How to Create an Outerwear Tech Pack with AI
Create outerwear tech packs with AI — waterproof ratings, insulation specs, seam sealing, weather protection features, and technical outerwear construction.
Technical outerwear specifications
Technical outerwear is the most specification-dense garment category. Beyond standard construction, outerwear tech packs need: waterproof/breathability ratings, seam sealing specifications, insulation type and fill weight, DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, and weather protection features like storm flaps and draft tubes.
A missing or incorrect specification on technical outerwear is particularly costly because the materials are expensive and construction is complex. Getting the tech pack right before sampling is critical.
Waterproofing and breathability
Waterproof outerwear needs measurable performance specifications.
- Waterproof rating: measured in mm water column (5,000mm = light rain, 10,000mm = moderate rain, 20,000mm+ = heavy rain)
- Breathability: measured in g/m²/24hr MVTR (minimum 5,000 for active use)
- Membrane type: 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer construction
- DWR treatment: durable water repellent finish on face fabric
- Seam sealing: fully taped, critically taped (only weather-exposed seams), or welded
Insulation specifications
Insulated outerwear needs insulation type, weight, and construction method specifications.
- Down insulation: fill power (550-900+), fill weight per panel, down-to-feather ratio
- Synthetic insulation: brand and product name, weight in gsm, construction (sheet vs loose fill)
- Baffle construction: sewn-through (stitched quilting), box baffle (separate internal walls), or welded baffle
- Insulation placement: full body, body only (no arms), graduated (heavier in core)
Weather protection features
Technical outerwear includes specialized features that need detailed specification: storm flaps over zippers (width, attachment method), draft tubes inside zippers, chin guards, adjustable hoods (volume adjusters, peak wire, fur/faux-fur trim), adjustable hems and cuffs, pit zips for ventilation, and internal snow skirts for ski jackets.
Each feature adds BOM entries and construction notes. AI tech pack generation handles these based on outerwear type — a ski jacket gets snow skirt and pit zip specs while a rain jacket gets minimal feature specs.
Outerwear-specific measurements
Outerwear is worn over other garments, so measurements must include appropriate layering ease. A jacket worn over a hoodie needs 2-3 inches more chest width than a garment worn directly against the body.
Sleeve length for outerwear is measured differently — specify whether measurement includes or excludes the cuff, and whether the measurement assumes the arm is extended or at the side. Outerwear sleeves are typically 1-2 inches longer than standard garment sleeves to account for arm movement.
Testing and certification requirements
Technical outerwear may require third-party testing and certification: waterproof ratings need hydrostatic head testing, down insulation needs RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification, and specific markets may require Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certification.
Include testing requirements in your tech pack so the manufacturer can plan accordingly. Some tests must be performed on finished garments, adding time to the production schedule.