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How to Create a Garment Measurement Specification Sheet Before Production Before a garment goes into bulk production, the manufacturer needs exact instructions about how every important area of the garment should measure. A sketch alone is not enough. The factory must know the required chest width, body length, shoulder width, sleeve length, neck opening, bottom opening, pocket position, and other dimensions. These details are recorded in a garment measurement specification sheet. For clothing brands, buyers, technical designers, and manufacturers, this document is one of the most important tools used to control garment fit and size consistency. A well-prepared measurement specification sheet helps reduce confusion during sampling, improves communication with the factory, and gives the quality-control team a clear standard to follow during production. This guide explains how to create a garment measurement specification sheet step by step before production begins. What Is a Garment Measurement Specification Sheet? A garment measurement specification sheet is a technical document that lists the required measurements for a garment. It may include measurements for one base size or for the complete size range. For example, a T-shirt specification sheet may include: Chest width Body length Shoulder width Sleeve length Sleeve opening Neck width Front neck drop Bottom opening The sheet tells the manufacturer exactly how large or small each part of the garment should be. Why Is a Measurement Specification Sheet Important? Garment production involves many people. These may include: Designer Pattern maker Merchandiser Sampling team Sewing team Quality inspector Buyer Without one approved measurement sheet, different people may use different assumptions. This can lead to: Incorrect fit Inconsistent sizing Wrong garment proportions Production delays Rework Customer complaints High return rates A clear specification sheet gives everyone one common reference. Measurement Specification Sheet vs Size Chart These two documents are related, but they are not exactly the same. Measurement Specification Sheet Used mainly by: Manufacturer Pattern maker Technical designer Quality team It may include many technical measurements. Customer Size Chart Used mainly by customers. It usually shows only the most important measurements such as: Chest Length Waist Hip Shoulder A factory specification sheet may contain 15 to 30 measurements, while a website size chart may show only 3 to 6. Measurement Sheet vs Tech Pack The measurement specification sheet is usually one part of the full garment tech pack. A tech pack may also contain: Technical sketches Fabric details Bill of Materials Construction instructions Print details Labels Trims Packaging The measurement sheet specifically focuses on garment dimensions and tolerances. Step 1: Identify the Garment Type Before creating measurements, identify exactly what garment you are developing. Examples include: T-shirt Polo Hoodie Sweatshirt Track pant Shorts Jacket Kurti Dress Sports jersey Each garment category requires a different set of measurements. For example, a T-shirt may need chest and shoulder measurements. Track pants require: Waist Hip Thigh Rise Inseam Leg opening Do not use the same measurement template for every product. Step 2: Decide the Intended Fit The measurement sheet should reflect the intended garment fit. Common fit types include: Slim fit Regular fit Relaxed fit Oversized fit For example: An oversized T-shirt may require: Wider chest Larger shoulder Longer sleeve Different armhole Wider bottom opening The measurements should be designed specifically for that silhouette. Do not simply take a regular-fit size chart and add a few centimetres everywhere. Step 3: Select the Base Size Most garments are first developed using one base size. For example: Base Size: Medium The base size is usually perfected first. Once approved, it is graded into: S L XL XXL The base size becomes the foundation of the size range. Step 4: Start With a Technical Flat Sketch Create a front and back flat sketch of the garment. Then identify the major measurement locations. For example, on a T-shirt you may mark: POM 01 – Chest width POM 02 – Body length POM 03 – Shoulder width POM 04 – Sleeve length POM 05 – Sleeve opening This helps connect each measurement value with the exact location on the garment. What Is POM in Garment Measurement? POM means Point of Measurement. A POM tells the factory exactly where and how to measure the garment. For example: POM 01 – Chest Width Measure straight across from one underarm point to the other. Without a clear POM, the same measurement may be taken differently by different people. Step 5: Create a POM List A POM list should contain: POM number Measurement name Measurement method Base size value Tolerance Example: POM Measurement M Size Tolerance 01 Chest Width 52 cm ±1 cm 02 Body Length 70 cm ±1 cm 03 Shoulder 46 cm ±0.5 cm 04 Sleeve Length 22 cm ±0.5 cm These values are illustrative