How does clothing production work? From tech pack and sample to production

Clothing production seems simple: you have a design, you have it made. In practice, it consists of several concrete steps, each with its own decisions, costs, and lead times. Those who understand this process before starting make fewer mistakes, pay less for corrections, and get a better end product.

This article explains the entire production process step by step — from initial sketch to delivered collection.

Step 1 — Design and tech pack

Everything starts with a design. But a sketch or mood board alone is not enough to produce clothing. For serious production, you need a tech pack — a technical document that tells the producer exactly how the garment should be made.

A good tech pack contains:

• Exact sizes and size charts per size
• Fabric composition (e.g., 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane)
• Colors in Pantone codes
• Stitch details, seam allowances, and finishes
• Label placement and branding details
• Reference photos and detail shots

Without a tech pack, a workshop or factory cannot correctly replicate your garment. At Atelier Jungles, we help you build this document during the production consultation.

Step 2 — Fabric and material sourcing

The choice of fabrics, zippers, buttons, and threads determines the final quality and price of the garment. The main choices summarized:

• Basic cotton vs. organic cotton — organic is 20–40% more expensive but better traceable
• Recycled fibers — a good option for brands with a sustainable positioning
• Deadstock fabrics — leftover stock from large factories, often affordable and unique
• Local vs. international sourcing — local is faster and more transparent, international is sometimes cheaper

At Atelier Jungles, we advise on material choices that fit your design, budget, and sustainability goals.

Step 3 — Pattern development and grading

Based on the tech pack, patterns are developed — the exact templates on which the fabric is cut. Then comes grading: translating the base pattern into all desired sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). An error in the pattern or grading means an incorrect fit in all sizes — so this is a critical step.

Pattern development at Atelier Jungles costs an average of €120–€260 per style depending on the complexity.

Step 4 — Sampling

Before going into production, a sample is always made first — a prototype of the garment. The sample shows what the design looks like in reality and whether the fit is correct.

In the sample phase:

• Test the fit on a model or mannequin
• Evaluate your materials in the actual garment
• Check your seams, finishes, and details
• Make your corrections before production starts

A good sample phase saves a lot of money. Corrections after production are much more expensive than corrections in the sample phase. Want to read more about samples? Check having samples made for your clothing line.

Step 5 — CMT or full service production?

Once the sample is approved, production starts. Here you choose the production model:

CMT — Cut, Make, Trim

The producer cuts, sews, and finishes. You supply the fabrics and materials. This gives you more control over material costs but requires more organization on your part — you need to purchase fabrics, have them delivered, and arrange logistics.

Full service production

The producer handles the entire process: fabric sourcing, patterns, production, and finishing. Ideal for startups or brands that want to be completely relieved. At Atelier Jungles, we typically work full service — we arrange the materials unless you want to take control of that yourself.

Step 6 — Size chart and production order

Before production starts, you assemble the production order:

• Number of pieces per size — e.g. 10% XS, 25% S, 35% M, 25% L, 5% XL
• Color variants — how many colorways and how many pieces per color
• Labels and branding — neck labels, side labels, hangtags, packaging
• Packaging — polybags, cardboard boxes, or sustainable packaging

The minimum order quantity at Atelier Jungles is ±25–50 pieces per style. Read more about MOQ and unit prices in what does clothing production cost in the Netherlands.

Step 7 — Quality control and delivery

After production, each garment is checked for errors, ironed, and packaged. At Atelier Jungles, we do this in-house before the clothing leaves the studio. Then comes delivery — directly to your warehouse, showroom, or fulfillment partner.

Summary — the production process in one overview

1. Prepare design + tech pack
2. Choose fabrics and materials
3. Develop pattern and grading
4. Create and approve sample
5. Choose production model (CMT or full service)
6. Assemble production order
7. Production, quality control, and delivery

Do you want to know what this process looks like for your specific design? Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting with Atelier Jungles or read more about clothing production in the Netherlands.