How to Prepare a Clothing Tech Pack for Manufacturing
STX Garment Buyer Guide
A clothing tech pack is the controlled specification for a garment. It turns a design concept into measurements, materials, construction details and approval requirements that a manufacturer can review. A useful pack removes ambiguity; it does not need unnecessary pages or invented detail.
What a Manufacturer Needs to Start
Begin with a style name or code, revision number, date, garment type and intended fit. Include front and back technical views and close-ups of details that are difficult to describe. Label what is confirmed and what requires development advice. Reference photographs explain intent, but they should not replace measurements and construction instructions.
Core Tech Pack Checklist
| Section | Include | Confirm before bulk |
|---|---|---|
| Design and construction | Technical views, seams, pockets, openings and detail callouts | Approved pattern and construction |
| Measurements | Points of measure, base size, measuring method and units | Targets, tolerances and size grading |
| Bill of materials | Body fabric, rib, lining, trims, thread and labels | Composition, construction, color and approved materials |
| Decoration | Artwork files, method, dimensions, colors and position | Approved print or embroidery sample |
| Branding and packing | Label content, placement, hangtags and packing instructions | Artwork and packing approval |
| Order and quality | Style/color quantities, sizes, inspection criteria and timeline | Written quotation and release criteria |
Build a Clear Measurement Table
Give each point of measure a name and a diagram or measuring instruction. Specify whether a measurement is taken flat, around the garment, or by another agreed method. Use one unit consistently. Set target measurements and tolerances with your pattern and production partners rather than copying an unrelated garment chart.
| Point of measure | Measuring instruction | Your target | Agreed tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest width | Define the flat measuring position | Complete for the base size | Agree for this style |
| Body length | Define start and end points | Complete for the base size | Agree for this style |
| Sleeve length | Define shoulder or other reference point | Complete for the base size | Agree for this style |
This is a checklist example, not a ready-to-use size chart. Add garment-specific points such as hood, waistband, inseam or pocket measurements. A base-size chart is not automatically a complete grading specification.
Specify Materials and Artwork Without Guesswork
List each component separately. Include fabric composition, construction, target GSM, color reference and finish where known. Identify any physical swatch. For artwork, provide suitable source files plus finished dimensions and placement distances from defined garment points. Confirm which party prepares separations or embroidery digitizing.
Labels and packaging need their own approved information. Confirm brand artwork, label dimensions, positioning and packing quantities. Any required market-specific wording or compliance checks should be supplied and reviewed for the actual destination and product.
Control Revisions and Sample Feedback
- Send one current version with a clear style code and revision date.
- Record questions and unresolved choices in a short issue list.
- Review the sample against the same measurements, materials and artwork.
- Mark each correction with an annotated photo or precise instruction.
- Issue a revised pack and record the approval version before bulk release.
A verbal “looks good” can leave material, size or decoration details unresolved. Record approvals and exceptions so both parties use the same specification. A change after approval can affect price and timing.
From Development Brief to Manufacturing Quote
Review design development and tech pack support and our OEM/ODM manufacturing services. Use the washed fringe zip hoodie reference and camouflage patchwork pants reference to identify the construction and detail callouts your pack may need.
Send the current pack, references, order quantities and target dates through Request a Manufacturing Quote. If your pack is incomplete, label the gaps and ask for development support before treating the quote as final.
Tech Pack FAQs
Do I need a finished tech pack to make an inquiry?
No. You can begin with a clear brief and references. Missing specifications must be resolved before final quotation, sample approval and bulk production.
Can a sample replace a tech pack?
A physical sample is useful, but record its measurements, materials and agreed changes so it does not leave the production specification ambiguous.
Should every size have measurements?
The production size range needs an agreed grading specification. Confirm whether you supply it or the development team prepares it.
Who approves changes?
Agree on approval responsibility at the start and keep a written record of the current approved version and any exceptions.