What is a Fashion Tech Pack?

The fashion tech pack is an essential part of product development and ensures that everything that needs to be communicated between the manufacturer and the designer is clear. It is unfortunate then that some in the fashion industry overlook the importance of a detailed and accurate tech pack, and that can lead to mistakes in the design process and the manufacturing process. When looking for a pattern maker, Melbourne to create work with you on your fashion garment, make sure they understand the importance of the pack. Here is a look at what it is and how it helps.

What is a tech pack?

A tech pack includes a sheet that has all the important information needed to make the garment like measurements, along with things like labels, materials, colors, tags, grading, hardware and trim. The pack must be as detailed as it can be as that is the way to avoid design and production errors. The more detail there is, the less chance someone will make a mistake in the rest of the process.

Designers will supply their manufacturer with a tech pack so they know the exact guidelines they need to follow and then translate that idea into the product you are looking for. It means there is less need for making constant calls back and forth asking questions, clarifying design details and less chance of miscommunication. If there is a question the manufacturer has of the designer or the pattern maker, Melbourne they can refer to the tech pack to see if the answer is there, and there will be no overlooking anything.

Why are tech packs needed?

As mentioned it is all about clarity of detail and clear communication. Manufacturers need to know every single detail about the garment for the best accuracy. There are programs and templates online to create one, or you can work with a technical designer or pattern maker. Designers lay out everything in detail and an easy to read format.

What should be in one?

There is a lot that can go in the pack, but at the least, it should include the following;

Flats

Sketches that show how the garment looks if arranged on a flat surface. They should have added descriptions and must include Silhouette and style details, fasting details and construction details.

Silhouette will include details on the shape, length, width, how the garment is meant to fit and has back and front views. There might also be details on the pockets, collar, color, embroideries, and printing. Details must be precise and easy to understand.

Fastening methods can include the obvious like zippers or buttons but there are other options. Make sure if you are using a pattern maker Melbourne to create the tech pack that any fasteners are included in the design.

Diagrams for construction. Illustrate the stitch and seam lines on the sketches, otherwise, the manufacturer may use a different way of assembling that completely changes the fit of the garment.

Bill of material aka BOM

This is detail on all the fabrics needed to make the garment from the lining, pockets, fasteners, rib, threads, care tags, labels, and so on. As well as stating the specific materials needed you also need to clearly show where those materials are to be placed.

Measurements and sizes

Just writing down the master size, for example, a small, is not enough. You need to state what range you want them made in, maybe S up to XL, and then you need detailed measurements and grading for each of those sizes.