Key tips to creating an accurate Tech Pack!

How to create a tech pack

Most tech packs are now created as digital documents. This allows them to be sent to producers more easily and ensures none of the details are lost in transit. Using document creation programmes such as Illustrator, Excel or PDM software to build out a file that can be saved as a PDF with all the key information is recommended. This can then be developed, revised and added to very easily. 

Once this digital tech pack has been produced, it can be sent via email or a shared drive along with any necessary attachments such as development timescales or digital colour swatches. Any physical samples, such as fabric swatches or trim examples, should then be sent separately by express and tracked post, ideally with reference codes that link to those noted in the digital tech pack. 

However you send your tech pack, it’s key that you check in regularly with your supplier. Ask them if they’ve received all the documents they require, if everything seems clear and keep them informed of any feedback that might be coming to them. This will ensure your tech pack is used effectively and that the product development process runs as smoothly as possible. 

What is included in a tech pack? 

Each tech pack will be slightly different depending on the specific style that’s being developed. The composition, trims, fabrics and sizing information required in a tech pack can lead it to be upwards of ten pages long by the end of the product development process. However, there are some key elements that should be included in each. 

Key style details

The design or style name, sample size and range, fabric, season and key dates are all details that should be included clearly at the top of each page. This is so the supplier has all the essential information handy, even if the pages are printed and separated.

 Garment sketches

Each tech pack should start with a 2D sketch of the style. This first sketch should include all of the stitch lines as you envisage them, as well as any major style features such as cuffs, hoods and zips. It should also show any seam-lines around the front, back and side if necessary. 

A second sketch should show these details in more depth, including the measurements for each of these features. For example, you may include the measurements for trims, elasticated waistbands, piping, button sizes and stitches per inch. This level of detail may seem excessive, but it will ensure that the samples returned are as high quality as possible. For example, including ‘stitches per inch’ (SPI) can help define how well a garment is made.

Fit specification

The first sample size will generally be in the middle of your style’s range. For example, if your product has a range of women’s sizes 8 to 14, the sample size will be 10 or 12. Therefore the sample size measurements should always be included in the initial tech sent out. These will be the basis on which the first fit is developed. 

Once the first fit sample has arrived, you can check each of the specified measurements against those on the sample. A new page should be created with a table to show what measurements you asked for, what you got on the sample and what the discrepancy is (if any).

Fitting the sample to a model will also help you to see if any overall measurements need to change and be noted down in the tech pack. This revised file can then be sent back to the factory and be used to adjust the sample.

This first fit process also helps you to confirm the placement of any trims, finishes or features and make tweaks to the overall proportions. By making sure the fit of your sample size is perfect before you consider other sizes, you can make your product development process more efficient. 

Trims page 

As you might expect, this is where you set out the different details and finishes you’d like on your garment. These should be written as clearly and concisely as possible and, ideally, include pictures with annotations. 

It’s worth noting that if you send one tech pack to five different factories, you’ll likely get five different samples. Supplying accurate tech packs from the outset will reduce or eliminate this problem and help you get the samples and prices right quicker. This is because each producer will interpret the details in different ways.

Colour page 

These pages will include the line-up of colours that each particular style will be produced in. You may include a main colour, internal colours and trim colour, for example. If you’ve already sent a swatch panel to a factory, you can use this as a reference or just include the pantone details if this is more appropriate. 

Label trims page

At any stage, a page including label or packaging details can be included. This should set out the type of label that’s required, where it should be positioned and how it should be fixed. This could include a brand label, care label, button engravings or hang tags depending on your requirements. It can also specify any bags, tissue paper or boxes you’d like your products to be supplied in. 

Revised fit page

Once you’ve finalised the sample size, you can include a page that sets out the size grades for the final product range. This can be done using standard grade rules for the appropriate demographic and should include all the measurements for the size range. Extra pages can be added to measure and feedback on the tolerances and discrepancies of each size sample produced by a factory. 

Costing sheet 

One of the final pages in a tech pack will include the full production costs. This will break down the overall total by material, trim, labelling and packaging costs. It will also include time (and cost) to complete the garment and may have details such as a target costs and minimum order quantities (MOQ) for quick and easy reference. 

You can have as many pages as you like/need in your techpack - it will depend on how detailed or complex the design is. Remember to always number the pages and be a cleat and concise as possible.

If you need help creating or refining your techpacks, please get in touch, we’d love to help!

Need help finding your way? 

Whether you need help building a bespoke fashion critical path or wonder how best to define each stage, our team can help. With plenty of experience in planning and working on a whole range of projects, email us at enquiries@fashiondelivered.com to find out more, or use the contact form to arrange a no obligation chat.

See all our info on our contact page below