How to Make a Tech Pack for Clothing Production

In The Making: SZN’26 Phase 1, Episode 6 – How I Create a Tech Pack

Inside the Blueprint: How to Create a Fashion Tech Pack That Brings Your Designs to Life

In Episode 6 of In the Making, I take you behind the scenes of one of the most crucial steps in the fashion production process…tech packs. This is where the emotional design phase ends, and the precision of production begins. Whether you’re a new designer or a seasoned creative, knowing how to create fashion tech packs will save you time, money, and a lot of back-and-forth with your manufacturer.

Why Tech Packs Matter in Fashion Production

A tech pack is the blueprint that communicates your vision clearly to the manufacturer. Without one, your sketches are just that, sketches. With a tech pack, you’re giving your manufacturer step-by-step directions for fabric, fit, trims, construction, and every detail in between.

I use Adobe Illustrator to build my tech packs, but if you’re just starting out, I’ve also created a free Excel tech pack template that you can download here. The goal is to remove all guesswork and ensure the final product matches your original vision.

What I Include in a Fashion Tech Pack

Each tech pack I create contains multiple sections, including:

  • Sketches with Callouts: Flat sketches labeled with key design notes.
  • Bill of Materials (BOM): All fabric and trim details, including lining, zippers, buttons, and thread.
  • Measurements: My custom measurements to specify the fit.
  • Colorways: All fabric and trim options, labeled with Pantone numbers.
  • Construction Details: Stitch type, finish, and placement instructions.
  • Grading and Tolerance: Rules for sizing up and down from the base sample.
  • Label Placement: Hang tags, garment labels, and care label instructions.
  • Sample Tracker and Approval Notes: Where I review each sample and communicate revisions.

Real Talk: Tech Packs Aren’t Fun, But They’re Essential

Let’s be honest. Creating tech packs is time-consuming and repetitive. But they’re one of the most powerful tools you have as a designer. Every style number in my Spring/Summer 2026 collection (SZN’26) has its own tech pack. And yes, I send them one by one as they’re completed to keep the production process moving.

The more detailed your tech pack, the fewer issues you’ll run into during sampling and production. If you want your design to fit, flow, and look the way you intended, take the time to document every single detail, right down to how it should be folded to avoid wrinkles in shipping.

My Top Tips for Creating Fashion Tech Packs

  1. Use a consistent template. Save time by working from a reusable format.
  2. Be overly specific. Notes about fit, fabric movement, and hidden zippers—include them all.
  3. Measure your samples. Always double-check against the measurements listed in your tech pack.
  4. Include visuals. A sketch is great, but annotated sketches are better.
  5. Keep a comment section. Communicate feedback clearly after receiving your samples.

If you’re new to this, don’t worry. I’ve made mistakes too. The key is to learn and document better every time.

Watch the Full Episode

Ready to see the full behind-the-scenes of how I prep my tech packs for the manufacturer? Watch Episode 6 of In the Making on the Iconic Fashion Figure YouTube channel.

Be sure to like and subscribe!

Key Timestamps in this video:

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 6: Creating My Tech Packs
00:25 – What is a Tech Pack & Why It’s Important
00:43 – The Truth About Why People Avoid Tech Packs
01:01 – Why Tech Packs Are Time Consuming
01:20 – How a Tech Pack Acts as a Roadmap
01:45 – Tech Packs vs. Sketches: What’s the Difference?
02:06 – Excel vs. Adobe: Which One I Use and Why
02:27 – Starting with a Template to Save Time
02:47 – Real Example: My 2018 Tech Pack
03:03 – Free Tech Pack Template + Where to Find It
03:23 – Overview of What Goes Into My Tech Packs
03:40 – Breaking Down Each Tech Pack Page
04:05 – Sketches, BOM, and Colorways
04:33 – How I Build Measurement Charts
05:21 – Construction Details, Labels & Grading
05:56 – Approval & Comment Sections
06:16 – Example: Development vs. Production Sample
06:35 – BOM, Colorways, and Pantone Numbers
07:03 – Grading and Total Circumference Tips
08:09 – How I Set Tolerances to Pass QC
08:31 – Sample Size Grading Example
09:13 – How to Get Accurate Measurements
09:48 – What Happens If Measurements Are Wrong
10:37 – Checking Your Samples for Accuracy
11:19 – Label Placement and Fold Instructions
12:22 – Sample Tracker: How I Track Approvals
12:56 – Why Notes Matter More Than You Think
13:16 – How Fabric Movement Impacts Fit
13:53 – Don’t Skip These Tech Pack Details
14:35 – Callouts and Annotations on Sketches
15:09 – Avoid Miscommunication with Clear Notes
15:47 – Why I Create in Landscape for Notes Space
16:09 – Final Step: Sending My Tech Packs to Riche Stitch
16:30 – My Workflow: Sending as I Go
16:48 – Wrap-Up: From Sketch to Sample

FAQ: Fashion Tech Pack Essentials

What is a tech pack in fashion?
A tech pack is a document that outlines every detail a manufacturer needs to create your design accurately. It includes sketches, measurements, materials, and more.

Do I need Adobe Illustrator to create a tech pack?
No. While I use Adobe, I’ve also created tech packs using Excel or Numbers. You can use any tool that allows you to organize and present the necessary information clearly.

What measurements should I use in my tech pack?
You can create your own sizing chart based on your brand’s fit. Don’t rely on standard sizing—it’s often inconsistent across brands.

What happens if my tech pack is missing information?
Manufacturers will reach out for clarification or help you fill in the gaps. This can cause delays or errors, so always aim to over-communicate in your tech pack.

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