only. Step 6: Define How Each Measurement Is Taken Every measurement should have a clear method. This is extremely important. For example: Chest Width Measure straight across from underarm to underarm with the garment laid flat. Body Length Measure from the highest shoulder point to the bottom hem. Shoulder Width Measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back. Sleeve Length Measure from shoulder seam to sleeve opening. The exact measuring method should be consistent. Step 7: Decide Whether You Are Using Half or Full Measurements Many knitted garments are measured flat. For example: Chest width = 52 cm This may represent the half chest. The approximate full circumference would therefore be: 52 × 2 = 104 cm You must clearly state whether measurements are: Half measurement Full circumference Otherwise the manufacturer may misunderstand the specification. Step 8: Use One Measurement Unit Consistently Choose either: Centimetres Inches Do not randomly mix both within the same specification sheet. If both are required, create clearly labelled columns. For example: Chest Width: 52 cm / 20.5 in Consistency reduces errors. Step 9: Define the Base Size Measurements Now determine the target values for your base size. For example, a basic T-shirt base size may include: Measurement M Chest Width 52 cm Body Length 70 cm Shoulder 46 cm Sleeve Length 22 cm Sleeve Opening 18 cm Bottom Opening 52 cm These numbers are examples only. Your actual values should be based on: Target customer Fit Fabric Market Sample testing Step 10: Consider Ease Garment measurements should not simply copy body measurements. Clothing needs the correct amount of ease. Ease is the difference between the body measurement and the finished garment measurement. For example: Body chest = 100 cm Garment chest circumference = 108 cm Positive ease = 8 cm Different fits use different ease. Slim fit: lower ease Regular fit: moderate ease Relaxed fit: more ease Oversized fit: significantly more ease Step 11: Consider Fabric Stretch Fabric behaviour can change the required measurements. For stretch fabrics, the garment may be designed smaller because the fabric expands. For stable fabrics, more ease may be required. Important fabric properties include: Stretch percentage Recovery GSM Structure Drape Shrinkage A size specification should ideally be tested using the actual production fabric. Step 12: Consider Shrinkage Shrinkage can affect final measurements after washing or finishing. Suppose the target finished length is: 70 cm But the fabric shrinks by 3% lengthwise. The pattern and process may need adjustment so that the final garment still meets the approved specification. Always clarify whether measurements are checked: Before wash After wash After finishing Step 13: Add Measurement Tolerances Garment production involves natural variation. Therefore, brands should define acceptable tolerances. Example: Target chest width: 52 cm Tolerance: ±1 cm Acceptable range: 51–53 cm Different POMs may have different tolerances. For example: Chest: ±1 cm Body Length: ±1 cm Pocket Position: ±0.5 cm These are only examples. Why Tolerances Matter Without tolerances, the factory does not know how much variation is acceptable. A garment measuring 52.4 cm may still be acceptable if the target is 52 cm. But a garment measuring 55 cm may be outside tolerance. Tolerances create an objective quality standard. Step 14: Grade the Base Size Into Other Sizes Once the base size is approved, it can be graded. Example: Measurement S M L XL XXL Chest Width 50 52 54 56 58 Body Length 68 70 72 74 76 Shoulder 45 46 47 48 49 Sleeve Length 21 22 23 24 25 Again, these are illustrative values. The difference between sizes is called the grade rule. What Is a Grade Rule? A grade rule defines how much each measurement changes between sizes. For example: Chest width: +2 cm per size Shoulder: +1 cm per size Sleeve length: +1 cm per size Different measurements may use different grade rules. Professional grading helps maintain proportion across all sizes. Step 15: Check the Size Set After grading, size-set samples should ideally be measured. For example: S, M, L, XL, XXL This helps identify issues such as: XL too long S neck too small XXL shoulder too wide Sleeve grading too aggressive A spreadsheet can look correct while the physical garment still looks unbalanced. Step 16: Add Construction-Related Measurements Some garments need technical placement measurements. Examples include: Pocket distance from side seam Zipper length Placket width Hood height Cuff height Waistband height Logo placement For example: Pocket position: 7 cm below waistband seam These details improve production accuracy. Step 17: Add Artwork Placement Measurements If the garment includes printing or embroidery, record exact placement. For example: Left Chest Logo Width: 7 cm Distance from centre front: 9 cm Distance from shoulder seam: 12 cm This prevents operators from placing the artwork by eye. Step 18: Add a Measurement Diagram A visual POM diagram is highly useful. The diagram can show arrows