Tech Pack Template Guide — What Every Garment Tech Pack Must Include

What Is a Tech Pack?

A tech pack is a document that contains all specifications for a garment. It includes flat sketches, measurements, materials, construction details, and care instructions. Manufacturers use tech packs to produce your design accurately.

Without a tech pack, manufacturers must guess your requirements. This leads to errors, delays, and extra sampling costs. A good tech pack is clear, detailed, and unambiguous.

SDF Clothing requires a tech pack for all custom orders. We provide a free template to help you create professional tech packs.

Flat Sketches

Flat sketches show the garment from front and back views. They are technical drawings, not fashion illustrations. Include front view, back view, and any special details like pockets or zippers.

Sketches should be clean and proportional. Use consistent line weights. Show all seams, stitches, and construction details. Color is optional but helpful for multi-color designs.

Include detail callouts for complex areas. Zoom in on collars, cuffs, plackets, and other intricate features. This helps manufacturers understand construction.

Measurements

Measurements specify the size and fit of the garment. Include a measurement chart for all sizes. Specify points of measure clearly. Common points include chest, length, sleeve, waist, and inseam.

Include tolerance for each measurement. Standard tolerance is plus or minus 1 centimeter. This allows for normal production variation while maintaining quality standards.

Specify grade rules. Grade rules define how measurements change between sizes. Standard grade rules vary by garment type and target market.

Bill of Materials

The bill of materials lists all components of the garment. Include main fabric, lining fabric, interlining, thread, buttons, zippers, labels, tags, and any other trims.

For each material, specify composition, weight, color, and supplier if known. Include consumption estimates. This helps manufacturers calculate costs accurately.

Specify material alternatives. If your primary fabric is unavailable, what alternatives are acceptable? This prevents production delays.

Construction Details

Construction details explain how the garment is assembled. Specify stitch types, seam allowances, and construction methods. Include notes on special techniques like embroidery or printing.

Specify seam finish. Common finishes include overlock, serging, and flat-felled. Specify hem finish. Common hems include blind hem, double-fold hem, and coverstitch.

Include construction callouts on sketches. Show seam directions, stitch placements, and special construction areas.

Fabric and Trim Specifications

Specify fabric composition, weight, and finish. For knit fabrics, specify GSM. For woven fabrics, specify thread count. Include color standards using Pantone or color swatches.

Specify trim details. Button size, zipper length, label dimensions. Include placement instructions for all trims. Specify thread color and type.

Include performance requirements. If fabric needs specific properties like water resistance or stretch, specify these clearly.

Care Instructions

Care instructions tell consumers how to wash and care for the garment. Include washing method, drying method, ironing temperature, and any special care requirements.

Use standard care symbols. These are recognized internationally. Include text instructions as backup. Specify if dry cleaning is required.

Care instructions affect fabric selection. Choose fabrics that can withstand the care method your customers will use.

Packaging Specifications

Specify packaging requirements. Include polybag type, folding method, and labeling. Specify how many garments per polybag and per carton.

Include shipping label requirements. Specify barcode placement, country of origin labeling, and any retail packaging requirements.

Packaging affects cost and presentation. Balance protection needs with environmental considerations and retail requirements.

Common Tech Pack Mistakes

Incomplete information is the most common mistake. Missing measurements, unclear specifications, or vague descriptions cause errors. Be specific and detailed.

Inconsistent units cause confusion. Use metric or imperial consistently. Do not mix centimeters and inches in the same document.

Ambiguous language leads to misinterpretation. Avoid words like "approximately" or "similar to." Use precise measurements and clear descriptions.

Free Template Structure

A good tech pack template organizes information logically. Start with basic information like style name, season, and target market. Follow with sketches and measurements.

Include materials and construction details in the middle. End with care instructions and packaging specifications. This flow follows the production process.

SDF Clothing provides a free tech pack template. Our template includes all essential sections and follows industry best practices.

Tech Pack FAQ

Do I need a tech pack for simple designs? Yes. Even simple designs need specifications. Without a tech pack, manufacturers cannot produce your design accurately.

Can I use photos instead of sketches? Photos are helpful but not sufficient. Technical sketches are clearer for production. Use photos as reference, but provide professional sketches.

What if I don't know technical details? Manufacturers can help fill in technical specifications. Provide your design vision and let them suggest construction methods.

How detailed should measurements be? Include all critical measurements. More detail is better. Specify points of measure clearly to avoid confusion.

Can I update the tech pack during production? Updates during production cause delays and costs. Finalize your tech pack before production begins. Minor updates are possible but should be minimized.

What format should I use? PDF is standard. Some manufacturers accept other formats. Check with your manufacturer for their preferred format.

For a complete overview of clothing manufacturers in Bangladesh — including tech pack requirements, production processes, and quality standards — read our complete clothing manufacturers guide.