In The Making: SZN’26 Phase 1, Episode 7 – What Fashion Manufacturers Look For in a Tech Pack
Inside the Tech Pack: What Reliable Fashion Manufacturers Look For
When it comes to fashion production, the tech pack is everything. In Episode 7 of In the Making: SZN 26, we take you behind the seams at Riche Stitch to explore what truly matters to reliable fashion manufacturers when reviewing a designer’s tech pack.
Whether you’re a seasoned fashion brand or launching your first collection, understanding the importance of this document can save you time, money, and endless revisions.
Why Tech Packs Matter to Manufacturers
Tech packs for fashion manufacturers are not just helpful; they are critical. At Riche Stitch, this document becomes our blueprint. We don’t guess. We build exactly what the designer intends because we strive for precision.
From the moment we receive a tech pack, our team evaluates it line by line, looking for:
- Accurate sketches (preferably front, back, and side views)
- Precise measurements and callouts
- Fabric and trim information
- Stitch and construction notes
- Branding and label placement
- Colorways and Pantone references
- Grading and spec sheets
- Packaging instructions (if needed)
Each component of a tech pack ensures a smooth production process and brings the designer’s vision to life without compromise.
What We Found in This Tech Pack
In this episode, we received a tech pack from Nouveau Riche Apparel for a basic dress design. While several pages were filled out, some important elements were still missing, such as full measurements, label placement, and fabric sourcing details. That’s normal during the development phase, but as a manufacturer, we need these details to move forward.
Here’s what we did:
- Reviewed all provided info and made internal notes
- Called out missing measurements and sketch callouts
- Prepared to assist with fabric sourcing and sample swatching
- Highlighted size range and grading inconsistencies
- Flagged lack of packaging instructions and label artwork
These steps are part of our risk-free process to ensure we don’t move into sampling or production until everything is aligned and approved.
What Reliable Fashion Manufacturers Look For
The best fashion manufacturers don’t just “make clothes.” They ensure every seam, stitch, and spec aligns with your original concept. At Riche Stitch, we specifically look for:
- Detailed, accurate sketches — Multiple angles and visual callouts
- Verified measurements — Reviewed with a technical designer for functionality
- Fabric and trims — Even if sourcing is pending, we need a fabric type or weight
- Construction notes — Any specific needs for assembly or stitching
- Branding details — Hang tags, labels, prints, and packaging artwork
Without these, the process halts until we connect with the designer. It’s not about being picky; it’s about building your collection the right way the first time.
We Also Offer Full Tech Pack Services
If you’re unsure how to create a tech pack or don’t have time to figure it out, we’ve got you covered. Riche Stitch offers foolproof tech pack creation, from sketching to spec sheets. We don’t move forward until you’ve reviewed and approved every page.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
A strong tech pack:
- Prevents miscommunication
- Reduces the number of costly revisions
- Speeds up sample development
- Gives peace of mind to both designer and manufacturer
Whether you’re coming to us with a full tech pack or just a spark of an idea, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Subscribe to Riche Stitch on YouTube for more episodes of In the Making: SZN 26.
FAQs:
1. What is a tech pack in fashion manufacturing?
A tech pack (short for technical package) is a comprehensive document that includes all the essential details a manufacturer needs to bring a designer’s vision to life. It typically contains flat sketches, measurements, materials, construction notes, colorways, branding elements, and more.
2. Why are tech packs important for fashion manufacturers?
Tech packs ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the production process. For manufacturers, they serve as a reliable roadmap to avoid miscommunication, reduce costly revisions, and produce garments that meet the designer’s expectations.
3. What should be included in a fashion tech pack?
Reliable tech packs for fashion manufacturers should include:
- Flat sketches (front, back, and side views)
- Garment measurements and size specs
- Fabric and trim details
- Colorway references (including Pantone codes)
- Stitch and construction notes
- Branding placements
- Packaging instructions
- Grade rules and grade checking
4. What happens if my tech pack is incomplete?
An incomplete tech pack can delay the production process. At Riche Stitch, we flag any missing elements and schedule a call with the designer to clarify and finalize the document. If needed, we offer full tech pack creation services to help designers start from scratch.
5. Can Riche Stitch create my tech pack for me?
Absolutely. We provide full-service tech pack creation, even if you only have a sketch or idea. Our team includes technical designers and production experts who build your tech pack from the ground up and ensure it’s ready for manufacturing. Visit RicheStitch.com for more.
6. Do I need a tech pack for sample development?
Yes, a tech pack is essential before sample development. It guides fabric sourcing, pattern making, and all technical steps leading up to your prototype. Without it, manufacturers have to guess, which increases the risk of costly errors.
7. How do I know if my tech pack is complete?
A complete tech pack is clear, detailed, and leaves no room for assumptions. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to review it and offer feedback. We also walk our clients through each section to confirm every detail is accounted for before moving forward.
Watch the Full Episode
Ready to see the full behind-the-scenes of how Riche Stitch reviews tech packs as a fashion manufacturer? Watch Episode 7 of In the Making on the Riche Stitch YouTube channel.
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Key Timestamps in this video:
00:00 – Intro & Episode Overview
Discover what goes into a tech pack and why it’s essential for manufacturers like Riche Stitch.
00:29 – First Look at the Tech Pack
We open the tech pack from Nouveau Riche Apparel and begin the review process.
00:50 – The Importance of Clarity & Accuracy
Why we analyze every sketch, stitch, fabric, and measurement.
01:51 – Construction & BOM Pages
What happens when construction info is missing and how we fill in the blanks.
02:32 – Colorways, Specs & Measurements
Reviewing color plans and what we do when specs are incomplete.
03:43 – Creating Graded Sizes & Custom Callouts
The importance of matching grading rules and measuring standards.
05:00 – Packaging & Label Placement Notes
Why it’s crucial to include branding and packaging details early on.
05:19 – Sample Tracker & Next Steps
Finalizing the tech pack before sample development begins.
05:53 – What We Look For in a Tech Pack
Flat sketches, accurate measurements, and the essentials that must be included.
07:38 – Missing Info? Here’s What We Do
How we handle incomplete tech packs and open communication with designers.
08:23 – Fabric Sourcing Expectations
How much detail we need, even if you haven’t picked your exact fabric yet.
09:16 – Branding, Graphics & Packaging Artwork
Don’t forget your labels, hang tags, and print files.
09:52 – What Happens if Info is Missing?
Why we pause until a tech pack is complete and how we help you build one.
10:15 – Next Steps: Sourcing to Sampling
Once approved, your vision comes to life with real development.
10:35 – Your Vision to Garment
Whether you come with a full tech pack or a spark of an idea, we’re here to help
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