What is a tech pack? Meaning in apparel and product manufacturing
A factory builds what the tech pack says, so anything missing from it is decided by the factory.
Definition
Tech packA tech pack is a technical specification document that tells a manufacturer exactly how to make a product. In apparel it usually contains technical drawings, a bill of materials, measurement and grading tables, construction details, colourways, labels, trims and packing instructions. Other categories use similar documents under different names.
What goes into a tech pack and why it matters
A complete tech pack covers the flat drawings with callouts, every material and trim with supplier references and colour codes, the measurement table with tolerances for each size, stitching and seam types, print or embroidery placement, care and composition labels, hangtags, and how items are folded and packed. Each revision should be dated and versioned. Keep it in one file with a change log, because factories often work from whichever older copy reached them first, and an outdated page can cost a whole production run.
The tech pack is also your protection. If the delivered goods differ from it, you have a document to point to. If you change factory, a good tech pack lets the new one quote and sample without starting from scratch. That only works if you own it, so make sure the file is yours and not a factory form that stays on their system.
Gaps are where problems come from. Missing tolerances lead to sizes that drift between orders. A missing label specification means the factory uses generic care labels that may not meet the fibre labelling rules of your market. Unspecified packing means mixed sizes in cartons and higher receiving costs at your warehouse.
For apparel, see clothing and apparel and private label clothing in India. Specifications for all categories are written during manufacturing support.
Related terms
Golden sample
The approved reference unit that mass production and inspections are compared against.
OEM
A factory produces goods to the buyer’s own design and specification, under the buyer’s brand.
AQL
The worst defect rate a sampling inspection will treat as acceptable for a production lot.
Dieline
The flat template of a package showing cut, fold, glue and bleed lines for print.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tech pack to work with a clothing factory?
Most factories can work from a sample or a sketch, but without a tech pack the factory fills in the details. A tech pack makes quotes comparable and gives you a reference if quality disputes arise.
Who should create the tech pack?
Usually the brand owner or a technical designer working for it. Some factories offer to create one, but then check that you receive and own the full file.
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