for: Chest Length Shoulder Sleeve Bottom opening Each arrow should match the POM number in the measurement table. This reduces ambiguity. Step 19: Include Revision History Measurement sheets often change during sampling. For example: Version 1: Chest = 54 cm Version 2: Chest reduced to 53 cm Version 3: Sleeve increased by 1 cm A revision table helps keep everyone updated. Example: Version Date Change V1 01-10-2026 Initial measurements V2 04-10-2026 Chest reduced V3 08-10-2026 Sleeve updated Step 20: Approve the Final Specification Before Bulk Production Before production begins, confirm that: Fit sample is approved Size grading is approved Fabric is approved Shrinkage is understood Measurement values are final Tolerances are final The final measurement specification should match the approved production sample. Example: Basic T-Shirt Measurement Specification Here is a simplified example: POM Measurement S M L XL XXL Tolerance 01 Chest Width 50 52 54 56 58 ±1 02 Body Length 68 70 72 74 76 ±1 03 Shoulder 45 46 47 48 49 ±0.5 04 Sleeve Length 21 22 23 24 25 ±0.5 05 Sleeve Opening 17 18 19 20 21 ±0.5 06 Bottom Opening 50 52 54 56 58 ±1 These values are examples only. Example: Hoodie Measurement Specification A hoodie may require more POMs. These can include: Chest width Body length Shoulder Sleeve length Armhole Bicep Cuff opening Hood height Hood width Pocket width Pocket height Bottom rib height More complex garments require more detailed measurement sheets. Example: Track Pant Measurement Specification Track pants may include: Waist relaxed Waist stretched Hip Front rise Back rise Thigh Knee Inseam Outseam Leg opening This shows why garment-specific templates are important. What Measurements Are Commonly Used for T-Shirts? Common T-shirt POMs include: Chest width Body length Shoulder Sleeve length Sleeve opening Armhole Neck width Front neck drop Back neck drop Bottom opening The exact list depends on style. What Measurements Are Commonly Used for Hoodies? Common hoodie POMs include: Chest Length Shoulder Sleeve Bicep Armhole Cuff Hood height Hood width Pocket size Bottom opening How Measurement Sheets Are Used During Sampling During sampling, the factory compares the sample against the sheet. Example: Required chest: 52 cm Actual sample: 54 cm Difference: +2 cm If tolerance is ±1 cm, the sample is outside specification. The pattern must be corrected. How Measurement Sheets Are Used During Quality Control During bulk production, quality inspectors randomly measure garments. They compare actual measurements with the specification sheet. For example: POM Spec Actual Result Chest 52 cm 52.5 cm Pass Length 70 cm 72 cm Fail This makes quality inspection objective. Common Mistakes When Creating a Measurement Specification Sheet 1. Missing POM Definitions Do not list only measurement names. Explain exactly how each measurement is taken. 2. No Tolerances Production needs an acceptable range. 3. Copying Another Brand's Size Chart Different brands use different fits and fabrics. Develop your own specification. 4. Ignoring Fabric Behaviour Stretch and shrinkage affect sizing. 5. Grading Every Measurement Equally Different POMs require different grade rules. 6. No Size-Set Testing The smaller and larger sizes may become unbalanced. 7. Mixing Inches and Centimetres Use one measurement system consistently. 8. No Revision Control Factories must know which version is final. How to Create a Simple Measurement Sheet in Excel or Google Sheets You can create a basic sheet using these columns: POM Measurement How to Measure S M L XL XXL Tolerance Then add one row for every important measurement. A separate page or image can show the POM diagram. This is enough for many simple garments. How Detailed Should a Measurement Sheet Be? The sheet should be detailed enough to prevent misunderstanding. A basic T-shirt may need 8–12 POMs. A complex jacket may require 25 or more. Do not add unnecessary measurements, but do not leave out important ones. A good rule is: If the measurement can affect fit, appearance, or function, consider documenting it. Measurement Specification Checklist Before sending the sheet to a manufacturer, confirm: Garment style is correct Base size is identified All POMs are numbered Measurement method is clear Units are consistent Grade rules are correct Tolerances are included Fabric shrinkage is considered Size range is complete Latest version is marked Frequently Asked Questions What is a garment measurement specification sheet? It is a technical document that lists the required measurements for a garment across one or more sizes. What does POM mean in garments? POM means Point of Measurement. It identifies where and how a garment measurement should be taken. Why are tolerances needed? Tolerances define how much production variation is acceptable. What is a base size? A base size is the primary size developed and approved before grading into other sizes. What is pattern grading? Pattern grading is the process of increasing or decreasing a base pattern to create additional sizes. Is a measurement