The tech pack is the document a factory uses for the sample, the quote and production. On hoodies, which combine body fabric, rib, hood lining, drawcords, eyelets, labels and sometimes zips, an incomplete tech pack means remade samples, wrongly estimated prices and differences between batches. Here is what it should contain, section by section.
1. Cover page
- style name and code, season, date and tech pack version;
- front and back technical drawing (a flat sketch, not an inspiration photo);
- size range and base sample size;
- the colourways in which the style will be produced;
- the contact person for questions.
Number the versions. Most errors happen when the factory works from an old version.
2. Materials (bill of materials)
For each material, specify:
- body fabric: type (french terry, brushed or diagonal 3-thread fleece), composition, finished weight, width, finish, colour with a physical reference;
- rib: type (1×1 or 2×2 cascorse), composition, weight, colour approved next to the body;
- hood lining, if any;
- tapes and pocket bags.
Add supplier and article code. The factory must know exactly which fabric it receives and how it behaves.
3. Trims (trim list)
Drawcords, aglets, eyelets or embroidered buttonholes, zips, brand, composition and size labels, hanger loops, neck tapes. For each one: size, colour, position, quantity per piece. Include packaging too: polybag, swing tag, barcode sticker.
4. Construction drawings
This is where you explain how the hoodie is sewn:
- stitch type for each seam (4-thread overlock, twin-needle coverstitch, lockstitch);
- topstitch widths and distance from the edge;
- hood construction (two or three panels, single or lined, front overlap);
- kangaroo pocket: size, position, opening finish, reinforcements;
- finished depths of cuffs and waistband;
- label positions and any decoration.
Close-up detail drawings prevent most questions.
5. Measurement chart and tolerances
The chart lists the points of measure (half chest, body length, sleeve, hood height and so on), the values for each size and the allowed tolerance, for example ±1 cm on long measurements and ±0.5 cm on details. Each point needs a clear description of how it is measured, ideally with a drawing. Without one, two people will measure the same hoodie differently.
6. Care, labelling and packing instructions
- fibre composition under EU Regulation 1007/2011 and care symbols consistent with your wash tests;
- folding method, bag size, pieces per carton, carton marking;
- final inspection requirements: what is checked and on how many pieces.
For current legal labelling requirements, check with a specialist or the competent authorities.
Example: the tech pack for a basic fleece hoodie
Let's assume a unisex hoodie with a lined hood, kangaroo pocket and cascorse cuffs, in grey melange. In the materials section we would list grey melange diagonal 3-thread fleece at 320 g/m², with its combed cotton and polyester composition, enzyme and silicone finish and 180 cm width. A stock article has the advantage that the factory can receive the same fabric for sample and production, and the spec in the tech pack stays valid for repeats. For the rib, specify a grey melange cascorse approved next to the body.
The tech pack keeps evolving after the first sample. After each fitting round, record what changed in the document, for example hood height +1.5 cm or cuff ratio 75% instead of 80%, with the date and version number. Once the pre-production sample is approved, mark that version as final and keep the signed sample as the physical reference for checking every batch.
Common mistakes in hoodie tech packs
- Heavy fleece instead of a finished weight and fabric type.
- No finished cuff depth or rib ratio.
- Inspiration photos instead of technical drawings.
- A measurement chart without tolerances or measuring method.
- Unnumbered versions emailed in parallel.
How to fill in the materials section
If you need exact data on an article, such as composition, weight, width or finish, you will find it on our product pages or can ask through our contact page. Fabrics from the 3-thread family in stock are sold by the roll with no minimum for your development sample.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just send the factory a physical sample without a tech pack?
For a simple copy you can, but the factory will interpret details, measurements and tolerances on its own. On repeats or when you change factory, the lack of a tech pack almost always leads to differences between batches.
What format should the tech pack be in?
A PDF with drawings and tables is enough for most factories. Many brands use spreadsheets for the measurement chart and vector drawing software for flats. What matters is that the version is clear and unique.
Should the tech pack include the price?
No. The tech pack describes the product, and the price quote is prepared separately from it. A complete tech pack does help the factory estimate sewing minutes and consumption accurately.
