Every time a sample comes back wrong, somewhere upstream a specification was missing. The fix is not complicated: a spec sheet that answers the factory's questions before they have to ask. You do not need a professional tech pack to start, but you do need the following information.
The Basics: Product and Category
Start with the product name, category, target market and season. This frames every technical decision that follows. "Women's embroidered shirt, spring-summer, US wholesale" tells the factory more than "shirt."
Measurements: The Core of the Sheet
List the key measurements for each size: chest, shoulder, sleeve length, body length and hem width, at minimum. State whether measurements are taken flat or on body, and set a tolerance, for example plus or minus 1 cm on major points. If you have a reference garment, note it, because a physical reference beats any number.
Fabric and Construction
Specify fiber composition, weight, weave, color and any finish. For construction, note seam types, stitch density and the sewing standard for stress points. For details like embroidery, describe the placement, size and thread colors, ideally with an artwork file.
Trims, Labels and Packaging
List buttons, zippers, cords and their colors and materials. Specify label content and placement, including any fiber and care labels required for the US market. For packaging, state polybag, carton size, packing quantity per carton and carton markings.
Tolerances and Approval Points
Write down what is acceptable and what is not: measurement tolerance, shade variation within a lot, defect acceptance. Also state the approval checkpoints, such as lab dip approval, sample approval and pre-shipment inspection, so both sides know when a stage is officially done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a formal tech pack or is a clear document enough?
A clear document is enough to start. Formal tech packs help with complex products and multiple factories, but clarity matters more than format.
What if I do not know all the technical details?
That is normal. State what you know, mark what you need help with, and let the factory propose. Good factories will fill the gaps and confirm before producing.
Can the factory help create the spec sheet?
Yes, during sampling the factory develops the actual production specifications from your approved sample. That document becomes your shared reference.
How detailed should measurement charts be?
At least the major points per size. More detail reduces risk, especially for fitted garments.
What is the single most useful thing to attach?
A reference garment or clear photos with measurement notes. Physical or visual references resolve more ambiguity than text alone.
Have a half-finished spec? Send it over. Our team will review it, flag the gaps, and confirm what we need to move to sampling.
