Tech Packs for Activewear, Denim and Knitwear: Why They All Differ

Summary

Tech packs for activewear, denim and knitwear cannot follow one universal format. Each category demands specific documentation for fabric behavior, construction, testing and finishing. Clear, category-specific tech packs reduce sampling errors, control costs and help factories deliver accurate garments from design to bulk production.

Introduction:

If you are planning to manufacture your own clothing line, you have probably heard everyone talking about tech packs. A tech pack is the instruction manual for a garment. It tells the factory exactly how a product should be made, what materials are required, how it should fit, how it should be stitched and how it should look once finished. It is the bridge between design and manufacturing. Without a proper tech pack, even the best design ideas can fail in production.

One thing many new brands do not understand is that every garment category needs a different type of tech pack. A hoodie tech pack is not the same as a denim jeans tech pack. A leggings tech pack needs details that do not apply to woven jackets. Activewear, denim and knitwear are three categories where tech packs vary the most. Each fabric behaves differently. Each product needs different construction techniques. Each requires different testing and measurement details.

Understanding these differences is the key to getting proper samples, correct costing and smooth bulk production. This blog explains why tech packs for activewear, denim and knitwear cannot be treated as one format and what details must be documented for each product type.

Why One Tech Pack Template Does Not Work For Activewear, Denim and Knitwear

Many beginners assume that one tech pack format will work for everything. In reality, the details change based on fabric stretch, garment usage, washing process, functional performance and stitching strength.

If you use the same tech pack structure for activewear, denim and knitwear, factories will struggle with clarity. The result is more sampling errors, more revisions, higher cost and delayed production.

To avoid confusion, you must prepare category specific tech packs. Below, we break down each category and what makes it unique.

Tech Packs for Activewear

Activewear is performance clothing. These garments stretch, absorb sweat, move with the body and return to original form. The tech pack for activewear must clearly highlight performance expectations, stretch behavior and fabric stability.

Key elements for activewear tech packs

1. Fabric stretch details

2. GSM and fabric thickness

3. Elastane percentage

4. Moisture wicking and quick dry properties

5. Breathability rating if available

6. Compression level required

7. Stretch recovery percentage after 24 hour rest

8. Flatlock stitching or overlock stitching specifications

9. Needle type for technical seams

10. Heat transfer label placement and wash durability

Activewear tech packs also need detailed movement notes. For example, leggings must stretch without becoming see through. Sports bras need stability in bust support. Track pants need ease for running and squatting.

All of these must be written in simple measurement and performance language.

Why does it differ from denim or knitwear

Denim does not stretch like activewear unless it contains spandex. Knitwear is soft but not meant for intense movement. Activewear must be tested for sweat, stretch and shape holding. That is why the tech pack must include stretch recovery tests, sweat resistance notes and seam reinforcement details.

Tech Packs for Denim

Denim is one of the most demanding product categories. It goes through heavy washing, distressing and abrasion. Jeans look simple but the construction is technical and the stitching requirements are strict.

A denim tech pack must include wash treatment details and hardware specifications. If these are missing, two samples will never look the same.

Key elements for denim tech packs

1. Fabric weight in ounces

2. Weave type for denim twill

3. Shrinkage allowance in length and width

4. Pocket bag fabric quality

5. Rivet and button specification

6. Leather patch position and size

7. Stitch count per inch for topstitch

8. Abrasion testing requirement

9. Stone wash or enzyme wash recipe

10. Fade level and whisker pattern reference

Denim production is process heavy. A tech pack must include wash direction, distress placement, chemical usage and shade target. Without clarity, colour variation becomes a major issue in bulk.

Why does it differ from activewear and knitwear

Activewear needs stretch. Knitwear needs flexibility and drape. Denim needs strength. Factories do not guess these values. The tech pack must clearly tell what distress intensity should be, how much destruction effect is allowed and how dark or light the denim should be after washing.

Tech Packs for Knitwear

Knitwear is soft, flexible and more fitting than woven garments. It shrinks differently, drapes differently and needs precise measurement tolerances.

A knitwear tech pack must focus on yarn count, knit gauge, stretch behavior and rib recovery.

Key elements for knitwear tech packs

1. Yarn type and count

2. Knit gauge number

3. Rib structure and elasticity notes

4. Shrinkage test results after wash

5. Sleeve drop and shoulder slope measurement

6. Neck rib length and recovery percentage

7. Pilling resistance grade requirement

8. Tolerance chart for knitted stretch

9. Seam stability tape if needed

10. Linking or coverstitch details for seams

Knitwear grows on the hanger, stretches on the body and shrinks in the wash. A good tech pack must explain these reactions. If tolerances are not written, every size will fit differently.

Why does it differ from denim and activewear

Denim must survive washing. Activewear must survive movement. Knitwear must survive stretching and shrinking. That is why knitwear tech packs require more tolerance values and wash test results compared to other garments.

Why Most Brands Struggle With These Differences

Many brands want one universal tech pack template that works for every clothing category. This is where most sampling delays begin. Factories cannot assume properties of stretch fabric, denim washing requirements, or knit tolerances unless you instruct them correctly.

Using the right tech pack format reduces confusion and increases manufacturing accuracy. It also saves money by lowering the sample revision count. It brings clarity to costing because factories can quote fabric consumption, wash cost, stitching time and trims correctly.

If your previous samples failed, there is a high chance that the tech pack missed technical details that were specific to the category.

How NoName Fits Into This Process

NoName is built for new designers and early stage clothing brands who want to develop products in a smart, industry ready way. Our goal is to educate fashion startups on how to communicate effectively with factories.

We teach what most garment schools do not. We break down tech packs, BOM sheets, measurement charts, wash processes and sampling logic in clear language.

Whether you want to build high performance activewear, durable denim or premium knitwear, NoName helps you understand the technical decisions and documentation a factory expects from you.

We simplify manufacturing so that your creative ideas turn into real products without confusion and without expensive trial and error.

Conclusion

Activewear tech packs focus on fabric stretch, performance and recovery. Denim tech packs focus on strength, wash effects and hardware. Knitwear tech packs focus on yarn behavior, shrinkage and fit tolerance.

All three garment types behave differently and therefore demand category-specific documentation. When your tech pack explains fabric behavior, stitching logic and post production changes clearly, factories produce more accurately and with fewer revisions. The result is better samples, faster approvals and lower wastage.

If you want to learn how to make category specific tech packs that factories understand immediately, follow NoName for more guides, templates and production insight.

Stay with us to learn how to reduce sample failures, write accurate measurement charts, build a BOM sheet, plan costing, source fabric and prepare for manufacturing confidently.

Your designs deserve accuracy. NoName helps you build it.

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Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

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About the Author

This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert who specializes in product development, sourcing and brand strategy for emerging fashion labels. She has years of experience helping startups build profitable collections across athleisure, womenswear and plus size fashion. Her work simplifies complex industry knowledge into clear, practical insights that founders can use immediately.