sheet the same as a size chart? No. A measurement sheet is a technical factory document. A customer size chart is a simplified guide for choosing a size. Can I create a measurement sheet in Excel? Yes. Excel and Google Sheets are commonly used for simple measurement specifications. Should every size be measured during production? Factories may check selected garments from each size according to their quality-control procedure. Final Thoughts A garment measurement specification sheet is one of the most important documents used before clothing production begins. It turns a garment design into measurable technical instructions. A strong specification sheet clearly defines: What should be measured Where it should be measured The target value The allowed tolerance How sizes should be graded It also helps pattern makers, manufacturers, merchandisers, and quality inspectors work from the same standard. For new clothing brands, creating a measurement sheet may seem technical at first. But even a simple, well-organized specification can prevent major fitting and production problems. The best approach is to build measurements around your own customer, fit, fabric, and approved sample. Accurate measurements create better samples, better sizing, and more consistent bulk production.

When a clothing brand wants to manufacture a new garment, a simple sketch is not enough. Manufacturers need detailed instructions about the design, fabric, measurements, trims, stitching, colours, labels, prints, packaging, and quality requirements. That complete technical document is commonly called a garment tech pack. A tech pack helps convert a clothing idea into a product that can actually be sampled and manufactured. For new clothing brands, learning how tech packs work can reduce confusion, improve sample accuracy, and prevent costly production mistakes. This guide explains what a garment tech pack is, what information it usually contains, why manufacturers need it, and how brands can prepare one before production. What Is a Garment Tech Pack? A garment tech pack, short for technical package, is a detailed document that communicates all important product specifications from the brand or designer to the manufacturer. It acts as a production blueprint. A tech pack may include: Garment sketches Measurements Fabric details Colour information Stitching instructions Trims Labels Printing or embroidery details Size specifications Construction notes Packaging instructions The exact format can vary depending on the garment category and manufacturer. For a simple T-shirt, the tech pack may be relatively short. For a complex jacket, sportswear garment, or fashion product, it may contain many pages of detailed technical information. Why Is a Tech Pack Important? A tech pack helps reduce assumptions. Without clear documentation, a manufacturer may have to guess details such as: What fabric should be used? What GSM is required? What neckline construction is needed? Where should the logo be placed? What should the chest measurement be? Which thread colour should be used? What size label is required? How should the garment be packed? Every guess creates a risk of error. A detailed tech pack gives the manufacturer a clear reference to follow. It also makes communication easier when samples need corrections. Instead of saying: “Make the sleeve a little longer.” the brand can specify: “Increase sleeve length from 22 cm to 23 cm.” This makes development more precise. Who Uses a Garment Tech Pack? A tech pack may be used by several people during the garment development process. These can include: Fashion designer Technical designer Pattern maker Merchandiser Fabric sourcing team Sampling team Garment manufacturer Quality control team Production team Brand owner Everyone involved can refer to the same technical information. This helps keep development consistent. What Information Does a Manufacturer Need? Manufacturers usually require enough information to understand exactly what garment needs to be made. The main sections are explained below. 1. Garment Style Information The first section usually contains basic product identification details. This may include: Brand name Style name Style number Product category Season Collection name Gender or target customer Date Version number For example: Style Name: Oversized Essential T-ShirtStyle Number: TS-001Category: Unisex T-ShirtFit: OversizedSeason: Summer Collection A style number helps avoid confusion when multiple garments are being developed at the same time. 2. Technical Flat Sketches One of the most important parts of a tech pack is the technical flat sketch. This is a clean drawing that shows the garment without a model. Usually, both front and back views are included. For complex garments, additional views may be required. The sketch can show: Neckline Sleeves Seams Pockets Zippers Panels Cuffs Rib Drawstrings Logo placement Stitch lines Technical flats are different from fashion illustrations. A fashion illustration communicates the overall style. A technical flat communicates construction. 