | Artwork yes; positions we suggest |
| Grading rules | How each measurement changes per size | No; we apply US grading |
Do you need a tech pack to manufacture clothing?
No. What a factory needs is enough information to make one correct garment, and that can come from a reference piece plus artwork. Send us a hoodie you like the fit of, tell us the weight and colour, attach your artwork, and we measure the reference, draft the spec, choose the construction and produce a sample. The tech pack is written during that process and you approve it with the sample. Where a tech pack matters is when you have no reference, when the design is unusual, or when you want several factories to quote identically. See how the sampling process works.
What should you send if you do not have a tech pack?
- A reference garment (posted to us) or, failing that, a link to a product with the fit you want.
- The fabric weight or the feel you want. “Heavy like a 450 GSM hoodie” is a usable brief.
- Vector artwork and rough placement (“centre chest, about 10 cm wide”).
- Colours by name or Pantone.
- Quantity per design and colour, and your delivery city.
That is everything on our quote form. Anything missing, we ask.
How do you write a tech pack yourself?
Draw front and back flats in Illustrator or by hand, label every component, and add a measurement table for your sample size with the points of measure that matter (chest width, body length, shoulder to shoulder, sleeve length, hem width, rib heights). Add fabric, trims and artwork on separate pages. Keep tolerances realistic: ±1.5 cm on body measurements, ±0.5 cm on rib. A freelance technical designer or a tool like Techpacker can produce one for you; if you plan to reorder the same style for years that investment tends to pay off, and if you’re just testing a first drop it usually isn’t worth it yet.
What does a tech pack look like for streetwear?
Simpler than for tailoring. A hoodie tech pack is usually four pages: flats with callouts, spec sheet, bill of materials, artwork and labels. The construction is standard (see the defaults on our pullover hoodie page) and only the exceptions need writing down. The fit is the important part, which is why a reference garment beats a drawing.
What happens to the tech pack after sampling?
It becomes the contract for bulk: every piece is inspected against it and the approved sample. We hold it on file under your brand, with the pattern, grade rules and lab dips, so reorders match. It is yours; we send the final version on request. More on how the whole process works on how it works and what custom clothing manufacturing covers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a factory make clothes without a tech pack?
Yes. A reference garment, clear photos and a written description are enough to sample. The factory drafts the tech pack during sampling and you approve it.
How much does a tech pack cost?
It varies by designer and complexity, but it’s a real cost if you hire a freelance technical designer for one — or free when the factory drafts it as part of sampling.
What software is used for tech packs?
Adobe Illustrator is the standard; Techpacker, Backbone and CLO3D are also common. A PDF export is what the factory needs.
What is the difference between a tech pack and a spec sheet?
A spec sheet is the measurement table. A tech pack contains the spec sheet plus sketches, materials, construction, artwork placement and labelling.
Last updated September 6, 2026 · Mike Apparel, Sialkot. Lead times reflect current factory capacity; confirm on your quote.