Use case · Comparison

Tech packs vs spreadsheets for apparel brands

Spreadsheets are fine for a materials list. They are a weak system of record for apparel tech packs. This page compares tech pack software with spreadsheet workflows so you can decide when to switch — especially if you are evaluating tech pack software for fashion or looking at Techpacker-style alternatives.

The goal is not “more software.” It is fewer sample rounds caused by incomplete or conflicting specs.

What spreadsheets do well

Teams keep BOMs in Sheets because everyone already knows how to edit a cell. Costing, supplier emails and ad-hoc notes often live there too. For a single colourway and one size, a well-maintained spreadsheet can get a friendly factory to sample.

  • Fast to start — no new tool to learn
  • Easy to share a link internally
  • Flexible for custom columns and costing formulas

Where spreadsheet tech packs fail

Problems show up as soon as you need garment views next to measurements, graded size runs, artwork callouts and a PDF a mill or CMT factory will actually open. Version forks multiply. The “final” file in Drive is rarely the one the factory used.

Search intent around tech pack software usually maps to this pain: brands want factory-ready specs, not another tab of free-text notes.

  • No reliable link between sketch/mockup and the measurement table
  • Grading and POM lists become copy-paste errors across styles
  • Colour and artwork placement instructions drift out of sync
  • PDF export is manual and inconsistent for factories
  • Collaboration comments live in email, not on the style

What purpose-built tech pack software adds

A dedicated tech pack tool treats the style as the unit of work: views, BOM, size chart, construction and colour in one place, with export designed for factories. clothink connects that file to the same sketches and mockups your team already approved — so Visualise and Tech packs stay aligned.

You still edit numbers. You stop treating a workbook as a product development system.

A simple migration path

You do not need to abandon spreadsheets for costing overnight. Move factory-facing specs first.

  • Pick one active style and rebuild it as a proper tech pack
  • Import or recreate the BOM and size chart once
  • Attach current flats or mockups so the factory sees the same references you do
  • Export PDF and run the next sample round from that file only
  • Keep costing sheets if needed — but stop using them as the factory brief

Next steps

Explore the product hubs that match this workflow, or compare plans.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use Excel for apparel costing?

Yes. Many brands keep costing in spreadsheets while moving factory-facing tech packs into dedicated software. The split prevents quote sheets from becoming the only source of construction truth.

When should a brand switch from Google Sheets to tech pack software?

Switch when you have multiple styles, colourways, size runs or factories — or when sample comments keep referencing the wrong file version. That is usually earlier than founders expect.

Is tech pack software only for large apparel teams?

No. Small brands benefit most from a single factory-ready file. Large teams add collaboration and role needs on top of the same foundation.

Where can I see clothink tech packs in product?

Start on the tech packs feature page for Auto-Complete, size charts, BOM and PDF export. Compare plans on the pricing page.

Tech packs vs spreadsheets | clothink