What Clothing Manufacturers Need Before Production
Before a clothing manufacturer can begin sampling or production, they need a clear set of technical specifications and development details for the garment.
Many startup brands contact factories without preparing this information. The result is usually the same: delays, miscommunication, inaccurate quotes, and additional sampling costs.
Manufacturers cannot evaluate a project based on sketches or inspiration images alone. They need structured documentation that defines how the garment should be constructed, what materials will be used, and what quantities are expected.
In this guide, we explain the key information clothing manufacturers require before production begins. Preparing these details in advance will help you receive accurate quotes, reduce development revisions, and move into production more efficiently.
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Before contacting a clothing manufacturer, make sure you have the following information prepared.
✔ Complete tech pack
✔ Fabric and trim specifications
✔ Size specifications (POM + grading rules)
✔ Target cost and retail price
✔ Expected order quantities or MOQ range
✔ Production timeline
✔ Reference garments or inspiration samples
✔ SMS-ready prototype or development sample (optional)Brands that provide these details upfront are significantly more likely to receive accurate production quotes and faster sampling timelines.
The 8 Things Clothing Manufacturers Need Before Production
1. A Complete Tech Pack
A tech pack is the technical blueprint used by clothing manufacturers to develop and produce garments.
It typically includes:
• technical flat sketches
• bill of materials (BOM)
• measurement specifications
• construction instructions
• colorways and labeling details
• packaging instructions
Without a detailed tech pack, factories must interpret incomplete design information, which often leads to sampling revisions and production delays.
If you’re creating one for the first time, see our guide:
How to Create a Clothing Tech Pack for Manufacturing
2. Fabric and Trim Specifications
Manufacturers need clear information about the materials used in the garment.
This includes:
• fabric composition
• fabric weight (GSM)
• stretch or performance characteristics
• color codes (Pantone references)
• trims such as zippers, elastics, or labels
These specifications allow factories to estimate material costs and confirm sourcing availability before production begins.
3. Size Specifications and Grading Rules
Size specifications define the garment’s measurements and how they change across different sizes.
Manufacturers typically require:
• Points of Measure (POM)
• base size measurements
• grading rules between sizes
Grading allows patternmakers to scale garments across a full size range while maintaining consistent fit.
Incomplete or unclear sizing information often results in fit issues during sampling.
4. Target Cost and Retail Price
Your target cost helps manufacturers determine whether the product can be produced within your price range.
Brands should consider:
• cost of materials
• labor and production costs
• shipping and logistics
• wholesale or retail pricing
Providing this information helps manufacturers suggest production methods or material alternatives that align with your budget.
5. Expected Order Quantities
Most manufacturers operate with minimum order quantities (MOQs).
Before contacting a factory, you should know:
• approximate order quantity per style
• number of colorways
• expected production scale
This helps manufacturers determine whether your project aligns with their production capacity.
6. Production Timeline
Clothing development involves multiple stages, including sampling, revisions, and production.
Providing a clear timeline helps manufacturers plan accordingly.
Typical timelines include:
• tech pack completion
• prototype sampling
• production sampling
• bulk production
• delivery deadlines
Clear timelines reduce scheduling conflicts and production delays.
7. Reference Garments or Inspiration Samples
Providing a physical sample or reference garment can help manufacturers understand your design expectations.
Reference pieces may demonstrate:
• fit
• fabric feel
• construction details
• overall aesthetic
While not always required, reference garments often reduce development revisions.
8. Development Prototype or SMS-Ready Sample (Optional)
Some brands provide a prototype or SMS-ready sample (Salesman Sample) before contacting a manufacturer.
This sample represents the intended final garment and can help factories evaluate construction complexity and production feasibility.
Although optional, prototypes can significantly streamline the sampling process.
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Once a manufacturer receives the necessary information, the garment development process typically follows a structured workflow.
Tech Pack Development → Prototype Sampling → Production Sample Approval → Bulk Manufacturing → Packaging and Shipping
Each stage builds on the documentation provided in the tech pack. Clear specifications reduce revisions and help manufacturers move efficiently from development into production.
Why Startup Clothing Brands Often Struggle With Manufacturers
Many startup brands encounter difficulties working with manufacturers because they begin the process before preparing the necessary documentation.
Common issues include:
• incomplete tech packs
• unclear fabric specifications
• unrealistic timelines
• insufficient order quantities
• lack of production knowledge
Preparing the required information before contacting a manufacturer significantly improves the likelihood of a successful production partnership.
If you're preparing garments for manufacturing, you can start with our free BOMME Tech Pack Template, which includes the same sections used by apparel manufacturers during development and production.
The template includes:
• technical flat sketch pages
• bill of materials tables
• measurement specification sheets
• construction instruction sections
• labeling and packaging details
Download the BOMME Tech Pack Template →
Or
Request a Factory-Ready Tech Pack → $450
