Tech Pack Checklist — 12 Things Every Factory Needs From You

A tech pack is a manufacturing instruction manual. The better yours is, the faster the quote, the cheaper the sample, and the closer the finished product will be to what's in your head.

Don't have a tech pack? We'll build one for free with our Tech Pack Builder — but if you want to brief a factory like a pro, here's the 12-point checklist.

1. Front, Back & Side Sketches

Hand-drawn is fine. We just need to see the silhouette, seam lines, pocket positions and overall structure. Don't worry about Photoshop quality.

2. Construction Notes / Callouts

Annotate the sketch with: pocket sizes, zipper positions, snap closures, special seams (e.g. fully taped), elastic placement. This is where most miscommunication happens.

3. Fabric Specification

Outer fabric, lining, any membrane. If you don't know exact GSM, give us a reference (e.g. "softshell similar to The North Face Apex"). We'll match it.

4. Colourway(s)

Pantone codes if you have them. Otherwise hex codes or a swatch image. List each colour for each part (e.g. body in olive, contrast trim in tan).

5. Size Run

Which sizes do you need? Standard US/EU mens (S-XXL), women's, or custom sizing? Tell us the range and whether each size needs separate measurements.

6. Measurements (Spec Sheet)

The big one. Body length, chest width, sleeve length, hem width, neck opening — at minimum. We'll provide our standard spec sheet template if you don't have one.

7. Trim & Hardware

Zipper brand (YKK vs generic), zipper type (standard, water-resistant, reverse coil), snap material (brass, coated, plastic), drawcord style, elastic specs.

8. Labels & Branding

Main label (woven or printed), care label, size label, hang tag. Position of each. Provide artwork in AI/PDF/PNG. Logo placement on the garment itself (embroidery? heat transfer? rubber patch?).

9. Packaging

Individual poly bag? Hangers? Tissue paper? Master carton specs? UPC barcodes? If you don't know — we'll suggest standard retail-ready packaging.

10. Quantity per Size / Colour

If you're ordering 200 total: how does that split? 30 in each size? More mediums than smalls? Affects cutting plans and costing.

11. Target Price / Budget

Honest expectation. Helps us suggest the right fabric tier. If your target is $25/piece we won't quote with 3-layer membrane fabric.

12. Lead Time / Deadline

When do you need it? Sample first, then bulk? Critical date for trade show or season launch? Knowing this lets us plan properly.

The Bonus: Reference Photos

Honestly — photos of products you love (and products you DON'T) tell us more than 20 pages of tech specs. Pull from competitors, vintage gear, anything visual. We learn fast from references.

If You Don't Have Any of This

That's fine. Most first-time brands don't. Use our free Tech Pack Builder — it walks you through every field, generates a PDF, and you can send it to any factory. Built specifically for hunting and outdoor apparel.