What is a Tech Pack and Why Does It Matter?
A tech pack (technical package) is the blueprint of your swimwear design. It's the document you send to a manufacturer that contains every specification needed to produce your garment: measurements, materials, construction methods, colorways, labels, and packaging.
A good tech pack means:
- Fewer sample rounds (saving 2-4 weeks per round)
- Lower sampling costs ($50-150 saved per revision)
- Accurate first samples that match your vision
- Fewer production errors and returns
A bad tech pack means miscommunication, delays, frustration, and wasted money. The difference between a 2-month and a 6-month timeline often comes down to tech pack quality.
Essential Components of a Swimwear Tech Pack
1. Flat Sketches (Front + Back)
Clear line drawings showing the garment from front and back. Include:
- Seam lines and their types (flatlock, overlock, coverstitch)
- Where prints/patterns break across panels
- Hardware placement (rings, sliders, hooks)
- Closure types and positions
Pro tip: Don't rely on photos of competitors' products. Factories need technical drawings, not inspiration images. If you can't draw, use Adobe Illustrator or hire a freelancer on Fiverr ($50-150 for professional flats).
2. Bill of Materials (BOM)
Every component that goes into the garment:
| Component | Specification | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shell fabric | Composition, weight, stretch % | 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex, 190gsm, 4-way stretch |
| Lining | Composition, weight, color | 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex, 140gsm, nude |
| Elastic | Width, type, color | 10mm fold-over elastic, matte black |
| Thread | Color, type | Matching, polyester core-spun |
| Cups/pads | Type, thickness, removable? | Removable push-up pads, 15mm thickness |
| Hardware | Material, color, size | Metal sliders, gold-plated, 15mm |
| Labels | Type, content, position | Woven brand label, center back neck |
3. Size Specifications
A detailed measurement chart for every size you plan to produce:
| Measurement Point | XS | S | M | L | XL | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust width (flat) | 30cm | 32cm | 34cm | 36cm | 38cm | ±1cm |
| Front length (HPS) | 28cm | 29cm | 30cm | 31cm | 32cm | ±0.5cm |
| Strap width | 1.5cm | 1.5cm | 2cm | 2cm | 2.5cm | ±0.2cm |
| Bottom front rise | 22cm | 23cm | 24cm | 25cm | 26cm | ±0.5cm |
Pro tip: If you don't have a size chart, ask your factory for their standard one. Most factories have well-tested grading for swimwear. You can adjust from their base rather than starting from scratch.
4. Color and Print Specifications
- Solid colors: Provide Pantone codes (e.g., Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue). Never rely on screen colors.
- Prints: Provide print files at 300 DPI in actual scale, with repeat instructions (mirror, rotation, random placement)
- Color placement: Mark which color/print goes on which panel
5. Construction Details
Specify how the garment is assembled:
- Seam type for each join (flatlock for comfort, overlock for strength)
- Topstitch placement and width
- Elastic application method (turned and stitched vs. raw edge)
- Lining attachment method (sewn together vs. loose)
- Pad pocket construction
6. Labels and Packaging
- Brand label: artwork file, placement, attachment method
- Care label: content (fiber composition, wash instructions)
- Hang tags: artwork, attachment method
- Packaging: polybag? tissue paper? box? hygienic sticker?
- Barcode/UPC requirements
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Missing tolerances: If you don't specify ±1cm tolerance, the factory assumes their own standard — which might not match yours
- Inspiration photos instead of tech drawings: "Make it like this Instagram post" is not a specification
- Unspecified lining: Swimwear lining color, coverage area, and weight matter enormously for the final look and feel
- Ignoring grading: Designing only size M and asking the factory to "figure out" other sizes leads to poor fit in extreme sizes
- Low-resolution print files: Files under 300 DPI will print blurry. Always send vector (AI/EPS) or high-res raster (TIFF, 300+ DPI)
Free Tech Pack Template
We've created a free downloadable tech pack template specifically for swimwear. It includes:
- Flat sketch template (bikini top, bottom, one-piece)
- Bill of Materials table
- Size specification sheet with standard swimwear measurements
- Construction callout examples
- Color specification format
Contact us at info@aiuvai.com to receive the template, or use it as a starting point when working with our design team.
Don't Have a Tech Pack? We Can Help
Not every brand has the resources to create detailed tech packs — especially startups. At AIUV, our design team offers:
- Tech pack creation service: Send us your inspiration, sketches, or reference photos, and our team creates a production-ready tech pack ($150-300 per style)
- Design consultation: Free 30-minute call to discuss your concept and advise on feasibility, materials, and pricing
- ODM customization: Start from our existing patterns and customize — no tech pack needed
Whether you have a complete tech pack or just a sketch on a napkin, we can work with you to bring your swimwear designs to production.
