A techpack is an informative sheet (or file) which encompasses all of the garment specifications.  The techpack for the garments is created before embarking on the garment manufacturing process.  The file contains all the details of any specific style and aspect of the garment. This document is usually prepared by the designer and finalized in consultation with the merchandisers, and then forwarded to bulk sampling department or to the production department for the reference and guide for bulk manufacturing.

Once a techpack for any style is developled, the production department should be able to proceed with the manufacturing process without having to refer back to the designer for any aspect of production. All the details of the clothing being produced will be in the techpack.  The techpacks will include fabric requirements, trim requirements, grading, thread colors, etc.  The merchandisers are thus able to go ahead and ensure that the required material as per the techpack is made available to the production department, in the right quantities at the right time.

The complexity involved in bulk manufacturing of the apparel also helps determine the contents of the techpack.  The more complex the clothing item, the more detailed the techpack should become.  Regardless if the garment being manufactured is as simple as a basic pair of men's underwear, or as complex as a women's suit involving two or more garments (top & bottom), each garment needs a techpack.  However, the size of the techpack will differ based on the complexity of the garment.  Note: tops and bottoms can be combined into one techpack. 

When deailing with complex fashion, with each garment involving multiple fabrics and trims, topped with additional production process such as embroidery, printing, patch work etc. The production flow, care and control needed while production will differ, and so will the form and content of the techpack for such styles.  When developing a techpack, do not hesitate to list as much detail as you believe to be necessary.  The more information in the techpack the better.

The proper preparation of a techpack will be used to manage and co-ordinate various activities in production which brings in efficiency within the company as various departments refer to this one common document.  The company can use the techpack for the basis of discussions or carrying out any activity.

Almost all garment manufacturing companies prepare a techpack. In many cases, the cutting instructions or job card issued to production acts as the techpack. However, the details given in the techpack are likely to vary with the sizes of the company. Large manufacturing companies generally have a detailed techpack for each of the styles under production, for the simple reason that any manufacturing that is not in line with what was desired results in a huge production loss. For exporters, preparation of a techpack is almost mandatory, as the buyers prefer to sign on the techpack before placing the order or would send in a techpack themselves.

If you want to further discuss techpacks, you may wish to join the pattern maker discussion group at the Fashion Industry Network.
 

ML1210 - Techpack Term