Garment development guide · Los Angeles
Prepare Your Garment for Sampling.
A professional apparel sample starts before the first piece of fabric is cut. Clear fit direction, usable references and organized product information help turn your idea into a garment that can be evaluated, corrected and prepared for production.
Start with clarity
The sample can only be as clear as the direction behind it.
A sketch communicates the idea. A tech pack communicates the technical requirements. A physical reference garment communicates fit and proportion in a way that photographs alone cannot.
You do not need to arrive with every document complete. You do need to identify what you are making, how it should fit, which details matter, the intended materials and what you plan to manufacture after approval.
We review what you already have and determine whether the project needs tech-pack development, pattern making, material sourcing, a first prototype or a direct PPS path.
Technical foundation
The pattern defines the garment. The sample proves it.
Two ways to begin
With a tech pack—or without one.
Both paths can lead to a successful first sample. The difference is how much technical development must happen before pattern making begins.
Send the complete technical package.
We review it for clarity, feasibility and missing information before quoting development.
- Front and back technical flats
- Base-size measurements and tolerances
- Construction, seam and stitch details
- Fabric, lining, trim and closure specifications
- Artwork, Pantone colors, labels and placements
- Size range, quantities and packaging
Give us a strong development brief.
We can organize the approved concept into a production-ready tech pack and fit specification.
- Clear front, back and detail views
- A physical fit garment whenever possible
- Specific brand/product links
- Written changes for every reference
- Base size, customer and intended fit
- Material, color and production direction
Tech-pack development pricing
From a basic specification to a complex technical package.
Basic tech packs generally begin around $250 per style. More complex garments may reach approximately $850 per style when they require detailed construction callouts, extensive measurements, specialty components, multiple views or significant technical development.
Final pricing is confirmed after reviewing the garment category, available documents, reference sample and required scope. Tech-pack development does not automatically include pattern making, sample construction, grading, sourcing, revised samples, artwork or testing unless listed in the proposal.
Best fit reference
Send an actual garment—even when the design is different.
A physical garment gives the pattern maker a real starting point for balance, ease, neckline, armhole, length, proportion and silhouette.
- 01Choose the closest fit.It should demonstrate the fit qualities that matter most.
- 02Explain every change.Identify what stays and what becomes tighter, looser, shorter, longer, higher or lower.
- 03Use multiple references if needed.One can show body fit while another shows the collar, sleeve or construction.
- 04Do not send an irreplaceable piece.The team may need to measure, pin, turn or examine it during development.
What to prepare for each style
Give every decision a clear source.
Style Views
Front, back, side and close-ups showing silhouette, seams, pockets, openings and closures.
Fit Direction
Physical garment, base size, target customer, critical measurements and labeled links.
Material Intent
Composition, weight, stretch, recovery, hand, drape, color, wash and performance.
Components
Zippers, buttons, rib, elastic, lining, hardware, labels and specialty components.
Artwork
Vector files, Pantone colors, dimensions, placements and decoration process.
Production Plan
Quantity, colors, sizes, target cost, launch date, delivery, testing and packing.
From information to approved garment
The garment-development path.
Not every new garment is approved in one sample round. Sampling resolves fit, construction and material issues before they are multiplied in production.
Avoid unnecessary delays
Organize before the sample room begins.
- 01Label conflicting references.Identify exactly which feature should come from each image or garment.
- 02Finalize the silhouette.Major direction changes after pattern work may require new development.
- 03Consolidate feedback.Send one approved revision list after the full team reviews the sample.
- 04Approve materials early.Weight, stretch, recovery, shrinkage and drape can change fit.
- 05Allow development time.Sourcing, patterns, samples, fittings, PPS and production are separate stages.
Continue learning
Build the complete development path.
Garment sample preparation FAQ
Questions before development begins.
Do I need a tech pack before making a garment sample?
A complete tech pack is preferred but not always required. We can develop specifications from an approved concept, fit references, measurements and construction direction.
How much does tech-pack development cost?
Tech-pack development generally ranges from approximately $250 for a basic style to $850 for a more complex garment. Final pricing depends on complexity and scope.
Can you use an existing garment as a reference?
Yes. A physical garment is often the best way to communicate fit and proportion. It can be a different design when the requested changes are clear.
Are website links enough to establish fit?
Product links and multiple images help, but photographs cannot communicate every measurement, proportion or balance point.
Does the tech-pack price include the pattern and sample?
No, unless a written proposal combines them. Tech pack, pattern, sample, grading, sourcing, revisions, artwork and testing may be separate.
What should I send for the most accurate review?
Send the tech pack if available, reference garment, labeled inspiration, base size, materials, artwork, quantities, size range, budget direction and completion date.
Your vision, our creation.