How to Create a Tech Pack: The Checklist Clothing Factories Actually Need

A tech pack is the instruction manual for your garment. When it is complete, a factory can quote, sample and produce your style with almost no back-and-forth. When it is missing key details, you pay for it in revisions, delays and disappointment. Here is the checklist our sample room actually uses.

What is a tech pack?

A tech pack (technical package) is a document that tells a factory exactly how to make your garment: the design, measurements, fabrics, trims and construction details. It is the single most useful document in the OEM/ODM process.

The 8 sections every tech pack needs

• 1. Flat sketch. A technical drawing of the front and back. A simple line sketch is fine — it does not need to be artistic, just accurate.
• 2. Size spec / measurement chart. Key measurements such as bust, waist, hip, length and sleeve length, at each size you want to grade to.
• 3. Fabric details. Fabric composition, weight, colour and finish. If you are not sure, a factory can recommend options from its fabric library.
• 4. Trims. Buttons, zips, elastic, labels and hang tags — with sizes and colours.
• 5. Colourways. Which colours you want, and in what quantities.
• 6. Construction details. Seams, stitching, finishes, darts, pleats and any special techniques. Photos of similar details are very helpful.
• 7. Branding and packaging. Neck labels, care labels, poly bags and carton marks.
• 8. Reference images. A photo or link to the look you are going for — this communicates more than text ever can.

Common mistakes we see

The biggest ones are missing grading (only one size given), no wash or care instructions, vague trim descriptions, and no construction details. Another common mistake is a photo that is contradicted by the measurements — the factory should flag this and ask, not guess.

Don't have a tech pack yet?

You can start a project with just a sketch, a reference photo or even a link to a style you like. At NEWCOM we help you build the spec from there — many of our clients develop their first collections this way, including styles you can see in our new collection. The important thing is to start the conversation; the document can grow with the project.

If you want a template or help structuring your first tech pack, message us on WhatsApp and we will send you our simple starter version.