Short answer
TL;DR: A tech pack is the production file that tells a clothing factory how a garment should be made. For a T-shirt brand, it should define fabric, GSM, measurements, tolerances, artwork, labels, packaging, and sample approval rules before bulk production.
Decision framework
| Decision point | Example | Risk | Next check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Fabric, GSM, fit, wash, or print method | Wrong assumption becomes inventory risk | Confirm with sample evidence |
| Supplier | MOQ, lead time, payment, and QC process | Cheap quote may hide weak control | Document requirements in writing |
| Launch | Retail price, margin, packaging, and reorder plan | Drop may sell but not repeat profitably | Check COGS before bulk |
Search intent: This article serves buyers who want to learn the practical steps before placing a sample or bulk order before contacting a clothing factory or committing to inventory.
Supplier decision criteria
| Factor | What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product fit | Sample, spec, and size range | Controls customer satisfaction |
| MOQ | Color, size, and total quantity rules | Controls cash and inventory risk |
| Timeline | Sample, bulk, and shipping schedule | Protects launch planning |
| Reorderability | Fabric, color, and production repeatability | Protects future drops |
How to use this before ordering
Turn the article into a written supplier check. The useful version is not a broad opinion; it is a short approval rule that says what must be confirmed, what evidence is needed, and what would make the order fail inspection.
For B2B apparel buyers, the practical next step is to connect this topic to a sample request, a size or fabric spec, a quality-control checklist, and a purchase order note. That makes the content easier for both search engines and AI answer engines to summarize because the decision criteria are explicit.
For reference, compare supplier claims against Shopify guide to starting a clothing brand. External references do not replace supplier confirmation, but they help keep the article grounded in verifiable industry language.
Commercial next step: 230GSM vintage snow washed tee, shop best-selling blanks.
Related Storiginator guides: find a reliable T-shirt manufacturer, T-shirt fabric and GSM guide, quality requirements checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to check when evaluating What Is a Tech Pack? for Clothing Brand Startups?
Start with the decision that can create the biggest production or customer-service problem: fit, fabric, print method, cost, compliance, or supplier repeatability.
How should a small brand use this sourcing information?
Use it to write a sample request and approval checklist before paying for bulk production. The goal is to remove guesswork before the factory starts cutting, washing, printing, or packing.
What details should be confirmed with the supplier?
Confirm fabric/GSM, size spec, tolerance, sample standard, print or wash method, MOQ, timeline, packaging, and what evidence will be provided before shipment.
What details still need confirmation?
Any exact price, MOQ, lead time, certification status, duty rate, or product eligibility should be confirmed with the supplier or the relevant official source before being treated as final.
A tech pack (technical package) is a specification document that tells a factory exactly how to make your garment — fabric weight, measurements, seam types, color codes, label placement, and everything in between. Without one, every quote you receive is a guess, and every sample is a surprise. With a complete tech pack, factories can produce accurately from the first round.
This guide covers what a tech pack includes, which fields matter most for t-shirt brands, and how to build or commission one before approaching manufacturers.
What a Tech Pack Contains: Field-by-Field Reference
A complete tech pack for a t-shirt typically runs 8–12 pages. Each section serves a different function in the production process. Here's what factories actually use:
| Section | What to Include | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Sketch | Front and back flat drawings, with callouts for key construction points (collar, cuffs, hem) | Using a 3D render or photo instead of a flat sketch; factories need flat drawings |
| Bill of Materials (BOM) | Fabric: composition (100% ring-spun cotton), weight (260 gsm), construction (jersey). Trims: thread color, label type, hang tag spec | Writing "soft cotton" without specifying GSM, yarn type, or weave structure |
| Size Spec / Grading | Chest, body length, sleeve length, shoulder width for every size (XS–XXL or S–XL). Grading increments between sizes (typically 1” per chest size) | Providing one size only; factories need the full grading table to cut the full run |
| Construction Details | Seam type (e.g. flatlock, overlock), stitch density (10–14 SPI for t-shirts per ASTM D1683 stitch standards), hem finish (single fold, double fold, ribbed) | Leaving stitch type blank; factory defaults to their cheapest option |
| Print / Embroidery Placement | Exact dimensions (e.g. "4″ wide chest graphic, centered, 3″ from collar seam"), Pantone color codes, file format (AI vector preferred) | No measurements; no Pantone codes ("dark green" produces different results at every factory) |
| Label & Packaging | Neck label type (woven, printed, heat transfer), size label position, hang tag spec, poly bag size and fold direction | Not specifying — factories apply their own standard labels if not told otherwise |
| Colorway Chart | Pantone TCX or TPG codes for every garment color. For garment-dyed items: dye type (pigment, reactive, garment), and dye lot tolerance | Using RGB/HEX codes — these are screen color systems, not textile dye references |
| Quality Standards | AQL level (typically AQL 2.5 for apparel), acceptable defect types, shrinkage tolerance (e.g. max 5% after 3 washes) | No QC page at all — no QC agreement means no enforceable quality standard |
For the BOM section specifically, refer to our detailed guide on garment bill of materials for t-shirt brands — it covers every trim and material field you'll need to specify.
Do You Actually Need a Tech Pack Before Contacting Manufacturers?
