How to Create a Bill of Materials (BOM) for Apparel Production: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to the fashion industry, you’ve probably heard the term “bomb” thrown around and wondered what it means. No worries, it’s not as intense as it sounds!

In apparel production, BOM stands for Bill of Materials—a key component of your tech pack that outlines every material used to make your garment. It’s essentially your production blueprint, and getting it right is critical for quality, cost efficiency, and smooth collaboration with your factory.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what a BOM is, what it should include, and how to create one like a pro (even if you're just getting started).

What is a Bill of Materials (BOM) in Fashion?

A Bill of Materials is a detailed list of all the components needed to produce a garment. It includes every fabric, trim, thread, label, and packaging item—down to the zipper color and poly bag size.

Think of it as your garment’s ingredient list. A clear, well-structured BOM ensures that your factory knows exactly what you want, which minimizes production errors and leads to a more consistent final product.

What Should Be Included in a Perfect BOM?

1. Fabrics

• Fabric type

• Supplier name

• Article/reference number

• Fabric content

• Cuttable width

• Placement (e.g. body, sleeves, lining)

2. Threads

• Type of thread (poly, cotton, etc.)

• Brand or supplier (if specified)

• Color code (or “match to fabric”)

• Placement (topstitching, overlock, etc.)

3. Trims

This includes buttons, zippers, snaps, drawcords, hooks, elastics, and more.

For each trim, specify:

• Item type

• Supplier or source

• Size or gauge

• Color

• Quantity per garment

• Placement

4. Packaging Materials

Don’t forget what happens after production.

List:

• Woven labels

• Hangtags

• Care labels

• Poly bags

• Tissue paper or boxes (if applicable)

Extra Tips for Building a Strong BOM

Include Colorways

If your style comes in multiple colors, create separate BOM sections for each colorway. Be sure to update all matching materials like thread, zippers, or labels.

Add Costing Information

You can include the cost per component (fabric, trim, packaging) to estimate your total garment cost. This is especially helpful when you're planning for production budgets or wholesale margins.

Collaborate with Your Factory

Before finalizing your BOM, send it to your factory or technical designer for review. They may suggest more efficient components or formats that align with their workflow.

Why a Detailed BOM is Non-Negotiable

A clear and complete Bill of Materials (BOM) gives your team and your factory the direction they need to do their job right.

Here’s why it matters:

• Reduces Production Errors – No guessing = no surprises

• Improves Communication – Your team and factory stay aligned

• Supports Accurate Costing – Know your true costs before you produce

• Ensures Quality Control – Every detail is traceable during sampling and production

Ready to Build Your Own BOM?

Whether you're prepping your first production run or refining your tech pack, building a solid BOM is a must-have skill in fashion development.

Need a shortcut? Our Tech Pack Template includes a pre-formatted BOM section—ready for you to fill out with your fabrics, trims, and more.