What is a tech pack in fashion?
A technical specification document that tells a factory exactly how to make a garment, including measurements, materials, construction and trims.
In short
A tech pack is a detailed technical document that describes everything a manufacturer needs to produce a garment. It includes technical flat drawings, measurement specifications and tolerances, materials and trims, construction and stitching details, colourways, labelling and packing instructions.
How does it work in practice?
Designers and product developers create the tech pack once a style is approved for development. Technical designers add flat sketches from several angles, a points-of-measure chart for the base size, grading rules for other sizes, a bill of materials listing fabrics, linings and trims, and callouts for seams, stitches and finishes. Artwork, print placements, labels and care instructions are attached, along with packaging requirements.
The tech pack is sent to suppliers to quote prices and produce samples. After each fit or proto sample, it is updated with corrections, so it becomes the live reference throughout development. Most brands manage tech packs in a PLM system rather than spreadsheets, so that changes are tracked and shared with suppliers.
Why does it matter for fashion businesses?
A vague tech pack leads to misunderstandings, extra sample rounds, delays and quality problems in production. A complete one helps factories quote accurately, reduces costly back-and-forth and makes it easier to move a style between suppliers. It also feeds downstream systems, from costing and compliance to product data used in e-commerce and Digital Product Passports.
How is AI changing it?
AI tools can generate draft flat sketches from design images, suggest measurement specifications based on similar past styles, check tech packs for missing information and translate them for suppliers. 3D garment simulation linked to tech pack data allows teams to review fit virtually before making physical samples.
Common pitfalls
- Sending incomplete measurement charts without tolerances.
- Failing to update the tech pack after fit comments, so the factory works from old information.
- Inconsistent terminology between brand and supplier, especially across languages.
Frequently asked questions
What should a fashion tech pack include?
A tech pack typically includes flat sketches, a measurement chart with tolerances and grading, a bill of materials, construction and stitching details, colourways, artwork placements, labels, care information and packing instructions.
Who creates the tech pack?
Technical designers or product developers usually create and maintain it, working with designers, pattern makers and sourcing teams. Suppliers comment on it and confirm feasibility.
