How to Build a Tech Pack for Apparel Production: Step-by-Step Guide for Fashion Brands

If you’re launching a clothing line and ready to bring your designs to life, there's one step you can’t afford to skip: creating a professional tech pack.

A tech pack is more than just a document—it’s the blueprint that tells your factory exactly how to build your garment. Without it, communication breaks down, samples come out wrong, and costly delays start to pile up.

In this guide, we’re breaking down how to create a tech pack for apparel production, page by page—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

What Is a Tech Pack in Fashion?

A tech pack (short for “technical package”) is a detailed document that includes all specifications needed to manufacture a garment. It bridges the gap between your creative vision and the production process, ensuring that every team involved—from patternmaker to sewing floor—has accurate and consistent instructions.

Whether you're producing 50 or 5,000 units, a complete tech pack minimizes back-and-forth emails, prevents production errors, and keeps your team aligned.

Tech Pack Essentials: Page-by-Page Breakdown

1. Cover Page - This sets the tone and gives your factory a high-level overview of the design.

• Black-and-white flat sketch

• Style number and name

• Season, delivery, or cost-related notes

2. Color CADs - Clear color callouts help avoid color mismatches in sampling.

• Digitally rendered illustrations of the style in all colorways

• Pantone codes or fabric references

3. Technical Detail Sketches - These sketches clarify construction techniques and stitching preferences.

• Zoomed-in drawings of design details (e.g., collars, pockets, closures)

4. Bill of Materials (BOM) - This is your garment’s “ingredient list.” Accuracy here = fewer mistakes later.

• Full list of materials: fabrics, linings, trims, zippers, buttons, threads

• Include suppliers, placement, and quantities

5. Graded Measurements - Crucial for sizing consistency and pattern development.

• Finished garment measurements by size (XS–XL or custom range)

6. Prototype Fit Comments - Use this to communicate what needs fixing after receiving your sample.

• Notes and measurements from fit reviews

• Photos with callouts for changes

7. Grade Rule - This helps standardize grading across your line.

• Defines how your measurements increase between sizes (e.g., 1” increase at chest from size Small to Medium)

8. Change Log - Keeps your team and factory aligned on the latest version.

• A timeline of all updates made to the tech pack

• Include dates, changes, and who approved them

Bonus Tip: Use a Tech Pack Template

Creating a tech pack from scratch can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to start from zero.

Use our Tech Pack Template to get a structured, ready-to-fill framework that guides you through each section. It’s the exact format we use for industry-standard production—and it’s beginner-friendly!

Final Thoughts: A Strong Tech Pack Sets You Up for Success

A complete and well-organized tech pack is one of the most important tools in your apparel development process. It improves communication with your factory, helps avoid production mistakes, and ensures your final product reflects your original design.

Whether you’re designing your first piece or scaling your collection, taking the time to build your tech pack right will save you time, money, and stress down the line.