Activewear Tech Pack Checklist: What to Include, and How to Start Without One
A clear tech pack gets you a better first sample and fewer revisions. This checklist covers what an activewear tech pack should include, what is specific to stretch garments, and how to start if you do not have one yet.
- Cover page with style, category, sizes and route.
- Flat sketches with detail callouts.
- Materials and trims (bill of materials).
- Measurements, tolerances and grading.
- Construction, seams and stretch direction.
- Colorways, artwork, labels and packing.
- No tech pack? Start from a reference; we develop the pattern for free.
What is a tech pack?
A tech pack is the instruction file for a garment. It tells the pattern maker, sample room and production line exactly what to make: how the style looks, which materials to use, the measurements for every size, how it is sewn or knitted, and how it is branded and packed. For activewear it also needs to describe how the garment should stretch, support and cover.
Do you need a tech pack to start?
Not with us. Many brands start from a reference photo, product link or sketch, or from one of our existing styles. Our pattern makers develop the pattern at no extra cost, and once you approve the sample, its measurements and materials are recorded as the specification for bulk production. A tech pack is still valuable: the more complete it is, the closer the first sample will be. See our sampling guide.
The activewear tech pack checklist
1. Cover page
- Style name and number, season and category.
- Size range, for example XS–XL or up to 3XL.
- Construction route: Cut & Sew or seamless.
- Target quantity per color and key dates.
2. Flat sketches and callouts
Front, back and side views, drawn flat, with callouts for every detail: waistband construction, pockets, seam lines, panels, binding, straps, logo positions and any mesh or rib zones. Add a close-up for anything unusual.
3. Materials and trims (bill of materials)
| Item | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Main fabric | Composition, weight in gsm, hand feel, finish (for example brushed) and stretch |
| Lining or gusset | Fabric and where it is used |
| Elastic | Width, type and where it is used |
| Pads | Type, shape and thickness, and whether removable |
| Thread | Color, matched to the fabric or contrast |
| Zips and trims | Type, length, color and finish |
4. Measurements, tolerances and grading
List the points of measure (POM) for your base size, how each is measured (flat and relaxed for stretch garments), a tolerance for each point and a grading chart for all sizes. Typical points:
| Leggings | Sports bras |
|---|---|
| Waist, relaxed | Underband, relaxed |
| Hip | Chest |
| Front rise and back rise | Center front height |
| Thigh and knee | Back height |
| Leg opening | Strap length |
| Inseam and waistband height | Armhole |
For the full list of sports bra measurements, pads and support specifications, see our sports bra tech pack guide.
5. Construction and stretch
- Seam types: flatlock, coverstitch or overlock, and where each is used.
- Stretch direction: the direction of greatest stretch, usually around the body.
- Waistband: height, layers, elastic and any pocket.
- For seamless styles: the rib, mesh and compression zones and where they sit on the body.
6. Colorways
List every colorway with Pantone TCX references or a physical color standard, including the colors of the lining, elastic, thread and logo.
7. Artwork and logo placement
For each logo: the artwork file, method (silicone, heat transfer, reflective print or embroidery), size and position measured from a fixed point, such as 3 cm below the waistband at center back.
8. Labels and packing
Neck, size and care labels, hangtags, polybags or boxes, barcode labels, folding method and carton marks. If you sell on Amazon, include your FBA requirements. See our private label guide.
9. Quality requirements
Note anything you will check on the sample and in bulk, such as opacity in a squat, color matching across pieces, and stretch and recovery.
What is specific to activewear
- Measure relaxed, not stretched. Stretch garments are smaller than the body; note how each point is measured.
- Specify the fabric’s behavior, not only its composition: compression, recovery and opacity.
- Plan for movement. Gussets, seam placement and waistband height affect comfort in a squat or run.
- Seamless styles are knitted to a program, so describe the zones and effect you want rather than seams.
Common tech pack mistakes
- Missing tolerances, which makes bulk measurements hard to check.
- Fabric described only as “soft” or “compressive”, without composition or a reference.
- Logo positions without measurements.
- Colors without Pantone references.
- Labels and packing left until after sampling.
Starting without a tech pack
If you do not have a tech pack, send what you have: a reference garment with notes on what to change, photos or links, a sketch, or one of our current leggings or sports bras. We confirm the details with you, make the pattern and sample, and record the approved specification. The MOQ and sampling terms are the same; see our MOQ guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tech pack in activewear?
A tech pack is the instruction file for a garment. It includes sketches, materials and trims, measurements, construction details, colors, artwork placement, labels and packing, so the factory can make the style exactly as intended.
Do I need a tech pack to start activewear production?
Not at MIDYOGA. You can start from a reference photo, product link, sketch, physical reference garment or one of our existing styles. Our pattern makers develop the pattern at no extra cost, and the approved sample and its specifications become the reference for bulk.
What measurements should a leggings tech pack include?
At minimum: waist, hip, front rise, back rise, thigh, knee, leg opening, inseam and waistband height, measured flat and relaxed, with a tolerance for each point and a grading chart across sizes.
What should a sports bra tech pack include?
Underband, chest, center front height, back height, strap length and armhole, plus the support level, pad type and pocket opening, lining and elastic details.
How do I specify fabric in an activewear tech pack?
Give the composition, weight in gsm, hand feel and finish, and the direction of greatest stretch. If you have a reference, send a swatch or the reference garment.
How should colors be specified?
Use Pantone TCX references or a physical color standard, and list every colorway with the colors of the main fabric, lining, elastic, thread and logo.
Share your tech pack or reference.
Tell us what you are developing and we reply within 24 hours. You can email your tech pack or reference photos to info@midyoga.com. Only your work email is required.
- A tech packShare technical drawings, measurements and material requirements.
- A reference productShare a photo, product link or sample, with the details you want to develop.
- An early ideaDescribe the category, intended activity and wearing experience.