This is one of the most common and critical questions we receive from brands. You want to know if the information you've painstakingly compiled is enough for us to find the perfect fabric. The short answer is yes, but the quality of the outcome depends entirely on the depth of information you provide.
A comprehensive tech pack provides the essential foundation for fabric sourcing. It acts as our roadmap, guiding our sourcing team to identify materials that match your design vision, performance requirements, and budget. However, the more detailed your fabric specifications are, the more accurately we can source and the faster we can deliver samples that meet your exact expectations.
Think of your tech pack as a communication tool. It tells us not just what the garment should look like, but what it should be. A vague description leads to a wide range of potential fabrics, while a precise one narrows the focus directly to suitable options, saving you valuable time and resources.
What Fabric Details in a Tech Pack Are Non-Negotiable?
Certain elements are the absolute bare minimum for us to begin a meaningful fabric search. Without these, we are essentially guessing, which leads to incorrect samples, delayed timelines, and frustration on both sides.
Providing these core details demonstrates a clear understanding of your product's fundamental needs. It allows us to immediately filter out thousands of unsuitable fabrics and focus on the most relevant options from our vast network of mills.
Why is Fiber Content and Construction So Critical?
The fiber content (e.g., 100% cotton, 65% polyester/35% rayon) and fabric construction (e.g., single jersey, twill, dobby) are the DNA of your material. They determine the basic hand feel, durability, and care requirements. Simply writing "cotton shirt fabric" is not enough. A client once requested a "soft cotton fabric" for a dress shirt. We sourced a high-quality poplin, but the client actually wanted a brushed flannel for a winter collection. The time and cost of that initial, incorrect sampling round could have been avoided by specifying the construction in the tech pack.
How Does Fabric Weight (GSM) Impact Sourcing?
Fabric weight, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), is a decisive factor. It directly influences the drape, opacity, and seasonality of the garment. A 150 GSM single jersey is ideal for a lightweight t-shirt, while a 300 GSM fleece is suited for heavy sweatshirts. Specifying a target GSM range in your tech pack instantly narrows down the options. It also prevents us from proposing a fabric that is too sheer or too heavy for your design, ensuring the final product performs as intended.
How Do We Interpret and Act on Your Performance Requirements?
Beyond the basic specifications, your tech pack should articulate how the garment needs to perform. This is where we move from finding a fabric that looks right to one that functions correctly for its end use.
These performance specs are what allow us to vet fabrics for quality and compliance upfront. We partner with mills that can provide test reports and certifications to prove their fabrics meet these standards.
What Tests Are Needed for Colorfastness and Durability?
For any apparel, but especially for items like activewear or uniforms that undergo frequent washing, colorfastness and durability are paramount. Your tech pack should specify the required testing standards, such as AATCC test methods for crocking (rubbing), washing, and light exposure. For example, if you are producing black chef jackets, specifying a high rub fastness rating is crucial. Based on your tech pack, we will source fabrics that have been pre-tested or we will conduct this testing in-house to ensure they meet your standards before bulk production begins.
How Do We Handle Technical Fabric Specifications?
If your design requires technical features, your tech pack must be explicit. This includes:
- Stretch and Recovery: Specifying the percentage of stretch (e.g., 30% crosswise stretch) and the required recovery power.
- Water Resistance: Indicating the needed water column rating (e.g., 5000mm for rain jackets).
- Moisture Wicking: Requiring a specific test result for this property.
We recently sourced fabric for a hiking pant based on a tech pack that detailed all these technical aspects. Because the requirements were clear, the first fabric sample we provided met all performance criteria, allowing the client to approve it immediately.
When Might a Tech Pack Need Supplemental Information?
Even the most detailed tech pack can sometimes benefit from additional context. We are experts in fabric, but we are not mind readers. Supplemental information helps us understand the why behind the what, enabling us to make smarter sourcing recommendations.
This collaborative approach often leads to better outcomes, as we can suggest alternative fabrics or constructions that achieve your desired look and feel more efficiently or cost-effectively.
What is the Value of Providing a Reference Fabric?
A physical reference fabric sample is incredibly valuable. You can send us a swatch of an existing fabric you love. We can then analyze its composition, weight, and construction to find a near-identical match or a comparable alternative. This is often the fastest way to get exactly what you want, as it removes all ambiguity from verbal or written descriptions. It provides a tangible target for our sourcing team.
How Do Your Brand Aesthetic and Budget Guide Sourcing?
Understanding your overall brand aesthetic (e.g., sustainable, luxury, value-driven) and target price point is not always clear from a tech pack alone. Telling us you prioritize organic cotton or recycled polyester will immediately steer our sourcing towards certified eco-friendly mills. Similarly, knowing your budget prevents us from proposing a premium Japanese selvedge denim for a line targeting a mid-tier market. This strategic information ensures the fabrics we propose are aligned with your brand's positioning and business goals.
Conclusion
Yes, we can absolutely begin the fabric sourcing process based on your tech pack alone. A well-prepared pack with detailed fiber content, construction, weight, and performance requirements gives us everything we need to identify excellent fabric options. The more precise you are, the more precise our results will be.
To ensure a flawless sourcing process, treat your tech pack as the ultimate guide to your fabric vision. If you have a project ready and want to leverage our sourcing expertise, send us your detailed tech pack. For a consultation, please contact our Business Director Elaine at elaine@fumaoclothing.com.
