Garment Measurement Guide: How to Specify POM in Tech Packs
Complete guide to garment measurements and point-of-measure (POM) specifications — what to measure, how to measure, and how to set accurate tolerances.
What are points of measure (POM)
Points of measure (POM) are the specific locations on a garment where measurements are taken. Each POM has a standardized name, a defined measuring method, a target measurement, and a tolerance range (acceptable variation from target).
The number of POMs varies by garment complexity. A basic t-shirt needs 8-12 POMs. A jacket needs 15-25 POMs. The goal is to measure enough points that the garment's shape and fit are fully defined — but not so many that the specification becomes impractical.
Essential POMs by garment type
Different garment categories have different essential POMs.
Essential POMs by garment type
| Garment | Key POMs | Total POMs Typical |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | Chest, body length, shoulder, sleeve length, sleeve opening, neck width, neck drop | 8-10 |
| Hoodie | Chest, body length, shoulder, sleeve, hood height, hood width, cuff width, hem width | 12-15 |
| Pants | Waist, hip, front rise, back rise, thigh, knee, inseam, leg opening | 10-14 |
| Jacket | Chest, body length, shoulder, sleeve, across back, armhole depth, hem width | 12-18 |
| Dress | Bust, waist, hip, body length, shoulder, sleeve, skirt length, hem sweep | 12-16 |
How to measure correctly
Measurement accuracy depends on consistent measuring method. Key principles: lay the garment flat on a smooth surface, smooth out wrinkles without stretching, measure at the defined points using the defined method, and record in the specified unit system.
Common measuring method definitions: 'chest width at 1 inch below armhole' means measure the full width of the garment at a line 1 inch below the bottom of the armhole seam. 'HPS' (high point of shoulder) is the reference point at the shoulder seam where it meets the neckline — most length measurements start here.
Setting accurate tolerances
Tolerances define the acceptable variation in each measurement. Standard tolerances vary by measurement type:
- Length measurements: ±0.5 inch (±1.3 cm) typical
- Width measurements: ±0.5 inch (±1.3 cm) typical
- Small measurements (cuff, collar): ±0.25 inch (±0.6 cm)
- Critical fit measurements (waist, chest): ±0.375 inch (±1 cm)
- Opening measurements (neck, armhole): ±0.25 inch (±0.6 cm)
How AI generates measurement specifications
AI tech pack generators select appropriate POMs and target measurements based on garment type, fit family, and base size. A boxy oversized hoodie in size M gets wider chest measurements than a slim-fit hoodie in size M.
The AI also sets category-appropriate tolerances — tighter tolerances for fit-critical measurements (waist on fitted garments, neck opening) and standard tolerances for less critical measurements (body length, sleeve length).
Common measurement specification errors
The most common measurement error is specifying too few POMs. If your tech pack only defines chest, length, and sleeve, the manufacturer decides shoulder width, armhole depth, and hem width — which may not match your intent.
The second most common error is inconsistent measurement units. Mixing inches and centimeters within the same tech pack causes confusion and measurement errors during production. Pick one unit system and use it consistently.