Tech Pack vs. Spec Sheet: What’s the Difference?
Launching your own fashion collection comes with a steep learning curve — especially when it comes to production documents. Many indie designers use the terms tech pack and spec sheet interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Each plays a unique role in getting your designs produced correctly. If you’re serious about scaling your brand, it’s important to understand the difference.
What is a Spec Sheet?
A spec sheet (short for “specification sheet”) is a detailed chart that includes garment measurements, sizing, and grading rules. Think of it as the numeric roadmap for your design. It tells the manufacturer exactly how wide the neckline should be, how long the sleeve needs to measure, and how those dimensions should scale across sizes. A spec sheet is focused on fit, sizing accuracy, and measurement standards. Without it, you risk inconsistencies between samples and bulk production — which often leads to expensive corrections.
What is a Tech Pack?
A tech pack, on the other hand, is a comprehensive blueprint for your garment. It includes not only the measurements from the spec sheet but also materials, construction details, stitching, trim placements, labeling, and finishing instructions. In other words, a tech pack is the complete instruction manual for your product. It ensures that everyone — from pattern makers to manufacturers — is working from the same page. Where a spec sheet focuses on numbers, a tech pack paints the bigger picture of how your garment should look, feel, and function.
Why Both Documents Matter in Production
Some designers assume they can get by with just a spec sheet or a simple sketch, but skipping the tech pack is a costly shortcut. Without the broader details that a tech pack provides, manufacturers often have to guess on fabric usage, trims, or finishing. That leads to miscommunication, delays, and higher production costs. On the flip side, relying only on a tech pack without precise measurements leaves you open to fit issues. The two documents complement each other, giving your production partners a clear and complete picture.
How Incomplete Documentation Leads to Mistakes
Imagine ordering 100 hoodies without a complete spec sheet. Your factory makes assumptions about sleeve length and body proportions, and when the order arrives, your medium feels more like a small. Or consider skipping construction notes in your tech pack — you might get the right fit, but the wrong stitching, zipper, or labeling. Every small detail matters when you’re building a brand that customers trust. Clear documentation is the difference between delivering a professional-quality product and wasting money on preventable mistakes.
How to Combine Them into One Professional Document
The good news? You don’t need to manage two separate documents if you’re a smaller brand. At Stella Luna & Co., we believe in streamlining production for indie designers. Our digital tech pack templates are designed to house both the spec sheet and the full production details in one easy-to-edit file. This means you’ll have your measurements, materials, trims, and construction notes all in one place — easy for manufacturers to follow and hard for details to get lost. By consolidating both, you simplify your process and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
The Benefits of Working with Standardized Templates
When you rely on standardized digital tools, you save time, reduce confusion, and avoid the hidden costs of errors. Templates also make your brand look more professional to manufacturers, who often prioritize clients that provide complete, organized instructions. A polished tech pack not only keeps your current production on track but also builds credibility for future collaborations. Indie designers who invest in these tools early on position themselves for smoother growth and better long-term relationships with factories.
Final Thoughts: Build Smarter, Not Harder
At the end of the day, the goal is to remove uncertainty from your production process. A spec sheet ensures fit consistency, while a tech pack ensures construction accuracy. Together, they form the foundation of professional garment development. If you want to save time, money, and stress, start using a complete tech pack that includes your spec sheet details. That way, every design you produce has the best chance of hitting the market exactly the way you envisioned it.
Ready to Simplify Your Production Process?
Stella Luna & Co. has built digital templates specifically for indie fashion brands who want to combine clarity and efficiency. Our editable tech pack files include measurement charts, costing details, and production notes — everything your factory needs to deliver your vision correctly. Whether you’re preparing your first collection or scaling your next drop, our templates make the process seamless.