3. Fabric Specifications The tech pack should clearly describe the required fabric. Important information can include: Fabric name Fibre composition Knit or weave structure GSM Width or DIA Stretch Finish Colour Performance properties For example: Fabric: Polyester InterlockComposition: 100% PolyesterGSM: 160DIA: 60Finish: Quick-dry finishColour: Black For another product: Fabric: Cotton Single JerseyComposition: 100% CottonGSM: 220Fit: Oversized T-shirt The more specific the fabric requirement, the easier it is for the manufacturer to source the correct material. 4. Colour Information Colour should be clearly defined. Avoid instructions such as: Dark blue Light green Nice brown These descriptions are subjective. Instead, brands may use: Pantone references Approved lab dips Physical fabric swatches Supplier shade references For example: Colour: Pantone 19-4006 TCX Black Beauty When exact colour matching is important, physical approval samples are usually more reliable than screen colours alone. 5. Bill of Materials A Bill of Materials, often called a BOM, lists all materials used to make the garment. This can include: Main fabric Rib Lining Zipper Buttons Drawcord Elastic Labels Thread Hang tag Packaging For example: Item Material Colour Supplier / Reference Main Fabric Polyester Interlock Black Approved Neck Rib Polyester Rib Black Match body Main Label Woven Label Black/White Brand artwork Size Label Satin Label Black S–XXL The BOM helps ensure nothing is forgotten. 6. Measurement Specification The measurement specification is one of the most critical parts of the tech pack. It tells the factory how large each part of the garment should be. For a T-shirt, measurements may include: Chest Length Shoulder Sleeve length Sleeve opening Neck width Front neck drop Bottom opening Example: Measurement M Chest Width 52 cm Body Length 70 cm Shoulder 46 cm Sleeve Length 22 cm Sleeve Opening 18 cm These values are only examples. Actual measurements depend on the garment and fit. 7. Size Grading If the garment is being produced in multiple sizes, the tech pack may include measurements for every size. Example: Measurement S M L XL XXL Chest Width 50 52 54 56 58 Body Length 68 70 72 74 76 Shoulder 45 46 47 48 49 This is called a graded measurement specification. The manufacturer uses these measurements when creating or checking different sizes. 8. Measurement Tolerances Production garments may not measure exactly the same down to the millimetre. Therefore, brands often specify acceptable tolerances. Example: Chest Width: 52 cm ± 1 cm Body Length: 70 cm ± 1 cm Tolerances should be realistic and appropriate for the garment. Too-tight tolerances can make production difficult. Too-loose tolerances can create inconsistent fitting. 9. Point of Measurement Instructions A measurement value is useful only if the factory knows exactly where to measure it. This is why tech packs often include POMs, or Points of Measurement. For example: Chest Width: Measure straight across the garment 2.5 cm below the armhole. Body Length: Measure from the highest shoulder point to the bottom hem. Sleeve Length: Measure from shoulder seam to sleeve opening. Clear POM instructions reduce measurement disputes. 10. Construction Details The construction section explains how the garment should be assembled. It may include: Seam type Stitch type Stitch density Seam allowance Hem construction Neck construction Reinforcement Bartack locations Overlock details Coverstitch details For example: 4-thread overlock on side seams Twin-needle coverstitch at sleeve hem Neck rib attached with overlock Shoulder tape reinforcement These instructions can be simple or highly detailed depending on the product. 11. Stitching Instructions Stitching affects both appearance and durability. A tech pack may specify: Thread type Thread colour Stitch type SPI Decorative stitching SPI means stitches per inch. Higher or lower stitch density can influence appearance, seam strength, and fabric behaviour. The correct stitching specification depends on garment type and fabric. 12. Print Details If the garment includes printing, the tech pack should include clear artwork and placement instructions. Important details can include: Print method Artwork file Print size Print colour Placement Distance from seams Printing technique For example: Print Type: Screen PrintPrint Size: 20 cm × 25 cmPlacement: Centre FrontPosition: 8 cm below neck seam Without exact placement instructions, prints may appear too high, too low, or off-centre. 13. Embroidery Details For embroidery, include information such as: Artwork Size Placement Thread colour Stitch type Embroidery technique For example: Embroidery: Left Chest LogoSize: 6 cm wideThread Colour: WhitePlacement: 8 cm from centre front, 12 cm below shoulder A physical embroidery sample may also be approved before bulk production. 