Textile spec sheet: a ready-to-use tech pack template

Why a good spec sheet makes the difference

Garment manufacturers regularly receive requests backed by a single Pinterest image. The outcome is predictable: non-conforming prototype, multiple revisions, budget overruns.

A complete tech pack delivers:

• A first iteration on spec in 70 to 80 % of cases
• A reliable quote from the initial request
• Traceability in case of quality or measurement disputes
• Easier internal handover at the manufacturer (design office, cutting, sewing, QC)

Conversely, a vague brief typically adds 2 to 4 weeks to sampling and increases the risk of drift between approved prototype and final production.

The 10 essential sections

An operational tech pack covers ten minimum sections:

1. Reference and description: internal code, season, brand, version
2. Technical sketch: front, back, details (seams, closures, pockets)
3. Main fabric: composition, weight, certification, mill if imposed
4. Lining, interlining, trims: composition and related finishings
5. Colorways: pantone or physical swatch for each variant
6. Sizes and grading: base measurement and grading table
7. Measurements and tolerances: key points of measure with tolerances
8. Finishings: stitch types, topstitching, labels, markings
9. Standards and certifications: EN, REACH, OEKO-TEX, GOTS if applicable
10. Packaging: polybag, carton, EAN label, palletization

Each section should be readable independently by an operator. Anything not written down will be interpreted — sometimes well, sometimes not.

Fabric specifications

The fabric section must avoid vague wording ("premium cotton" means nothing). To transmit:

• Composition: e.g. 100 % cotton, or 95 % cotton / 5 % elastane
• Weight: in g/m² for wovens, g/m² or g/linear m for knits
• Construction: weave (plain, twill, satin), knit (jersey, interlock, 1x1 rib)
• Treatments: washing, anti-pilling, sanforization, mercerization
• Accepted certifications: GOTS, OCS, OEKO-TEX — specify levels
• Color tolerance: acceptable ΔE (usually < 1.5)
• Weight tolerance: ± 5 % standard

A physical fabric swatch remains the final reference. The tech pack states which swatch prevails.

Measurements and tolerances

A measurement table is built around standardized points of measure by product. Example for a children's dress:

Tolerances are essential: a manufacturer cannot deliver a production strictly identical to the base measurement. A tolerance too tight increases rejects; a tolerance too loose increases customer returns.

For a broader view of garment manufacturing, see our article on the stages from prototype to mass production.

Finishings and trims

Finishings are often under-specified, even though they drive final perceived quality:

• Stitches: type (overlock, French seam, topstitch), stitches per cm
• Topstitching: thread color, distance from edge, single or double
• Buttons: type, size, brand or supplier, attachment method
• Zippers: brand, type (invisible, separating), length, tape color
• Labels: brand, size, composition, care, origin — exact position
• Markings: print, embroidery, transfer (specify position and dimension)

A tolerance margin for markings (e.g. ± 1 cm on a logo position) avoids unnecessary rejects.

Standards and safety

For the European market, several standards are mandatory, particularly on layette and children's wear:

• EN 14682: drawcords on children's clothing (banned on hoods under 7Y)
• EN 71-3: migration of certain elements (heavy metals) on articles for children
• REACH: restricted chemicals (formaldehyde, AZO, phthalates)
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: absence of harmful substances on the finished product
• GOTS: certified organic cotton, social + environmental

See our dedicated article on baby clothing safety standards in Europe. The tech pack must state which standards the product must meet, and who bears the lab testing cost.

Packaging and logistics

Packaging is a full section of the tech pack:

• Polybag: material (recyclable PE, paper), ventilation perforation, dimension
• Product labelling: EAN, price if retail-ready, languages (EN + EU)
• Inner packaging: hanger, tissue paper, box (with or without logo)
• Master carton: pieces per carton, dimensions, max weight
• Palletization: cartons per pallet, max height, pallet type (EUR, US)
• Carton marking: reference, size, quantity, GTIN barcode

Well-specified packaging avoids logistics rework in Europe and accelerates store-ready delivery.

Template to reuse

For a first send to a manufacturer, a tech pack can fit on 4 to 6 pages:

• Page 1: reference, front/back sketch, description, colorways, sizes
• Page 2: fabric, weight, lining, trims
• Page 3: measurement table with tolerances
• Page 4: finishings and markings
• Page 5: expected standards and certifications
• Page 6: packaging and palletization

Formats accepted by most manufacturers: PDF (reading), Excel (measurements), AI or PNG (technical sketches). On request, LOI Confection provides an editable blank template for brands at launch, plus drafting support on the first project — see our article on brand–manufacturer partnership.