Drawing on my experience in product development and production, I have realized the importance of paying attention to certain points during the tech pack design process to avoid potential production issues. In fact, these points are critical not only during tech pack design but also during the creative design process. A skilled tech pack designer should have the foresight to ensure that the end product is of high quality and free of production issues, saving costs, and time, and simplifying the Apparel Manufacturing process. In the following section, I will outline some essential factors that fashion brands or private label clothing lines should keep in mind when designing their fashion line sheet.
Excessive Embellishment can Spoil a Style
If a style has too much embellishment, such as embroidery, prints, washing, and so on, it can detract from the overall aesthetic and result in a high rate of rejections. Additionally, if the design is too edgy, it may fail to attract the end customer and ultimately be unsuccessful.
Limited Processing is Key
When designing a style, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness should be top priorities. A style that goes through too many processes can interfere with other processing steps during apparel development or production, potentially resulting in a compromised final product. Overlapping processes can cause damage and affect the overall quality of the garment. It is crucial to choose the right apparel development process for each garment to ensure a smooth production process and a high-quality end product.
Collaboration between Creative and Technical Designers is Key
It is essential for Creative Designers to consult with Technical Designers and Product Developers during the style design process. This is because there are often feasibility issues that must be taken into consideration. Failure to do so can result in excessively high costs or a lengthy, error-ridden development process. Collaboration between all parties involved is necessary to ensure a smooth development process and a high-quality end product.
The Importance of Proper Tech Pack Design:
It is crucial for brand owners not to compromise on the quality of their tech pack design. In many cases, brand owners may be tempted to hire technical designers who are willing to work for lower rates, but they must understand that tech packs are the foundation of any collection. Any mistakes or lack of industry consultation can ruin the style or significantly increase sampling and production costs. The time and money required to correct errors and redo samples are often much higher than the amount a brand owner saves during the tech pack design process. While it is understandable to want to reduce costs, it is essential to keep in mind that any initial savings may be offset by future costs, ultimately coming out of the investor's pocket.
Understanding the Importance of Tech Packs
Tech packs are crucial in any apparel factory that produces specific products or designs. They contain technical specifications, which vary depending on the type of product, design, and size specs of each company. Large manufacturing companies usually have a detailed tech pack for every style under production to ensure accurate production and reduce errors. Without a proper tech pack, there is a higher risk of miscommunication, mistakes in production, and delays in the manufacturing process, which ultimately leads to a decline in the quality of the final product.
Tech Pack as a Contract Agreement for Your Design
Creating a Tech Pack is not only essential for the production process, but it also becomes a contract agreement between you and your manufacturer. When manufacturing overseas, it's not uncommon for contractors to deviate from the original sew-by-sample that you submitted due to material substitutions or incorrect trim. That's why a comprehensive Tech Pack should include detailed information about every aspect of the design, from fabrics to buttons to ribbons, as well as an actual sample. By providing a complete Tech Pack, you have the documentation you need to hold your manufacturer accountable in case of problems or discrepancies.
Making last-minute changes to the tech pack can not only be time-consuming but also costly. It is important to finalize the design before moving forward with the tech pack design process to avoid any mistakes or changes that could impact the production process. It is better to take the time to thoroughly review and make any necessary adjustments before finalizing the tech pack to avoid any delays or errors during the production process.
For companies that do exports and manufacture their designs overseas, the tech pack is an essential document that helps to ensure that the design is produced correctly and to the required specifications. It serves as a detailed guide for the manufacturer, outlining all the important information about the design, such as the fabric, trimmings, measurements, and construction details. Many buyers prefer to sign off on the tech pack before placing an order to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or mistakes. This helps to avoid costly errors and production delays, ensuring that the final product meets the buyer's expectations.
