Tech pack vs spec sheet: what is the difference?
A spec sheet is one part of a tech pack. Learn how the two differ, what each contains and which one a factory needs before it can quote and sample your garment.
Updated 1 October 2026 · By Hem Apparel
The terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, which causes confusion. A spec sheet is a single table of measurements. A tech pack is the whole instruction package for a garment, and the spec sheet is one page inside it.
Quick comparison
| Spec sheet | Tech pack | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Measurements only | Everything needed to make the garment |
| Contents | Points of measure, sizes, grades, tolerances | Sketches, colours, materials, measurements, construction, artwork, labels, packing |
| Pages | Usually one or two | Typically five to fifteen |
| Used for | Pattern making and checking finished garments | Quoting, sampling, bulk production and quality control |
| Alone, is it enough? | No: the factory still has to guess materials and details | Yes, it is the complete brief |
What a spec sheet answers
How big is each part of the garment in each size? It lists points of measure such as chest width, body length and sleeve length, with a base size, a grade for each size and a tolerance.
What the rest of a tech pack answers
- What does it look like? Flat sketches with call-outs.
- What is it made of? Fabric, fibre content, GSM and trims in a bill of materials.
- What colour? Pantone codes for each colourway.
- How is it sewn? Seam types, stitch types and finishing.
- How is it branded? Artwork method, size and position, plus labels.
- How is it packed? Folding, polybags and carton details.
Which one do you need?
To get a price and a first sample from a factory, send a full tech pack. A spec sheet alone is useful when you already have an approved design and only need to compare size measurements, for example when you reorder or add a size.