How to Create Measurements for a Clothing Tech Pack.
Drafting accurate, unambiguous garment measurement tables is the cornerstone of technical apparel design. Learn how to measure reference garments and define POM specs.
General industry knowledge • Reviewed by Fenalt editorial team
Measurement spec sheets provide the mathematical framework for CAD pattern drafting. Clear anchor callouts eliminate pattern room guesswork.
In industrial clothing manufacturing, pattern makers build digital CAD cutting templates directly from the Point of Measure (POM) table provided in your tech pack. Creating clear, standardized measurement tables ensures that prototype samples and bulk production runs match your target fit vision.
Drafting Workflow
6 Steps to Building a Measurement Spec Sheet
1. Measure a Physical Benchmark Garment Flat
Lay your target reference garment flat on a smooth inspection table. Smooth out natural folds without stretching the fabric. Use a non-stretch flexible garment measuring tape.
2. Establish Standard Points of Measure (POM) Codes
Assign standardized sequential codes to every measurement point (e.g. POM-01 Total Body Length HPS, POM-02 Chest Width 2.5cm below armhole seam, POM-03 Shoulder Width seam to seam).
3. Define Unambiguous Anchor & Measuring Directions
Describe exact measuring start and end points for each line item (for example, 'High Point Shoulder straight to bottom hem edge' or 'Armhole opening measured straight along curve').
4. Build the Central Base Size Specification Table
Compile all flat measurements into a master table for your designated base size (typically Medium). Ensure all dimensions use consistent units (centimetres or inches).
5. Set Commercial Measurement Tolerance Limits
Define acceptable variance ranges for factory QC inspections (e.g. ±1.0cm for body length and chest width, ±0.5cm for collar height or cuff opening).
6. Account for Fabric Wash Shrinkage & Relaxation
Specify whether target table dimensions represent pre-wash cut specs or final post-wash retail specs, allowing pattern makers to calculate shrinkage allowances.
Common Pitfalls
4 Measurement Errors to Avoid
Measuring Body Dimensions Instead of Flat Garment Specs
Measuring human body circumferences directly and entering them into a flat spec table confuses pattern makers. Always state flat garment dimensions.
Omitting Measurement Anchor Callouts
Listing 'Chest = 58cm' without specifying whether it is measured 2.5cm below armhole seam or at armhole level leads to pattern room discrepancies.
Failing to Specify Relaxed vs Stretched Ribbing Dimensions
For stretch elements (neck ribbing, waistbands, leg cuffs), state both flat relaxed width and required stretched recovery specs.
Inconsistent Measurement Units Across Pages
Mixing inches on sketch callouts and centimetres on POM spec sheets creates calculation errors during CAD pattern drafting.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should tech pack measurements be in inches or centimetres?
Centimetres (cm) are the standard unit used by international garment factories in Bangladesh, Europe, and Asia. Providing measurements in centimetres (or providing a dual-column cm/inch table) prevents rounding and conversion errors during CAD pattern drafting.
How do I measure a garment if I don't have a reference sample?
You can purchase a retail garment with your ideal fit, measure it flat, and make incremental adjustment callouts (+/- cm). Alternatively, work with a technical designer or Fenalt's team to draft spec tables from target body sizing charts.
What is High Point Shoulder (HPS)?
High Point Shoulder (HPS) is the highest point of the shoulder seam where it intersects the neck collar seam. It is the universal vertical reference anchor for measuring total garment body length, chest drop, and pocket placement.
What does tolerance mean in a tech pack measurement sheet?
Tolerance is the acceptable numerical variance (+/- cm) allowed between the tech pack spec and the finished physical garment. Industrial tolerances reflect natural sewing and laundering variations (typically ±1.0cm for knits).
What is the difference between flat measurements and circumference?
Flat measurements measure the garment laying flat from side seam to side seam (e.g. flat chest = 58cm). Circumference represents the full 360-degree measurement around the garment (e.g. 58cm × 2 = 116cm circumference). Tech packs should explicitly clarify flat vs circumference.
Do I need to include size grading increments in my tech pack?
Yes. While prototype sampling starts with the base size (e.g. Medium), providing grade rules (e.g. +2cm chest per size) enables CAD pattern makers to scale patterns accurately from XS to 3XL.
Need help drafting measurement spec sheets?
Fenalt's Dhaka technical team measures benchmark garments and drafts comprehensive POM tables for your apparel collections.
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