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When a clothing brand develops a garment, the finished product is made from much more than just the main fabric. A T-shirt may need fabric, rib, sewing thread, labels, printing, packaging, and hang tags. A hoodie may also require drawcords, eyelets, zippers, elastic, and additional trims. To keep all these materials organized, garment manufacturers use a document called a Bill of Materials, commonly known as a BOM. For new clothing brands, understanding the BOM is important because it helps control sourcing, costing, quality, and production accuracy. This guide explains what a Bill of Materials is, what information it contains, how it is used in garment manufacturing, and why it is an important part of the tech pack. What Is a Bill of Materials in Garment Manufacturing? A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a structured list of all the materials, trims, accessories, labels, and packaging items required to manufacture a garment. It acts like a complete material checklist for the product. For example, a T-shirt BOM may include: Main fabric Neck rib Sewing thread Main label Size label Care label Print Hang tag Polybag A hoodie BOM may include: Main fleece fabric Rib Drawcord Eyelets Zipper Thread Labels Printing or embroidery Hang tag Polybag The BOM helps ensure that every required component is identified before bulk production begins. Why Is a BOM Important? Garment manufacturing involves multiple materials from different suppliers. Without a clear BOM, important components can be forgotten or incorrectly sourced. A BOM helps with: Material planning Costing Supplier communication Purchasing Production preparation Quality control Inventory management It also helps different teams work from the same information. For example, the merchandiser, sourcing team, factory, and quality team can all refer to the same BOM. BOM vs Tech Pack: What Is the Difference? A BOM is usually one part of a garment tech pack. A tech pack may include: Garment sketches Measurements Construction details Fabric specifications Colour information Print details Label placement Packaging BOM The BOM focuses specifically on what materials are required. The rest of the tech pack explains how the garment should be made. So: Tech Pack = Full Production Specification BOM = Material List Inside the Tech Pack What Information Is Usually Included in a BOM? A garment BOM may contain several columns. Common fields include: Item number Material category Material description Colour Size Quantity Unit of measurement Supplier Supplier code Approved reference Cost The exact format depends on the company or factory. Example of a Simple T-Shirt BOM Item Description Colour Specification Quantity Main Fabric Cotton Single Jersey Black 220 GSM As required Neck Rib 1×1 Rib Black Match body As required Sewing Thread Polyester Thread Black Matching shade As required Main Label Woven Brand Label Black/White 5 × 2 cm 1 pc Size Label Satin Label Black S–XXL 1 pc Care Label Printed Satin White Care details 1 pc Print Screen Print White Front chest 1 pc Hang Tag Printed Card Black Brand artwork 1 pc Polybag Transparent LDPE Clear Garment size 1 pc This is only an example. Actual BOM details depend on the garment. 1. Main Fabric in the BOM The main fabric is usually the most important line item. The BOM should clearly identify: Fabric name Fibre composition GSM Width or DIA Colour Finish Supplier For example: Fabric: Polyester InterlockComposition: 100% PolyesterGSM: 160DIA: 60Colour: NavyFinish: Quick-dry Clear fabric information helps prevent incorrect sourcing. 2. Secondary Fabrics Some garments use more than one fabric. Examples include: Rib Mesh Lining Contrast panels Pocket lining Cuff fabric These should be listed separately. For example, a sports T-shirt may use: Main polyester interlock Mesh side panels Rib neckline All three belong in the BOM. 3. Sewing Thread Thread should also be included. Important details may include: Thread type Colour Supplier Count or specification For example: Polyester sewing thread – black – matching body shade Different garment areas may use different thread types. 4. Labels in the BOM A garment can contain several labels. Common examples include: Main label Size label Care label Composition label Country-of-origin label Each label should be listed separately if needed. The BOM can specify: Material Size Colour Artwork Placement reference 5. Zippers Zippers should be clearly defined. Details may include: Type Length Colour Material Supplier Slider type For example: No. 5 nylon coil zipper – 65 cm – black A vague entry such as “black zipper” is not specific enough. 