Learn how to create the ultimate cap tech pack, a definitive guide for cap manufacturing from a Fair Trade custom cap manufacturer with over 10 years experience. We share; how to create the perfect tech pack; the difference between an apparel and cap tech packs; AND share a FREE tech pack template for caps.
Understanding how to create a comprehensive cap tech pack is essential for a successful custom cap order. A Tech Pack is a blueprint or design guide used to plan a final garment. It includes technical specifications, material specifications, design details, and all the details that make up your cap.
Brands use tech packs to communicate headwear designs with manufacturers/suppliers. Cap tech packs are different from standard garment tech packs because they have different design instructions that need to be shared. So, what are some of the differences?
Headwear is 3D, which means the tech pack must include images from multiple angles to properly illustrate the design, whereas garments tend to be flat. Caps generally have trims, such as eyelets, buckles, adjustable straps, and logos, requiring detailed specifications for each component.
(Keep reading for template 👇)
While both headwear and garment tech packs serve the same fundamental purpose—providing a comprehensive guide for manufacturing—they are customized to address each product’s specific characteristics and requirements.
At the beginning of the production process, a cap manufacturer will request a cap tech pack to guide sampling and production. There is no standard format, however all technical packs contain the same basic information: an overview of the style, drawings/sketches of the product, measurements, material information, and label information.
Creating a Cap Tech Pack - the ultimate checklist
Collaborate with your headwear factory
Find out their tech pack requirements, if they have a template of their own, and whether they have off-the-shelf (aka ‘white label’) headwear options. Collaborate with your headwear factory early to get the best results.
With a collaborative mindset, you can update your cap tech packs based on a factory's limitations and opportunities - to create a more successful style.
💡Working with an existing style can save you a huge amount of time and money in sampling and development. Request to see photos of previous styles and order a ready-made sample to test out before you place your order.
Understand cap customizability options
Caps have a lot of components. Understanding what can be customized on your headwear is essential.
There are many material options available that can change the look, feel, style, and function of your custom cap. You may want a single, solid color, multiple colors, or a patterned fabric. Some materials can be digitally printed for unlimited design possibilities.
Embroidery and sewn-on patches can enhance the overall aesthetic of your cap and give it a premium look. Embroidery adds a textured, 3D effect to the cap, making logos, designs, or text stand out. Leather patches are durable and age well, often developing a patina that adds to their charm over time.
You may be able to print underneath the visor, add custom seam tape, or change the color of the cap button. All these options allow you to create a truly unique product, without having to develop a style from scratch.
Get specific on cap trims in your tech pack
The best thing about designing headwear is the customizability you can achieve on such a small product. When creating your techpack, get specific on all of these areas, to prevent back and forth via email and losing crucial time. Some key areas to consider are:
Is all the fabric on the headwear the same?
Do you want embroidery on the main panel or as an accent on the side or back of the cap?
Where do you want branding placed?
Will you print under the cap visor?
Do you want a cap sticker?
Do you want eyelets?
Do you need a card in the crest for packaging?
Professional headwear sketches are not essential
Consider cost-effective options for technical sketches from designers on platforms like Fiverr and UpWork, or cheaper still, use Canva which has a range of cap flat drawings.
Include quality and testing details
State your expectations early on, allowing the factory to incorporate these details into the unit cost. Share any quality-checking or testing requirements as soon as possible.
Packing and labelling instructions
Providing packaging and labelling information helps get a more accurate unit cost earlier on in the process. Elements to consider are how many labels you require, the location of each label, and material type of the label. A detachable hang tag can be used for additional branding and product information.
Consider how you would like the headwear to be packaged. Whether you’d like to use a certain type of polybag (such as biodegradable), and whether the polybag should have your branding. Include everything in your tech pack. Your manufacturer should be able to advise if you are unsure.
Consider the care instructions you will add to your wash care label or hang tag. Caps generally do better when they are spot-cleaned rather than machine-washed, and this is also less impactful on the environment. Be sure to equip your customer with the right instructions.
Finalize the tech pack with all details before submitting the purchase order
Before placing your cap order, ensure the cap tech pack is up-to-date and accurate. Include all relevant details, and avoid making changes after this crucial point.
Manufacturing Caps with Purnaa in Nepal
We specialize in producing Fair Trade caps that can meet customer’s environmental and social goals. Every year we publish an annual Impact Report to communicate the benefits ordering with us has on our community.
Reach out today to speak to a sales rep and start your ethical production journey sales@purnaa.com
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