How to Create a Tech Pack

(And Why You Can't Skip It)

 

Let’s Be Real for a Second 💭

You’ve got a killer idea for your clothing line. Maybe even a moodboard, a rough sketch, and a friend who “knows a manufacturer.” Great start.

But here's the harsh truth:
If you don't have a proper tech pack, your idea won't survive the production process.

It’s not just a nice-to-have. It’s the blueprint that makes the difference between a smooth, scalable process and a costly mess.

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1) So… What Is a Tech Pack?

A Tech Pack (short for Technical Package) is a detailed document that communicates everything your manufacturer needs to turn your idea into an actual product. Think of it as the instruction manual for your garment.

It typically includes:

• Technical drawings (flat sketches, front/back)
  
• Fabric and material info
  
• Measurements & size specs
  
• Colorways
  
• Construction details (e.g. seams, stitching, finishing)
  
• Label & packaging instructions
  
• Print or embroidery placements
  
• Bill of materials (BOM)
  
  

It's not just about aesthetics. It’s about making sure everyone – designer, pattern maker, manufacturer – speaks the same language.

 

Why You Actually Need One

Let’s skip the theory and get real:

Without a Tech Pack	With a Tech Pack
Miscommunication with factories	Everyone knows exactly what to do
Samples look nothing like you imagined	Samples are accurate and on spec
Endless back-and-forth	Smooth approvals and timelines
Hidden production costs	Transparent materials & labor planning
No scalability	Easy to reorder or adjust later

 

2) How to Build a Tech Pack

Forget the bloated 20-page PDFs. What you really need is clarity and precision.

 

1. Start with Mockups That Speaks

You don’t need to be an illustrator. But your flats should show:

• Front and back
• Key elements (pockets, seams, zippers, cuffs)
• Logo or graphic placement

🛠 Tip: Tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma, or even Procreate work great.

 

2. Specify Fabrics and Materials

Write down:

• Fabric type (e.g. 100% cotton, 320gsm brushed fleece)
• Color codes (Pantone or real-world references)
• Ribbing, drawstrings, zippers – include everything

💡 Don’t just say “heavy cotton.” Be precise.

3. Include Clear Measurements

Create a spec sheet with:

• Chest width, sleeve length, total length, etc.
• Include tolerances (+/- values that are acceptable)
• Use standard measurement points

📏 Pro tip: Base your first sample on one size (usually M), then scale up/down.

4. Show the Details

This is where you get nerdy:

• What type of stitch? (e.g. flatlock, double-needle)
• Is the hem straight or curved?
• Any special printing technique? (DTG, puff print, screen print?)

🧵 The more specific you are, the fewer surprises later.

5. Packaging & Label Info

Don’t forget:

• Neck labels (woven? printed?)
• Hang tags
• Folded or flat-packed?
• Polybags or recycled paper wrap?

 

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3) Use Our Templates - Start Smarter

Creating a tech pack from zero can be overwhelming – even with a guide. That’s why we’ve built ready-to-use templates you can download, edit, and adapt to your own products.

Our tech pack templates include every essential detail you need for production.

You don’t need to be a designer or factory expert to get started. Just plug in your product info, remove what you don’t need, and upload it at our online from. It’s fast, clear, and professional.

And the best part?
You can download our templates for free.

👉 Click here to get your free tech pack templates:

https://lemuta.com/pages/techpacks

 

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The Bottom Line

A tech pack isn’t just paperwork. It’s the bridge between your idea and real production.

It protects your vision, your timeline, and your wallet.
Once you’ve got one solid tech pack, you can adapt and scale it for your next collection.

 

📩 Let’s build your next collection right from day one. Get in touch →