14. Label Information Garments may require several types of labels. These can include: Main brand label Size label Care label Composition label Country-of-origin label The tech pack should specify: Label size Material Colour Placement Artwork Folding method For example: Main Label Placement: Centre back neck seam Size Label Placement: Below main label 15. Care Label Information Care instructions should match the actual garment and fabric. Typical information may include: Washing instructions Drying instructions Ironing instructions Bleaching instructions Dry-cleaning instructions Care labels may also contain: Fibre composition Country of origin Manufacturer information Size Applicable legal labelling requirements depend on the market where the garment is sold. Brands should confirm the relevant rules for their destination market. 16. Trims and Accessories Trims are all garment components other than the main fabric. Examples include: Zippers Buttons Snaps Elastic Eyelets Drawstrings Cord stoppers Velcro Buckles The tech pack should define important details such as: Size Colour Material Supplier Finish For example: Zipper: No. 5 Nylon ZipperColour: BlackLength: 65 cm 17. Packaging Instructions Packaging can also be included in the tech pack or a separate packing manual. Instructions may cover: Folding method Polybag size Size sticker Barcode Hang tag placement Carton quantity Carton dimensions Packing ratio For example: 1 garment per polybag Size sticker on upper right corner 20 garments per carton Clear packaging instructions improve consistency during dispatch. 18. Artwork and Logo Placement A manufacturer should never have to guess logo size or placement. The tech pack can specify: Artwork file Logo width Logo height Placement coordinates Distance from seam For example: Chest Logo: 8 cm wide Placement: 7 cm below shoulder seam and 9 cm from centre front This is much clearer than simply writing: “Put logo on left chest.” 19. Reference Images Reference images can help explain design intent. They may show: Fit Stitching style Pocket shape Wash effect Fabric texture Print finish Garment silhouette However, reference images should support the technical instructions, not replace them. A manufacturer still needs exact specifications. 20. Sample Comments During development, the first sample is rarely perfect. The tech pack may be updated with sample comments. For example: Increase body length by 2 cm Reduce sleeve opening by 1 cm Move logo 3 cm upward Make neckline 1 cm wider Change rib colour to match body Keeping sample comments documented helps prevent the same mistake from being repeated. 21. Revision History Tech packs change during development. A revision history records those changes. Example: Version Date Changes V1 01-10-2026 Initial specification V2 05-10-2026 Sleeve length updated V3 08-10-2026 Print placement approved This helps ensure the factory is using the latest file. Always use clear version control. What Is a Tech Pack BOM? The BOM, or Bill of Materials, is one section of the tech pack. It lists everything required to manufacture the garment. For a hoodie, the BOM may include: Main fleece fabric Rib Drawcord Eyelets Zipper Main label Size label Care label Thread Polybag Hang tag This helps with costing, sourcing, and production planning. What Is a Garment Specification Sheet? A garment specification sheet mainly focuses on measurements. A tech pack is broader. It can include: Design Construction Fabric Measurements Colours Trims Labels Artwork Packaging So the measurement sheet is usually one part of the full tech pack. Tech Pack vs Fashion Sketch These are not the same. Fashion Sketch Shows the creative idea and appearance. Tech Pack Explains how to manufacture the garment. A beautiful fashion illustration may inspire the product, but the factory still needs technical details. Tech Pack vs Sample Garment A physical sample can communicate many details, but it should not always replace documentation. Samples can be lost, damaged, or misunderstood. A tech pack creates a written technical record. For best results, brands often use both: Approved Sample + Approved Tech Pack Why New Clothing Brands Should Use Tech Packs New brands sometimes think tech packs are only necessary for large companies. That is not true. Tech packs can be especially useful for smaller brands because production mistakes can be expensive. Benefits include: Better Communication The factory receives clear instructions. Fewer Sample Corrections Detailed specifications can reduce avoidable mistakes. More Accurate Costing Factories can understand materials and construction before quoting. Consistent Production The same specifications can be followed across different batches. Easier Quality Control Finished garments can be checked against approved standards. Better Supplier Comparison Brands can send the same specifications to multiple manufacturers for comparable quotations. Common Tech Pack Mistakes 1. Missing Measurements Do not rely only on sketches. Include actual garment measurements. 2. Unclear Fabric Details Writing only “polyester” or “cotton” is not enough. Include relevant composition, GSM, structure, and finish. 3. No Artwork Dimensions Always specify print or embroidery size and placement. 