6. Buttons Button information may include: Material Size Colour Number of holes Branding Quantity per garment For a polo shirt, for example: 3 plastic buttons – 14L – matching body colour 7. Drawcords For hoodies, joggers, and shorts, the BOM may include drawcord information. Specify: Material Shape Diameter Length Colour Tip style For example: Round polyester drawcord – black – 120 cm – metal aglets 8. Eyelets Eyelets should also be listed. Specify: Material Size Finish Colour Example: Metal eyelet – 8 mm – matte black 9. Elastic Elastic is commonly used in: Waistbands Cuffs Sportswear Innerwear The BOM may specify: Width Stretch Material Length per garment For example: 40 mm knitted elastic – black 10. Printing Printing can also be listed in the BOM. The entry may include: Print method Colour Size Artwork reference Placement For example: Screen print – white – 20 × 25 cm – centre front This helps connect artwork requirements with costing and production. 11. Embroidery Embroidery can be included in the same way. Details may include: Logo size Thread colour Stitch count Placement Example: Left chest embroidery – 6 cm wide – white thread 12. Hang Tags Hang tags are often included in the BOM. Specify: Material Size Artwork String Quantity For example: 300 GSM printed hang tag – 5 × 9 cm – black string 13. Packaging Materials Packaging may also appear in the BOM. Common packaging items include: Polybag Size sticker Barcode Tissue paper Shipping box Carton For example: 1 transparent polybag per garment 1 size sticker per polybag Why Quantity Is Important in a BOM A BOM should show how much of each material is needed. For countable items, this is simple. Example: 1 main label 1 care label 3 buttons 2 eyelets For fabric and thread, the quantity may be calculated differently. Fabric may be shown in: Kg Metres Yards Consumption per garment This information supports material planning and costing. Units of Measurement in a BOM A BOM may use different units depending on the material. Common units include: Kg Metre Yard Piece Pair Set Cone Roll For example: Fabric = Kg Buttons = Pieces Elastic = Metres Labels = Pieces Using correct units prevents purchasing errors. Supplier Information in a BOM The BOM may include supplier information. This can include: Supplier name Supplier code Contact Article number Material reference This helps factories reorder the same approved material. For example: Supplier: XYZ TrimsArticle Code: ZIP-065-BLK This is much safer than relying on memory. Why Colour References Matter Colour should be clearly documented. Instead of writing: Green use: Pantone reference Supplier colour code Approved swatch Lab dip reference For example: Olive Green – Pantone 18-0527 TCX Accurate colour references help keep different trims visually consistent. BOM and Garment Costing The BOM is a major input for garment costing. Each material has a cost. For example: Material Example Cost Main Fabric ₹110 Rib ₹8 Thread ₹4 Labels ₹10 Print ₹35 Hang Tag ₹5 Packaging ₹10 Material Cost ₹182 This is only an example. The manufacturer can then add: Cutting Stitching Finishing Overheads Wastage This helps calculate the total garment cost. BOM and Sourcing The sourcing team uses the BOM to identify what must be purchased. For example: Before production begins, they need to ensure availability of: 500 kg fabric 5,000 labels 10,000 buttons 5,000 polybags The BOM becomes a purchasing reference. BOM and Inventory Planning A clear BOM also supports inventory planning. Factories can track: Required quantity Available stock Pending orders Shortages This reduces the risk of production delays. BOM and Quality Control The quality team can use the BOM to verify that the correct materials were used. For example: The BOM specifies: Matte black eyelet But production uses: Shiny silver eyelet That is a material mismatch. Without a BOM, this error may be missed. BOM and Sample Development The BOM should be reviewed during sampling. The proto sample may use temporary materials. But by the pre-production sample stage, the final approved BOM should ideally be used. This helps ensure: Correct trims Correct labels Correct colours Correct packaging BOM Revision Control BOMs can change during development. For example: Version 1: Plastic zipper Version 2: Metal zipper Version 3: Branded zipper puller added Changes should be recorded clearly. A revision table can include: Version Date Change V1 01-10-2026 Initial BOM V2 04-10-2026 Zipper updated V3 08-10-2026 Label size changed This helps everyone use the latest information. Why Version Control Is Important Imagine the merchandiser is using BOM V3, but the factory is still using BOM V1. The result could be: Wrong zipper Wrong label Wrong packaging Version control prevents this. Always mark the latest approved BOM clearly. Simple BOM Workflow A garment BOM usually follows this process: Design → Tech Pack → Initial BOM → Sample → Material Changes → Revised BOM → PP Sample → Final BOM → Bulk Production The BOM evolves as the garment develops. Example BOM for a Hoodie A hoodie may include: Item Description Main Fabric Cotton-Polyester Fleece Rib 2×2 Rib Thread Polyester Thread Drawcord Round Cotton Cord Eyelets Matte Black Metal Zipper Nylon Coil Zipper Main Label Woven Label Size Label Satin Label Care Label Printed Satin Print DTF Back Print Hang Tag Printed Card Polybag Transparent This is much more detailed than simply writing “hoodie materials.” Example BOM for a Polo Shirt A polo BOM may include: Piqué main fabric Collar Cuff Buttons Thread Main label Size label Care label Hang tag Polybag Each item should have its own specification. Example BOM for Sportswear A sportswear BOM may include: Polyester interlock Mesh Elastic Heat-transfer label Reflective trim Zipper Thread Print Packaging Performance garments often require more technical material details. Standard BOM vs Detailed BOM A basic BOM may only include: Material name Colour Quantity A detailed BOM may include: Supplier Article code Composition Size Finish Unit Consumption Cost Approval status Larger brands and more complex products usually require more detailed BOMs. Common BOM Mistakes New Clothing Brands Make 1. Missing Materials Small items such as: Size labels Thread Stickers Eyelets are sometimes forgotten. Every production component should be listed. 