A tech pack typically includes flat sketches, color schemes, sizing details, reference photos, labeling and packing details, and a bill of materials. Although these are the most essential elements of a tech pack, some fashion designers provide even more information in their premium tech-pack service.
Starting a clothing brand? Let’s learn about what a tech pack is.
What is a Tech Pack?
A tech pack is like a detailed map for your manufacturer that guides the factory on every aspect of your garment, from A to Z. Imagine you’re starting a new clothing brand — the first thing your manufacturer will ask you for is a tech pack. So, you can think of the tech pack as the initial and most essential step for your brand.
Technically, it’s a set of step-by-step instructions that explains every little part of clothing production. What details does it include? It covers flat sketches, size charts, fabric and trim information, labels and tags, and more. It’s a detailed guide designed to simplify communication between you and your supplier or manufacturer.
So, that’s the definition — I’ll go into more detail in this article.
What Does a Tech Pack Include?
Now, let’s discuss all the details a tech pack includes.
You must know the essential features of a good tech pack to create a perfect clothing tech pack.
- First, there will be a cover page, which provides a brief description of your clothing piece. It often includes style details as well.
- Next, you’ll find flat sketches of your garment — line drawings that show the design of your clothing items.
- Then, you’ll see colorway details, where you can add all the color options you want for your garment.
- If your garment’s design includes any graphic elements, the tech pack adds details on their placement, size, and more.
- A detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) listing your fabrics, trims, quantities per unit, suppliers, and similar necessary details. The BOM is considered the micro-level detail section of a tech pack.
- In the garment construction details, you’ll find explanations for sewing types, seam allowances, finishing methods, etc.
- The spec sheet provides all measurement details, including tolerances.
- You’ll find information on necessary woven labels, hangtags, care labels, wash labels, and more in the labels and tags sections specific to your garment.
- Finally, the packaging details describe the packaging materials, such as polybags with your brand name or logo on the packaging.
These are the most essential parts of a tech pack. Since each section is so detailed, you must be careful when creating your tech pack.
Importance of Tech Pack in Fashion Design
Why is a tech pack crucial for fashion brands? Let’s explore the benefits that both new and established clothing brands gain from using a tech pack.
New Brands
Let’s start with new brands:
- Most importantly, it helps save costs.
- A tech pack speeds up the production process.
- It builds trust with factories by showing professionalism.
- It provides clear, accurate guidelines for the first production.
- It helps brands gain experience for future collections.
Established Brands
What benefits do established brands get from a tech pack?
- Ensures consistency across collections.
- Boosts teamwork and makes sourcing easier.
- Simplifies processes and communication.
- Helps maintain and improve product quality.
- Scales the business faster.
So, you can see the importance of a fashion tech pack or clothing tech pack for both new and established brands!
How to Make a Tech Pack for Clothing
First, draw flat sketches of your garment’s front and back in Adobe Illustrator. Add a color board to guide your design, and include reference photos of similar products. Show fabric placement, cuts, and stitching details. Then, create a detailed Bill of Materials listing every component with exact specs.
Include a size chart with exact measurements and tolerances. Add clear instructions for tags, packaging, and folding. Finally, create a neat PDF so your manufacturer can produce your design accurately.
You can try this process for basic garments. But be sure to get help from a professional fashion designer when working on mid-level or complex clothing items.
How Much Should a Tech Pack Cost
The cost of a tech pack depends on your design details and the designer’s experience. Simple tech packs may priced at $100 to $300, while complex ones can priced at $300 to $1,000 or more.
The price will increase if the tech pack project is urgent. A solid tech pack reduces production mistakes and saves you money in the long run. Focus on quality more because a great tech pack is essential. And make sure you choose carefully who you trust to create it.
Do You Need a Tech Pack?
Yes, if you want to make clothing items for your brand, you will need a tech pack.
Why use a tech pack?
- Makes sure the product is made right
- Helps control costs by avoiding mistakes and rework
- Helps check quality and fix problems
- Protects you if there are any disagreements
What happens if you don’t use one?
- The maker might get it wrong or make mistakes
- You’ll spend more money on samples and fixing errors
- Your product could be late
- Quality may be poor or sizes wrong
- Your brand could get a bad reputation
- It’s harder to grow your business
- It causes a lot of stress
A tech pack saves you time, money, and problems. If you want to make products seriously, you need a good tech pack.
Wrapping Up
A tech pack is not just a guide; it’s a blueprint for your manufacturer. Follow industry standards and find a custom fashion designer who can tailor it to your vision to create or purchase a tech pack.
For more information on making a tech pack, visit our website today and email us right now! Happy designing!
FAQ
- What information should a tech pack include?
A tech pack includes multiple pages such as flat sketches, size charts, colorways, materials and trims, construction details, labels and tags, and packaging details.
- How much does it cost to make a tech pack?
Tech packs cost between $100 to $300 per style. The price can increase due to complexity and/or urgency.
- Can I make a tech pack myself?
Yes, you can create your tech pack if you have design software skills (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) and knowledge of garment construction. I recommend getting help from a professional fashion designer to reduce your cost and stress.
- Do I need a tech pack for every style?
Yes, you should have a tech pack for each unique style to avoid miscommunication and errors during production.
- What software is best for making a tech pack?
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard software for creating tech packs.
- Can I make changes to a tech pack once manufacturing has begun?
Your tech pack should ideally be complete before production starts to save timeline and costs.
- How do tech packs reduce production mistakes?
Tech packs reduce production mistakes by providing accurate specifications and visuals.
- Do all manufacturers accept tech packs?
Most professional garment manufacturers expect a tech pack. However, some smaller or local workshops may work without one, but it’s riskier.
- How can I send a tech pack to a manufacturer?
You can share tech packs as PDF files via email or file transfer services. Make sure they’re clearly labeled and organized.
- Can tech packs be used for accessories or shoes?
Yes, you can create tech packs for any product that requires detailed specifications, including bags, hats, and footwear.
