Feb 15, 2023

Bills of Materials: Essential for Apparel Cost Estimation

Every apparel brand wants to determine the typical cost per unit of manufacturing clothing before beginning the design process. However, getting an accurate production price from a sketch can be challenging. This is where Bills of Materials (BOM) come in handy. A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of raw materials and components needed to produce the final product. It outlines what to purchase, how to purchase it, and from where, and it includes step-by-step instructions for processing the product.

Investing in a new apparel brand can be challenging for startups, making it essential for them to clearly understand the costs involved, from design to production. Proper planning is crucial before starting production, and a sketch alone won't provide the price of a garment. To understand the collection design clearly, a tech pack must be created. This will give information about the materials and processes used for each style. With the tech pack in hand, a list of materials can be prepared as a Bill of Materials (BOM) to obtain an accurate cost estimate. Therefore, tech packs are crucial for determining the cost of a collection.




Designing and producing garments is not charitable; you aim to profit from each sale. While you may be more focused on creativity during the design process, keeping costs in mind is essential. Major apparel brands often approach collection planning through reverse engineering, deciding on a target price and working backward to determine the cost. Newer brands may encounter challenges when they discover that the cost of producing their designs is higher than expected. If you have a creative vision but limited experience in the industry, it's advisable to seek guidance from a tech pack designer. You can turn your creative instincts and business acumen into a successful venture with proper planning and advice.


Cost-Effective Apparel Production with Tech Pack Guidance

Including a Bill of Materials (BOM) along with the tech pack is essential for a technical clothing designer. The BOM provides the buyer with a comprehensive list of materials required to develop a sample and produce the garment. This allows the buyer to plan their budget for apparel production, making sample development and production much more efficient. By including a BOM, the technical clothing designer can help ensure a smooth and organized process for the buyer.

Efficient Collection Planning with Bills of Materials

When designing and producing a garment, you aim to achieve commercial value by selling it and making a profit. Keeping a close eye on your budget is crucial to ensure that your collection design and production are cost-effective. A Bills of Materials (BOM) can help you manage your collection and streamline the design and production process. If you have creative ambitions but limited experience in the industry, seeking guidance from a tech pack designer and industry experts is recommended. With proper planning and advice, you can turn your innovative vision and business acumen into a successful venture. The investment made in the initial stage will ultimately lead to better results.

If you want a convenient and efficient way to design your collection, consider visiting our Tech Pack Template Store. Our store offers a wide range of styles to choose from, and you can easily download the tech pack that best fits your needs. The tech packs in our store are pre-tested and designed for factory production. Using our pre-made tech pack templates saves time and effort in the design process, ensuring that your collection is ready for production.