Short answer: yes, for any custom cut-and-sew order. Here's why it matters:
Accurate quotes. Without a spec, factories quote based on assumptions. You'll get wildly different numbers from different suppliers — not because of price differences, but because they're quoting different products. A tech pack ensures you're comparing apples to apples.
Fewer sample rounds. Brands with complete tech packs typically need 1–2 sample revisions. Brands without them average 4–5. At $100–$250 per sample round, that's $300–$750 wasted.
Legal protection. If the bulk order doesn't match your spec, your tech pack is the documented agreement you point to. Without it, you have no enforceable standard. This is especially important before your first order — see our guide on how to vet and work with a reliable t-shirt manufacturer.
Priority treatment from factories. A well-prepared tech pack signals that you're a serious, organized buyer. Factories have limited production slots — they prioritize buyers who make their jobs easier.
How to Create a Tech Pack: 3 Options
Option 1: Use a dedicated tool. Techpacker and similar platforms offer guided templates specifically for apparel. Good if you understand garment construction basics. Subscription costs $49–$149/month, or you can use a free trial for a single pack.
Option 2: Hire a technical designer. A freelance technical designer typically charges $150–$500 per tech pack. Platforms like Upwork have apparel-specialized designers. Ensure the deliverable includes editable source files (Adobe Illustrator .ai or similar) and that IP ownership is clearly stated in your contract.
Option 3: Use a manufacturer's template. Some factories provide their own tech pack templates on request. This is the fastest path if you're working with a factory that already has t-shirt production experience, since their template will include all fields they actually need. At Storiginator, we provide a template as part of onboarding for new brands, so your first sample request arrives with all required fields pre-structured.
Tech Pack Checklist Before Sending to Factory
| Section | Ready? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front and back technical flat sketches | ☐ | Vector or high-res, no photos |
| Fabric: composition + GSM + construction | ☐ | e.g. "100% ring-spun cotton, 260gsm, jersey" |
| Size spec table: all sizes with measurements | ☐ | Include grading increments |
| Seam type and stitch density specified | ☐ | e.g. "overlock, 12 SPI" |
| Pantone color codes for all colorways | ☐ | TCX or TPG codes only, not RGB/HEX |
| Print placement with exact dimensions | ☐ | Position from seam reference point |
| Label and packaging specification | ☐ | Neck label type, hang tag, poly bag |
| QC standards: AQL level + shrinkage tolerance | ☐ | AQL 2.5 is standard for apparel |
| Artwork files: vector format (AI, EPS, or SVG) | ☐ | 300 DPI minimum for raster files |
Key Takeaways
- A tech pack is a non-negotiable for any custom cut-and-sew order — without it, you're asking factories to quote and build a product they've had to guess at
- The most commonly missing sections are QC standards, Pantone codes, and stitch density — factories will fill these with their defaults if you leave them blank
- Expect to spend $150–$500 if hiring a technical designer, or 3–6 hours using a guided template tool like Techpacker
- A complete tech pack reduces average sample rounds from 4–5 down to 1–2, saving $300–$750+ per style in sample costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a tech pack and a BOM?
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is one section inside a tech pack. The BOM lists all raw materials — fabric type, weight, trims, labels, and packaging. The tech pack is the complete document that includes the BOM plus technical sketches, size specs, construction details, print placement, and quality standards. You need both, but the BOM is the materials list that drives your sourcing and costing.
Can I make a tech pack without knowing how to design in Illustrator?
Yes. Tools like Techpacker are built for non-designers and include garment-specific templates with all required fields. Alternatively, hiring a freelance technical designer on Upwork typically costs $150–$350 for a t-shirt tech pack. The key is that the output includes editable vector files and a full size spec table — not just a PDF you can't revise.
What GSM should I specify in my tech pack for a heavyweight streetwear tee?
For heavyweight streetwear, specify 260–300 gsm. The market standard for "heavyweight" is currently 280 gsm — lightweight is 180–200 gsm, mid-weight is 220–240 gsm. Also specify yarn type (ring-spun vs. open-end) and finish (garment-dyed, enzyme-washed, etc.) as these affect the hand feel and cost per unit significantly. A 260 gsm ring-spun tee costs roughly $1.50–$2.50 more per unit than a 180 gsm open-end equivalent.
How long does it take to create a tech pack?
A first-time tech pack using a template takes 4–8 hours for someone without a design background. A technical designer can produce one in 2–4 hours. If you're starting from a reference garment rather than an original design, the process is faster because measurements already exist. Allow 1 week if hiring a freelancer to account for back-and-forth on revisions.
Do factories provide tech pack templates?
Some do, and it's worth asking. A factory-provided template is often the fastest path for a first order because it's pre-structured around the exact fields that factory needs. The downside: if you switch factories later, you'll need to reformat your spec. A universal format (like Techpacker's or a custom Illustrator file) gives you more portability across multiple supplier relationships.
Final Thoughts
A tech pack is the single most impactful document you can have before approaching any manufacturer. It's not a design document — it's a production contract in spec form. Brands that invest the time upfront to build a complete one get better quotes, faster samples, and bulk orders that actually match what they approved.
If you're ready to take your first step into cut-and-sew manufacturing and want a factory that walks you through the tech pack process, Storiginator supports new brands from 50 pieces with full sampling and spec guidance included.
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