Product development
What Is a Tech Pack? What to Include and What to Do If You Don't Have One
By the TrueThreads factory team · Updated · 5 min read
Short answer
A tech pack (technical package) is the document a clothing manufacturer uses to make your garment. It contains flat sketches, a measurement chart for every size, fabric and trim details, colour references, artwork placement and labelling instructions. A clear tech pack gets you an accurate quote and a first sample that is close to right. If you do not have one, a reference garment with photos and measurements is enough to start.
Key takeaways
- A tech pack is the single source of truth between you and the factory.
- The essentials: sketches, graded measurements with tolerances, bill of materials, colours, artwork placement and labels.
- Use Pantone references for colour and give artwork sizes in centimetres.
- No tech pack? Send a reference garment, photos and key measurements — a good factory will build the spec with you.
Why a tech pack matters
Factories make exactly what is specified. Vague instructions such as "oversized fit" or "dark green" are interpreted differently by different people, and each wrong sample costs you a week or more. A tech pack removes interpretation and gives you a document to check the sample and the bulk order against.
Tech pack checklist
- Flat sketches — front and back technical drawings showing seams, panels, pockets and stitching.
- Measurement chart (points of measure) — chest width, body length, shoulder, sleeve, hem and so on for a base size, in centimetres.
- Size grading and tolerances — how each measurement changes across sizes, and the allowed variance (for example ±1 cm).
- Bill of materials — fabric type, composition and GSM, rib, lining, zips, drawcords, buttons and thread.
- Colourways — Pantone references for each colour of fabric and trim.
- Artwork and placement — print or embroidery files, technique, size and exact position measured from a fixed point such as the collar seam.
- Labels and packaging — neck label, care label content, hang tags, polybag and carton requirements.
- Construction notes — stitch types, seam finishes, washes or dye treatments.
What to do if you do not have a tech pack
Many first-time founders start without one. The practical alternative is a reference garment: a piece you already own whose fit you like. Photograph it flat, front and back, measure the key points and note what you want changed — longer body, wider sleeve, heavier fabric. Add your artwork files and where they should sit.
When you request a quote from TrueThreads you can choose "No — reference photos / physical sample" or "Need help creating tech pack". We cut custom patterns from your tech pack or measurements, and can start from our own oversized boxy template if you do not have a pattern.
File formats factories prefer
- Tech pack as a single PDF.
- Artwork as vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or high-resolution PNG at print size.
- Measurements in a table, in centimetres, with one clearly marked base size.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a tech pack to get a quote from a clothing manufacturer?
- No. A tech pack gives the most accurate quote, but a reference garment, clear photos, key measurements and your artwork are enough for a manufacturer to estimate cost and make a first sample.
- What is included in a tech pack?
- Flat sketches, a graded measurement chart with tolerances, a bill of materials (fabric, GSM, trims), Pantone colour references, artwork placement, label and packaging details, and construction notes.
- Who makes the tech pack — me or the factory?
- Either. Brands usually create it themselves or with a freelance technical designer. Some factories, including TrueThreads, will help build the specification from a reference garment and your notes.
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