2. Vague Descriptions “Black zipper” is too vague. Specify: Type Size Length Finish 3. No Colour Reference General colour names can create shade differences. Use an approved reference. 4. Missing Quantities The factory must know how much is required per garment. 5. Wrong Units Confusing pieces, metres, and kilograms can create purchasing mistakes. 6. No Supplier Reference Custom materials can be difficult to reorder without supplier codes. 7. Poor Version Control An outdated BOM can create production errors. How New Clothing Brands Can Create a Simple BOM If you are creating your first product, start with a simple spreadsheet. Use columns such as: No. Category Description Colour Specification Qty Supplier Then list every material required for the garment. For example: Main fabric Rib Thread Main label Size label Care label Print Hang tag Polybag You can make the BOM more detailed as your business grows. BOM Checklist Before Production Before approving production, check: Is every material listed? Are fabric details correct? Are trim colours approved? Are sizes correct? Are quantities correct? Are supplier codes included? Are labels approved? Is packaging included? Is the latest revision being used? A five-minute BOM review can prevent expensive mistakes. BOM and Low MOQ Clothing Production Small brands often produce low quantities. In this situation, BOM planning becomes even more important. Custom trims may require higher MOQs than the garment order. For example: You need: 100 hoodies But the custom label supplier requires: 1,000 labels The BOM helps reveal these sourcing challenges early. Brands can then decide whether to: Use standard trims Order extra inventory Change suppliers Simplify the product BOM and Sustainable Sourcing Brands interested in lower-impact production can also use the BOM to track material choices. Examples include: Recycled polyester thread Recycled labels FSC-certified paper tags Reduced-plastic packaging Recycled fabric Supplier documentation should support sustainability claims where applicable. Why a BOM Helps Manufacturers Quote More Accurately A manufacturer cannot provide an accurate price if materials are unclear. Compare: Option A: “I need a hoodie.” versus: Option B: “I need a 300 GSM fleece hoodie with 2×2 rib, metal eyelets, cotton drawcord, DTF back print, woven label, and individual polybag.” The second request gives the manufacturer far more information. A clear BOM leads to better costing. Frequently Asked Questions What does BOM mean in garment manufacturing? BOM means Bill of Materials. It is a complete list of materials, trims, accessories, labels, and packaging required to manufacture a garment. Is fabric included in the BOM? Yes. Main fabric and any secondary fabrics should be listed. Are labels included in the BOM? Yes. Main labels, care labels, size labels, and other required labels are commonly included. Is packaging part of the BOM? It can be. Many garment BOMs include polybags, stickers, hang tags, and other packaging materials. Is a BOM the same as a tech pack? No. The BOM is one section of the tech pack. The tech pack contains broader technical information about the entire garment. Who creates the BOM? The BOM may be created by: Designer Technical designer Merchandiser Product developer Manufacturer The final version should be approved before production. Can a BOM change during sampling? Yes. Materials may change based on: Cost Availability Quality Design All changes should be recorded. Why is BOM important for costing? The BOM lists all the materials that must be purchased, making it easier to calculate the product’s material cost. Final Thoughts A Bill of Materials may look like a simple spreadsheet, but it plays a major role in garment manufacturing. It tells the manufacturer exactly which materials are required to build the product. A good BOM helps control: Fabric Trims Labels Colours Quantities Suppliers Cost Packaging It also connects several important parts of the production process, including sourcing, sampling, costing, purchasing, and quality control. For new clothing brands, the BOM does not need to be complicated. Start with a clear list of every material used in the garment and make the information more detailed as your products become more complex. Most importantly, keep the BOM updated. If the manufacturer knows exactly what materials are required, there is less room for confusion during 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.