Fashion Brand Tech Pack Basics: What It Is & How To Make One
If you’re just starting out as a fashion designer, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Okay, I’ve got the sketches, now what?” Maybe you’ve pulled together a mood board, perhaps you’ve even sewn a few samples, but once it’s time to hand things off to a manufacturer, it can feel like a whole different language. That’s where a fashion brand tech pack comes in.
Think of the tech pack as your design translator. It takes your creative ideas and turns them into something your factory can actually use. Skipping the tech pack would be like trying to build a home without your architectural and engineered plans. Your factory needs the full set of plans to execute properly on your designs!
To avoid all that confusion, you need a solid understanding of tech packs – so let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- What Exactly Is a Tech Pack?
- Why Do You Even Need a Fashion Brand Tech Pack?
- Who Makes the Tech Pack?
- How Do You Make One?
- Where Do You Send The Tech Pack?
What Exactly Is a Tech Pack?
A fashion brand tech pack (short for “technical package”) is the blueprint of your garment. It includes everything your manufacturer needs to know: your sketches, measurements, materials, trims, the material, width and direction of fabric, and construction details. It tells the story of your design from start to finish, so no one is left guessing.
Instead of sending a vague description like, “It’s kind of a puff sleeve with a ruffle,” a tech pack says, “Here’s the sleeve pattern, here’s the ruffle width, here are the elastic measurements, and here’s the exact fabric and stitching I want.” It’s specific, professional, and clear.
Why Do You Even Need a Fashion Brand Tech Pack?
Mainly, because manufacturers aren’t mind readers. They work with dozens, sometimes hundreds, of brands. If your instructions aren’t crystal clear, they’ll make educated guesses. And that often leads to samples that don’t match your vision.
A solid tech pack reduces errors, keeps your samples consistent, saves time during production, and shows manufacturers that you’re a serious brand. It’s one of the best tools you can use to avoid unnecessary costs and delays. It sets you both up for success and makes for a great working relationship.
Who Makes the Tech Pack?
If you’re just starting out, that person is probably you! Many beginner designers make their own tech packs using free templates or design software. You don’t need to be a technical designer; you just need to be thorough and organized.
As your brand grows, you can bring on someone to help with the technical side, but in the early stages, learning how to make a basic tech pack is part of the process.
How Do You Make One?
There’s no one “right” way to make a fashion brand tech pack. What matters is clarity, not perfection.
Some designers use Adobe Illustrator to sketch and label their garments, while others create their tech packs in Google Sheets or Excel because it’s easy to organize measurements and notes in a table format. If you’re already familiar with those tools, you can absolutely use them to build your first tech pack.
Whether you prefer design software or a spreadsheet, the key is being thorough. You want your manufacturer to have all the information they need, without needing to follow up with twenty questions.
At a minimum, your tech pack should include:
- A detailed sketch of your garment (front and back)
- Exact fabric and trim details (type, color, weight, etc.)
- Size specifications and measurements for each size
- Construction notes (stitching, seam finishes, lining)
- Labels, tags, and branding placements
- Your contact info and brand name
Once you have a solid base, you’ll be able to reuse your template and adjust it for each new style you design.
When Do You Send The Tech Pack?
Your fashion brand tech pack goes to the manufacturer before sampling begins. It’s your kickoff document – the one that helps them price your piece, source materials (unless you’re sourcing your own), and start production.
Once the first sample is made, you’ll meet with your pattern maker and make any adjustments to the pattern, and then adjust your tech pack based on any changes. That updated version becomes the go-to for final production!
You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect. Start with what you know, stay open to edits, and keep things organized.
Your Next Steps
If you’re dreaming of launching a fashion brand, this is one of those “non-negotiable” pieces you’ll want to get comfortable with. A tech pack gives you more control over your product, helps you communicate clearly, and shows manufacturers that you’re ready to play in the big leagues, even if you’re just starting out.
As a designer, I know this part is boring and can be difficult to do, but trust me, you don’t want to get this wrong! I have done so many times, and have paid the price. It can be hefty if done wrong. Take the time to figure it out so that you can be at peace knowing you did your part well.
If this feels way too overwhelming and you are looking for more guidance along your journey of starting a clothing brand, my exclusive mentorship program, Fruition, will walk you through crafting your fashion business with strategy and clarity, from idea to execution.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Let these tools and communities support your journey as you grow your brand from concept to collection!
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