Tech packs are the foundation of getting your clothing designs appropriately made! Without a detailed tech pack, most good factories will turn your order away. They serve as that universal language between you and your manufacturer, bridging those tricky gaps when you might not even speak the same language.
A well-crafted tech pack can reduce those back-and-forth sampling rounds, and we all know how time-consuming those can be. A basic spec sheet doesn't cut it. Today's tech packs have evolved into something much more sophisticated, and they're packed with advanced features that ensure your garments are made exactly as you intended.
In this guide, we will explore those essential advanced elements that every professional tech pack should include to take your tech packs to the next level.
1. Essential Advanced Visual Elements for Professional Tech Packs
The visual elements in your tech pack are make or break! To a trained eye it’s obvious which ones will translate into well-made garments, and which ones will lead to costly mistakes and frustration.
What's the difference between a basic tech pack and one that truly speaks your vision? It comes down to the visual components—their quality, detail, and clarity in communicating what you want. I like to think of these visuals as the universal language of your design—they need to tell your story even when words might get lost in translation!
Diagrams are essential when visualising how all those individual components of a garment fit together during assembly.
At its core, tech packs should give clear and concise instructions on how to construct any complex parts of the garment. This is where detailed construction views really shine! They visually demonstrate construction (it's like a map for your manufacturer) which becomes super important for those tricky, complex design elements like:
· Bras with removable cups (see the image below)
· Pockets with multiple layers
· Collars with interfacing
· Multi-component sleeves that need precise assembly
· Interior construction details that might otherwise be overlooked
I've found that a well-executed construction drawing lets manufacturers understand exactly how you want the garment assembled - all at a glance! It cuts through language barriers and really speaks to the practical side of construction.
2. Material - Beyond Fabric Type
A professional tech pack need to be precise and informative. Think of your fabric specs as the DNA of your garment - they determine not just how it looks, but a how it performs, how it feels, and how long it lasts.
Many tech packs fall short in the fabric section. It's not just about naming the fabric—it's about defining every aspect that matters to your design. What weight should it be? What is the exact fiber composition? How should it behave when stretched or washed? These details aren't fussy extras—they're the difference between a product that delights your customers and one that disappoints them.
When we work with clients on fabric selection, we give full guidance on all the points mentioned above and show examples from our extensive fabric library.
Conclusion
Professional tech packs are essential documents that bridge communication gaps between designers and manufacturers.
At Hook and Eye UK, we offer tech packs and design sessions tailored to your specific garment through careful attention to these fundamental elements.
Contact us here to create professional tech packs that will streamline your manufacturing process!
I hope this helps,
H&E team : )
