Fashion tech packs are an art combined with science. Creative instinct and technical knowledge to execute creativity are a rare combination. That is why a fashion tech pack designer with both these skills paid high. Only a few tech pack consulting services can back a fashion brand from concept to customer. Most fashion startups don’t even do research before entering any business. In this article, let’s delve into the use and importance of fashion tech packs. I hope this will be helpful for those who want to start their clothing business. I have many posts that give insight into tech packs and what goes in a tech pack. One of them is the Ultimate Guide to Fashion Tech Pack Series. So, let’s focus on the benefits and utility of this technical document here.
Use and Importance of Fashion Tech Packs
There are several benefits of having a tech pack when you enter into production. Not having a tech pack is a big mistake if you are trying to save some money on this. Entering production without a tech pack is a costly mistake. It grants manufacturers undue control. Investing in a tech pack offers numerous benefits and advantages in production. Consult with those who have faced production challenges without a tech pack. Operating without one gives manufacturers unrestricted control. We have outlined the benefits of fashion tech packs in the below points.
Act as a Communication Tool
Technical Drawings serve as a universal communication tool between different stakeholders. In a garment unit, various departments function independently. For example, printing, embroidery, cutting, and pattern making. A well-drafted fashion tech pack segregates the roles of each department. So, there is negligible confusion, and each department can coordinate with each other. The result is a proper final product, as expected. In short, the tech pack provides a standardized format that conveys detailed information. It outlines the garment’s design and production specification department-wise. It acts as a communication tool that instructs each department precisely what it needs to do.
Clarity in Design Intent of the Creative Designer
Tech packs guarantee clarity in communicating the designer’s vision. A well-crafted fashion tech pack provides all the information for pattern makers, print/embroidery units, and sample makers. A comprehensive fashion tech pack enables simultaneous work across departments, saving the buyer time and money. The tech pack encompasses crucial details such as sketches, construction specifications, measurements, and print vectors, all systematically organized.
Precision in Measurements
Including accurate measurements in a tech pack is crucial. It is a vital requirement for maintaining consistency and precision in garment production. A tech pack helps create a well-fitted garment style by reducing possible production errors. I don’t know how others are doing. In our process, we cross-check measurements with our pattern masters and fit technicians. We will continue the process until we find the perfect match according to our customers’ guidelines.
Helps in Cost Estimation
Fashion tech packs are instrumental in estimating the cost of production. A tech pack provides information on the quantity and type of material, which is vital for sourcing agents to calculate the material costs. Also, the stitching and garment construction detailing indicate the operations in the garment, which helps in understanding the labor cost. Other than that, the washing, prints, embroidery details, etc., help calculate overhead. This enables accurate cost projections for both sampling and mass apparel production.
Time Efficiency
Fashion tech packs help manufacturers streamline the production process. As it provides a clear roadmap, each department can work simultaneously, saving time. It reduces confusion in the production process and reduces time spent on clarification. Also, you can avoid revisions that contribute to more efficient and timely production cycles. It is always a win-win process for both buyers and clothing manufacturers.
Quality Assurance
Tech packs include detailed information about fabric quality, construction techniques, and finishing details. This ensures that the final product meets the desired quality standards. Fashion tech packs help manufacturers meet the designer’s and brand’s expectations.
Supplier Consistency
When working with multiple suppliers or manufacturers, tech packs help maintain consistency. You can adequately track production across different production runs. No matter where you produce, if you have the fashion tech packs, you can control the output with just a few calls. This is vital for ensuring that variations in design and the quality of the products are maintained, contributing to the brand integrity.
Sustainability Integration
Fashion tech packs can incorporate sustainability elements by specifying eco-friendly materials. For example, unless specified, the factory may use harmful PVC print. So, with a tech pack, you have all the details of production processes and packaging. This helps in sustainability integration, sustainable practices, and meeting consumer demand for environmentally conscious products.
Ease of Reordering
Tech packs serve as a comprehensive record of the design and production details. This makes it easier for brands to reorder specific products. You can also re-use the tech pack to modify existing designs, helping foster a more agile and responsive production process.
Legal Protection
Tech packs can serve as legal documents outlining the agreed-upon specifications. The buyer and the manufacturer agree to execute the production based on the specifications. In disputes, having a detailed tech pack can provide evidence of the initial agreement, providing legal protection to both parties.
Fashion tech packs are crucial for the quality, efficiency, and precision of production processes and play an active role in cost estimation, production timing, and QA. It is convenient for both buyers and clothing manufacturers to follow a process. This document provides all that is needed to streamline the apparel production process. As a legally binding agreement between clothing manufacturers and buyers, it improves trust. Especially when you do overseas apparel production, you have this tool. Most established brands do their production planning with fashion tech packs. Even genuine manufacturers entertain buyers who have their tech packs in place.
Clothing Tech Pack Design & Apparel Production Consulting
At fashion studio Urban Purple, we offer an end-to-end supply chain for fashion brands. Our service includes concept design and complete production consulting. We also provide a fashion tech pack with a pre-tested measurement spec sheet through our tech pack template store. This online store is for those who want to produce common styles for their collection and do not have much time to develop with a fashion technical designer. You can browse our tech pack template store and choose from various tech packs. For all other tech pack services for custom designs, you can contact us using our contact form.