4. No Tolerances Factories need to know acceptable measurement variation. 5. Poor Version Control Make sure everyone is working from the latest revision. 6. Confusing Body and Garment Measurements Clearly state what is being measured. 7. No Sample Comments Record every correction made during development. 8. Using Only Reference Images Reference photos are helpful, but exact technical instructions are still necessary. Do You Need Special Software to Make a Tech Pack? No. Tech packs can be created using: Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Excel Google Sheets Figma Tech pack software Product lifecycle management systems For a new brand, even a well-organized spreadsheet and technical drawing can work. The important thing is clarity and completeness. Simple Tech Pack Structure for Beginners A beginner tech pack can start with these sections: Cover Page Style Information Front and Back Sketch Fabric Specification Colour Information Bill of Materials Measurement Chart Point of Measurement Guide Construction Details Print or Embroidery Details Labels Packaging Sample Comments Revision History You can add more detail as the garment becomes more complex. Example Tech Pack for a Basic T-Shirt Imagine a brand developing a basic polyester sports T-shirt. Style Information Style: Performance TeeStyle No: PT-001Fit: RegularCategory: Unisex Sportswear Fabric 100% Polyester160 GSMInterlock KnitQuick-Dry Finish Colour Black Measurements M Size: Chest Width: 52 cmBody Length: 70 cmShoulder: 46 cmSleeve Length: 22 cm Construction 4-thread overlock side seamsCoverstitch sleeve hemRib neck Branding Left chest logo8 cm width Label Main label at back neckSize label below Packaging One piece per polybag This is a simplified example, but it demonstrates how technical information is organized. When Should a Tech Pack Be Created? The tech pack should ideally be prepared before sampling begins. A common workflow is: Design Idea → Tech Pack → Fabric Selection → Sample Development → Fit Review → Corrections → Final Approval → Bulk Production The tech pack is updated throughout this process. The final approved version becomes a production reference. Can a Manufacturer Create the Tech Pack? Yes. Some garment manufacturers can help create technical specifications based on: Reference garment Sketch Sample Design brief However, the brand should still review and approve the final measurements, materials, and construction. Do not assume the manufacturer automatically understands your intended fit. How Detailed Should a Tech Pack Be? The level of detail depends on garment complexity. A basic T-shirt may require fewer instructions. A technical jacket may require detailed information about: Multiple panels Lining Zippers Waterproof seams Hood construction Pockets Trims Performance testing A good rule is: If a manufacturer could misunderstand something, document it. Frequently Asked Questions What does tech pack mean in clothing? A tech pack is a technical document containing the information required to develop and manufacture a garment. Is a tech pack necessary for clothing production? It is not always legally required, but it is highly useful for professional garment development and manufacturing. What information is included in a tech pack? Typical information includes sketches, measurements, fabric, trims, colours, stitching, labels, artwork, packaging, and sample comments. What is BOM in a tech pack? BOM means Bill of Materials. It lists all fabrics, trims, labels, accessories, and other components required to make the garment. Who creates the tech pack? It may be created by a fashion designer, technical designer, product developer, merchandiser, manufacturer, or brand owner. Can beginners create a tech pack? Yes. Start with basic technical sketches, fabric details, measurement charts, construction notes, and branding information. Is a tech pack the same as a size chart? No. A size chart is only one part of garment sizing information. A tech pack contains much more information about the entire garment. Does the tech pack change during sampling? Yes. Measurements, trims, artwork, and construction may be updated based on sample reviews. Final Thoughts A garment tech pack is one of the most important communication tools between a clothing brand and a manufacturer. It turns a design idea into clear technical instructions. A good tech pack should explain: What the garment should look like What fabric should be used How the garment should be measured How it should be constructed Where branding should be placed Which labels and trims should be used How the product should be packed The more clearly these details are documented, the easier it becomes to develop accurate samples and maintain consistency during production. For new clothing brands, creating a tech pack may initially feel complicated. But even a simple, well-structured tech pack is far better than relying on verbal instructions alone. Clear specifications reduce confusion, improve production accuracy, and help brands build better garments.