Tech pack checklist: 12 things to check before you send it to a factory

A practical pre-flight checklist for your tech pack — the details factories ask about first, and what happens to your sample and price when they are missing.

Updated 1 October 2026 · By Hem Apparel

Before you email a tech pack, run through this list. Each item is something factories routinely come back with. Answering them up front saves days of back-and-forth and gives you a more accurate quote.

Product and design

1. A unique style code on every page and file name.
2. Front and back flat sketches — not just photos — with numbered call-outs.
3. A size range and a base size.

Materials and colour

1. Main fabric with fibre content (e.g. 100% cotton) and weight in GSM.
2. Every trim listed: rib, thread, labels, zips, buttons, drawcords, packaging.
3. A Pantone code for every colour, including thread and print colours.

Measurements and construction

1. Every point of measure with how to measure it, for every size.
2. A tolerance on every measurement.
3. Seam types and stitch density for the neck, shoulders, side seams and hems.

Branding, quantity and packing

1. Artwork size and placement measured from a fixed point, plus the source file.
2. Main label and care label with content and position (fibre content, care symbols, country of origin).
3. Quantity per colour and size, folding method and pieces per carton.

What happens when something is missing

A factory will either ask (slow) or decide for you (risky). Missing GSM changes the price. Missing tolerances make quality disputes impossible to settle. Missing artwork placement means each size may be printed in a different spot.