How to Write a Tech Pack for Bag Manufacturing: A Complete Template

1. What a Tech Pack Actually Is

A tech pack (technical package) is a spec document that describes exactly how a product should be built — not what it should look like, which a photo already does, but the measurements, materials, hardware, and construction methods that turn that look into a physical bag. Think of it as the instructions a pattern maker and a sewing line follow, rather than a creative brief a designer interprets.

For a first-time private label order, the tech pack doesn't need to be a polished, professionally illustrated document. It needs to be complete and unambiguous. A hand-labeled sketch with correct numbers beats a beautiful rendering with vague proportions.

2. The Core Sections Every Bag Tech Pack Needs

A complete tech pack for a bag, backpack, or travel case generally covers seven areas. Missing any one of them is where quotes and samples usually go wrong.

• Technical flat sketch: front, back, and side views drawn flat (not in perspective), showing every seam, pocket, panel, and hardware position. Doesn't need to be to CAD standard — a clean line drawing with labeled parts is enough for the factory to work from.
• Measurement spec: exact dimensions in centimeters for height, width, depth, strap drop, and any panel or pocket that needs to hold a specific size — a laptop compartment or a water bottle pocket, for example. Include an acceptable tolerance (commonly ±1cm for soft bags).
• Bill of materials (BOM): the named fabric (e.g. 600D polyester Oxford, PU coated), lining fabric, zipper brand and type, buckles, webbing width, thread color, and the colorway for each. Naming the material instead of describing it ("durable waterproof fabric") is what lets a factory quote and source correctly the first time.
• Construction details: stitch type and stitches-per-inch on stress points, seam allowance, where reinforcement (bar tacks, rivets, box-X stitching) is required — typically strap attachment points and corners that carry weight.
• Hardware spec: zipper pull style, buckle size and finish (e.g. matte gunmetal vs. polished silver), D-rings, sliders — with part numbers if you have them from a previous supplier, or clear photos with measurements if not.
• Labeling & packaging: main label placement and artwork, care label content and language, hangtag, poly bag or dust bag, and carton marking requirements for shipping.
• Color reference: Pantone (TPX/TCX) codes where possible, or a physical fabric swatch mailed to the factory. "Navy blue" means a different shade to every supplier — a Pantone code doesn't.

3. Tech Pack vs. Reference Photo vs. Verbal Brief

A reference photo is still useful and worth including alongside a tech pack — it communicates the overall look and proportions faster than a flat sketch alone. The tech pack is what prevents the factory from having to guess at what the photo doesn't show.

4. Common Tech Pack Mistakes That Delay Production

5. Don't Have a Designer? Here's a Practical Starting Point

You don't need Adobe Illustrator or a fashion design background to put together a workable first tech pack:

• Start from a reference bag — either a competitor product or a sample you already own — and measure it directly with a tape measure or calipers.
• Sketch flat views by hand or in any basic drawing tool (even PowerPoint or Keynote works for labeling a photo with dimension lines).
• List materials in a simple spreadsheet: part, material, color, supplier reference if known.
• Bring what you have — even an incomplete draft — to your factory contact. A supplier that regularly develops private label products will help fill gaps and turn a rough spec into a build-ready document as part of sample development, rather than rejecting an imperfect first draft.

Frequently Asked Questions