How to Read a Tech Pack: A Clothing Brand's Guide to Garment Specifications

A tech pack is the single document that bridges the gap between your idea and a physical garment. A good tech pack means fewer sampling rounds, faster production, and a finished product that matches what you imagined. A bad one — or none at all — means exactly the opposite.

Here's what each section means and what manufacturers actually use.

Design sketch

What it is: Front and back flat sketch of the garment — technical illustration, not artistic.

Why it matters: Shows the manufacturer the overall silhouette, seam placement, pocket positions, zipper placement, and design details.

Tip: Use a flat sketch (like a ghost mannequin outline), not a model illustration. Every seam line and design detail should be visible.

Points of Measure (POM)

What it is: A table of all garment measurements at specific numbered points — chest, length, sleeve, shoulder, hem, etc.

Why it matters: This is the most critical section for fit accuracy. Errors here = wrong fit in the sample.

Tip: Specify measurements for your base size (e.g. M) only. The manufacturer grades up and down from there. Always specify how to measure — e.g. 'chest: measure flat, armhole to armhole'.

Fabric specification

What it is: Fabric type, fibre content, GSM, and colour reference.

Why it matters: Determines cost, feel, and whether the garment performs as intended.

Tip: Include a Pantone colour code OR a physical fabric swatch. 'Navy blue' means different things to different people. A swatch eliminates ambiguity.

Trim details

What it is: All non-fabric components — buttons (size, colour, material), zippers (type, length, colour), drawstrings, eyelets, cord, elastic.

Why it matters: Trims are easy for manufacturers to default on — they'll use whatever is available if not specified.

Tip: Be specific: '2cm flat drawstring cord in matching fabric colour' is better than 'matching drawstring'.

Construction details

What it is: Stitch type, seam type, seam allowance, hem method, and any special construction requirements.

Why it matters: Affects quality, durability, and the finished look of the garment.

Tip: For most standard styles, specify: main seam stitch (overlock), hem method (double needle or chain stitch), and any flat-felled seams required.

Label and branding

What it is: Neck label type (woven/printed), care label, size label placement, hangtag attachment point.

Why it matters: Labels are added during production — changing them after is expensive and sometimes impossible.

Tip: Specify label placement exactly: 'woven neck label, centred at collar seam, 1cm below neckline'. Include the label artwork file separately.

Print or embroidery artwork

What it is: Artwork file, placement diagram, colour breakdown, and method specification.

Why it matters: Wrong placement or colour interpretation is the most common print error.

Tip: Provide artwork as AI or EPS vector. Include a placement diagram on the flat sketch showing exact position in cm from collar/seam reference points.

Packaging instructions

What it is: Folding method, poly bag size, hang or fold, carton pack quantity.

Why it matters: Packaging affects presentation to your end customer and shelf storage.

Tip: Specify: 'fold to A4 size, individual poly bag with hang hole, 12 pcs per carton'.

If you don't have a tech pack

For most standard styles (t-shirts, hoodies, basic trousers), you can brief a manufacturer without a formal tech pack by providing:

A reference garment — a physical sample you own that's close to what you want
A clear description of changes from the reference: 'Same as this but 3cm longer body, add a chest pocket'
Fabric spec (type and GSM)
A measurement table for your base size
Colour reference (Pantone or swatch)
Any print or embroidery artwork

We work with or without a tech pack

At The Urban Charm, we help clients develop their specification from scratch if needed. Send us a reference garment, a sketch, or just a description — our team will ask the right questions to get to a sample. MOQ 200 pcs, 6–30 day production, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR.

Get a free quote

Frequently asked questions

What is a tech pack in clothing manufacturing?

A tech pack (technical package) is a document that provides all the information a manufacturer needs to produce a garment correctly. It includes the design sketch (front and back), measurements/size spec, fabric specification, colour references, construction details (stitching, seam types), trim details (buttons, zippers, labels), print or embroidery artwork, and packaging instructions.

Do I need a tech pack to order from a garment manufacturer in India?

A formal tech pack is ideal but not always required — especially for standard styles. Many Indian manufacturers accept a reference garment (a sample you own that's close to what you want) plus a brief description of changes. For complex custom designs, a tech pack significantly reduces sampling errors and speeds up the process. The more custom your design, the more important a proper tech pack becomes.

What is a POM (Points of Measure) in a tech pack?

POM (Points of Measure) is the measurement chart within a tech pack that specifies the exact dimensions of a garment at specific measurement points — chest width, body length, sleeve length, shoulder width, hem circumference, etc. Each measurement point is numbered or lettered and corresponds to a diagram showing where to measure. The POM is the most critical section for fit accuracy.

How do I create a tech pack without design software?

A basic tech pack can be created in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or even Word. Include: a hand sketch or Canva-drawn flat sketch of front and back, a measurement table with all key dimensions, fabric description (type, GSM, colour with Pantone or physical swatch), trim notes (button size, zipper type, label placement), and print artwork as a separate file. For most standard styles, this level of detail is sufficient to get a sample made in India.