If you are preparing to manufacture a bag, pouch, case, strap, or other sewn product, you have probably heard the term “tech pack.” For first-time founders and product developers, the idea of creating a technical document can feel intimidating. The good news is that a soft goods tech pack does not need to be perfect to be useful. Here is a comprehensive guide to putting together a soft goods tech pack.

What is a Tech Pack?

A tech pack is simply the document that communicates your product design and specifications to a manufacturer. It serves as a blueprint for quoting, sampling, sourcing, and production. The more complete your tech pack is, the easier it is for a manufacturer to understand your product and provide accurate guidance.

It is important to note that brands don’t necessarily need a complete tech pack to get a quote from a manufacturer. Many early-stage brands approach manufacturers with sketches, reference products, or partial specifications. A good manufacturing partner can often help fill in the gaps during development and sampling.

Why Do Manufacturers Ask for a Tech Pack?

Manufacturers use tech packs to understand exactly what you want to build. Without specifications, a manufacturer is left making assumptions about materials, dimensions, construction methods, and hardware. Those assumptions can lead to inaccurate quotes, unexpected revisions, or delays during development.

A soft goods tech pack helps manufacturers answer critical questions:

• What is the product?
• What materials will be used?
• What hardware is required?
• How is the product constructed?
• What dimensions need to be maintained?
• What quality standards are expected?

The clearer the information, the more efficiently a manufacturer can evaluate feasibility, source materials, estimate costs, and develop samples. For brands entering production for the first time, a tech pack also helps align everyone involved in the project. Designers, sourcing teams, sample makers, and production managers can all reference the same document throughout development.

The Core Elements Every Soft Goods Tech Pack Needs

Every product category has unique requirements, but most soft goods tech packs contain several foundational elements.

Product Overview

Start with a simple description of the product. This section should explain what the item is, how it will be used, and any important functional requirements. Include product names, style numbers, and general descriptions.

Technical Drawings

Technical sketches are one of the most important parts of a tech pack. These drawings help manufacturers understand the product’s overall structure, panel layout, pockets, closures, straps, and key features. Technical drawings do not need to be artistic renderings. Clear front, back, side, and interior views are often more valuable than highly polished marketing illustrations.

Bill of Materials

The bill of materials, often called a BOM, identifies all materials and components used in the product. This may include:

• Fabrics
• Leather
• Foam
• Thread
• Labels
• Zippers
• Buckles
• Snaps
• Webbing
• Packaging materials

Providing material information helps manufacturers estimate sourcing requirements and production costs more accurately.

Color and Branding Information

Include any color requirements, logo placement details, embroidery specifications, debossing requirements, or other branding elements. Even if final colors have not been selected, providing direction helps manufacturers understand the scope of customization required.

Measurements and Dimensions: What to Include

Dimensions are one of the most common areas where early-stage tech packs fall short. Manufacturers need enough information to understand the overall size and proportions of the product, even if the measurements aren’t final.

For bags and soft goods, consider including:

• Overall dimensions
• Pocket dimensions
• Strap lengths
• Handle drop measurements
• Panel measurements
• Interior compartment dimensions

When possible, include tolerances, which define the acceptable range of variation for a measurement. Tolerances help manufacturers understand which dimensions are critical to product performance and which can vary slightly without affecting functionality.

For example, a laptop compartment may require more precise measurements than an exterior accessory pocket. Providing dimensional information early helps reduce questions during quoting and sampling.

Materials and Hardware Specifications

Material selection affects nearly every aspect of manufacturing. The type of fabric, leather, foam, hardware, and trim selected will influence durability, appearance, sourcing timelines, and, ultimately, production costs. Even if you don’t know exactly what kind of material your product will be made of, try to include as much information as you currently have. For example, if you are designing a custom gym bag but haven’t landed on a fabric, include some details about what you are looking for in a fabric. A manufacturing partner may be able to help you source the right fabric for your project. The goal is to communicate your intent as clearly as possible.

Construction Details and Stitch Notes

Construction details tell the manufacturer how the product should be assembled. These specifications help determine labor requirements, production complexity, and quality expectations.

Examples of construction notes include:

• Seam types
• Binding methods
• Edge finishing
• Reinforcement locations
• Bartacks
• Stitch counts
• Foam placement
• Lining attachment methods

For more complex products, construction details can significantly improve quoting accuracy and reduce revisions during sampling. These notes also become valuable reference points later during production and manufacturing quality control.

Common Omissions That Delay Quoting

Many brands assume they need a perfect tech pack before contacting a manufacturer. This is untrue; however, missing certain details can slow the quoting process down.

Missing Dimensions

Without ballpark dimensions, manufacturers cannot accurately estimate material usage or production complexity.

Unspecified Materials

If the fabric, leather, or hardware is completely undefined, manufacturers may need to make broad assumptions during quoting.

Incomplete Hardware Information

Zippers, buckles, snaps, and closures often have a significant impact on sourcing and production costs.

Missing Interior Details

Interior compartments, organizational features, and hidden construction elements frequently get overlooked during early development.

No Reference Product

Even a simple reference sample or inspiration image can provide valuable context when technical details are still being finalized.

Remember, incomplete tech packs are common. Most products evolve during development, and manufacturers regularly work with drafts that require refinement.

Can a Contract Manufacturer Build the Tech Pack With You?

Many brands approach manufacturers with product ideas rather than finished technical documents. In these situations, the manufacturer may help develop the tech pack as part of the product development process. This collaborative approach is especially valuable for startups, first-time founders, and companies launching new product categories.

Through services like Softline’s sampling and prototyping, manufacturers can help:

• Refine product dimensions
• Recommend materials
• Develop construction methods
• Source hardware
• Create production-ready specifications

The result is a tech pack that is not only complete but also optimized for manufacturing. Rather than viewing the tech pack as a gatekeeping requirement, it is better to think of it as a communication tool that improves throughout development.

Start Your Product Development Process With Softline

Softline Brand Partners is here to help move your product toward production. Our team supports product development, sourcing, custom bag manufacturing, and manufacturing quality control through a collaborative process designed to help brands launch with confidence. If you are preparing a new product for manufacturing or simply need help turning an idea into a production-ready tech pack, contact Softline to discuss your next project.