What is a Tech Pack? Complete Guide for Clothing Brand Founders

<p>I'll be honest about this one. What is a tech pack? Complete guide for clothing brand founders comes up in 70% of the conversations I've with new clients. So instead of writing another generic guide, I'm going to share what actually happens when a brand asks us this (using the answers I've been giving for 17 years).</p># What is a Tech Pack? Complete Guide for Clothing Brand Founders

A tech pack (technical package) is a comprehensive document that communicates every detail of your garment to the manufacturer. Think of it as the architectural blueprint for your clothing — without one, even the most skilled factory cannot guarantee your product will match your vision.

Why Tech Packs Matter

Without a proper tech pack:

With a proper tech pack:

What a Tech Pack Contains

1. Design Sketches (Technical Flats)

Flat technical illustrations showing front, back, and side views of the garment. These should be clean, accurate representations of the design and not lifestyle illustrations. Software: Adobe Illustrator (industry Standard) or free alternatives like Canva or Sketch.

2. Fabric Specifications

**What to include:**

3. Construction Details

**What to include:**

4. Size Chart (Graded Measurement Spec)

This is the most critical technical element. Your size chart should include:

5. Color Specifications

**What to include:**

6. Print and Embroidery Artwork

7. Labels and Trims

**Labels:**

**Trims:**

8. Packaging Specifications

How to Create a Tech Pack

Option 1: Hire a Technical Designer

A freelance tech pack designer charges $100-500 per style. Find them on Upwork or specialized platforms like Techpacker.com.

Option 2: Use Tech Pack Software

Platforms like Techpacker, NuORDER, or Outline allow non-designers to create professional tech packs.

Option 3: Use the Manufacturer's Template

Many manufacturers, including Mughal Apparel, provide tech pack templates to guide new clients through the specification process.

Common Tech Pack Mistakes

1. Missing measurements: Leaving out key measurement points leads to incorrect sizing

2. Low-resolution artwork: Manufacturers can't execute print from blurry files

3. No color codes: "Red" means different things to different people: always use Pantone codes

4. Vague material descriptions: "Cotton feel" isn't a specification; "85% cotton/15% polyester, 200 GSM" is

5. No tolerance specifications: Define how much variation is acceptable before you receive the product

Contact Mughal Apparel for guidance on preparing tech packs for your product. We help brands at every stage, from first garment to scaled production.