How to Read a Garment Tech Pack: Guide for Manufacturers and Buyers

Tech packs are not just for technical designers. Manufacturers need them for production. Buyers need them for costing and quality assessment. Quality control teams need them for inspection criteria. Sourcing teams need them for material procurement.

Each reader focuses on different sections, but all need to understand the overall document structure to find the information they need.

Start with the cover page to understand what you are looking at. Key information: style name and number (unique identifier), season (when this garment ships), brand, garment type, sample size (the base size for measurements), and date (document version).

The cover page also typically shows flat sketches — simplified technical drawings of the front and back. These give you an immediate visual understanding of the garment construction.

The measurement page lists point-of-measure (POM) specifications. Each row defines: POM code or name, how to measure (the measuring method), and the target measurement with tolerance.

Tolerances define the acceptable range. A chest width of 22" ±0.5" means the finished garment can measure 21.5"-22.5" and still pass quality inspection. Tighter tolerances indicate fit-critical measurements.

The BOM lists every material in the garment. For each entry, look for: material name and description, composition (fiber content and percentages), weight or size, color and color code, supplier and reference number, placement (where on the garment), and quantity needed.

Missing BOM entries are a red flag — they mean the tech pack author forgot a material or assumed the manufacturer would use their standard. Always clarify missing entries before starting production.

Construction notes tell you how to assemble the garment. They specify seam types, stitch counts, assembly order, and finishing details. Key terms to understand: SPI (stitches per inch), seam allowance width, bartack positions, and topstitch specifications.

If construction notes are vague or missing for specific garment areas, request clarification from the designer. Guessing at construction methods leads to sample rejections.

The graded size chart extends the base-size measurements across the full size range. Check that grade increments are consistent and reasonable — sudden jumps or drops in increment between sizes indicate possible errors.

Compare the graded chart against the base-size measurements to ensure they align. The base-size measurement in the grade chart should match exactly with the detailed measurement specification page.