The technical fashion designer has an important role in the fashion industry. They are responsible for converting an idea into a production prototype. The production process in the fashion industry follows a specific format. The process begins with drawing rough fashion sketches. At this stage, the focus is on achieving the look and drape of a garment. So, the designs are done in the form of fashion illustrations with full-body cookies. At this point, the fashion designer or creative artist does not know if the design idea is feasible. The job of a tech pack designer is to review the design idea or illustration. The designer analyzes it and comes up with the most practical way to produce it on a mass scale. Additionally, the technical designer should prepare garment specifications that clothing manufacturers can understand.
Technical Fashion Designer Role In the Garment Manufacturing Life Cycle
Technical fashion designers and tech pack designers almost do the same job. But there is a subtle difference between the two roles. A technical fashion designer is involved in the whole process of apparel production. But a tech pack designer is responsible for making technical specification sheets from the fashion design sketches given to them. So before hiring a technical fashion designer, you must know how he will be able to help you in your custom clothing design. Let’s dive deep into the role that a technical fashion designer plays in terms of customizing styles for tech pack design.
Initiating Collection Line Sheet with Fashion Drawings
The seasonal fashion drawings collection of a brand starts with ideas brainstorming. Creative designers take the help of color trends and fashion forecast. This forms the base of the collection idea and builds a base for a collection design. This is teamwork and many popular brands involve technical fashion designers in this process. They take help in brainstorming, analyzing, and finalizing the collection line sheet. It is vital to understand if any fashion drawing is worth processing further or not. A technical fashion designer acts as a validator in this phase of collection design.
Technical Drawings and Documentation
With a basic structure of the design ideas, tech packs, and spec sheets start taking shape. The technical fashion designer leads the way in creating detailed technical drawings. Tech pack designers under technical fashion designers prepare the tech packs. Also, the spec sheet is prepared based on the base measurements the company follows. Those documents provide essential instructions for pattern makers, sample tailors, and the production team. It ensures consistency and accuracy throughout the manufacturing process. In the fashion industry communication across various departments and teams is crucial. So clear and detailed tech packs are essential for smooth operation.
Garment Construction and Pattern Making
Technical fashion designers play the same role as technical architects in the IT industry. They are responsible for supervising garment pattern making and preparing construction specifications. So, they work closely with the design team to interpret concepts into tangible garments. This role often involves understanding the requirements specific to the style and market demand. Such factors may include traditional garment styles, sizing ratios, and cultural nuances.
Sample Development and Prototyping
Technical designers monitor the sampling process ensuring that they meet the design specifications. The aim is to create prototypes that accurately reflect the intended design with proper quality standards. The process may involve incorporating embellishments, innovative techniques, or treatments into the samples.
Fit Evaluation and Quality Assurance
Technical fashion designers play a key role in ensuring the proper fit and quality of garments. They conduct fit evaluations on garment samples and make necessary adjustments if required. Also, the patterns and construction techniques are adjusted to achieve the desired fit. Sizing standards are diverse. There are different sizes and measurement parameters in Europe, the USA, and Asia. So as the customer preferences. The styles that go well in New York may not do well in CA or anywhere on the West Coast. Here the role of a fashion technical designer is particularly important. He ensures that garments meet the expectations of the target market.
Documentation
The documents that technical fashion designers and their team do are important documents for the company. Those technical specification documents are used for future use and are considered an asset for the company. For example, it is a common practice that brands follow their measurement spec sheet and certain features. Those are exclusive to the brands. Tech pack designers and garment fit technicians play a vital role that forms the foundation of the documentation for the brands.
Material Sourcing and Product Development
The primary focus of a technical designer’s job is to identify, source, and validate the vendors. The Vendors who supply suitable materials, and embellishments for each garment style. The tech designer evaluates the fabric properties, performance, and cost implications. This helps make an informed decision. So the opinion of a technical fashion designer matters. It helps in making decisions that align with the design objectives and production requirements.
Technology Integration and Innovation
Technology is ever-evolving. Things that seemed impossible some days back are now common practice. So, technical fashion designers must leverage technology to streamline the process. Technology can help improve production efficiency and innovation in garment construction and marketing. Brand collection can be done using virtual fashion. Through this, the brands can know if a collection is a hit or miss. Designers use CAD software for tech pack design, pattern making, and digital prototyping. Also, use technology to do 3D scanning and virtual fitting sessions. Designers play a vital role in implementing those features to enhance productivity and quality.
As a technical fashion designer, I have consulted many fashion labels. In my view, it takes a lot of effort to run a successful apparel brand. Starting a fashion line takes a lot of effort. You need to be multitasking. Especially in the field of fashion where things change every day. Moreover, managing every aspect is a bigger challenge. You need to manage your vendors, sales, design, creativity, and logistics. So focusing on every department is a bit tough and managing them becomes a challenge. So, delegate your responsibility to the right people and empower them. When you are in a business you cannot avoid investment. You must agree that you cannot do everything by yourself. And you need technical fashion designers, a clothing manufacturer, and logistic support. You also need a sales force to bring orders to your business.
Why Hire a Technical Fashion Designer from the Start
To set things right for your fashion brand you need a person who can support and consult you from start to end. A technical fashion designer would be the most appropriate person who can support you throughout. They have experience working with every aspect of the garment production life cycle. So he understands the minute techniques and process that goes into every process. Moreover, you need a tech pack designer from the beginning of your collection design. Sourcing the right fabric, and finding the correct clothing manufacturer are important factors. A technical fashion designer could be handy in this work. He can also guide you in optimizing material consumption and reducing wastage. So it’s worth investing in an experienced technical clothing designer.
Technical Fashion Design and Clothing Manufacturing Support
You are starting a brand so prepare yourself to invest. If you think you can do them at a cheap price forget it and believe me this is the harsh reality. There is a famous proverb “If you pay peanuts you get monkeys”. There are clothing design service providers who get service cheap. I come across a lot of clothing brands that take the service just because they give at a cheap rate. The result is they have to make the whole thing all over again. This is a common situation with many apparel brands that are starting and have a limited budget.
Urban Purple is a group of technical fashion designers and consultants. We also run a digital download store for fashion tech packs, graphics, and textile prints. To know more about our offering and buy fashion tech packs visit our tech pack template store. You can choose your collection tech packs from a wide range of fashion tech packs. The tech packs are tested in factory environments. So, you can choose your styles and buy from there. Download the apparel Tech Pack Template with a detailed measurement spec sheet. You get the source vector file of the tech pack with the spec sheet in Excel format. Fashion Consultant and Owner of Tech Pack Template Store. An Online Store offering tech tack templates with detailed size charts. Download the Tech Pack template with a detailed size chart in Excel format.
Fashion tech pack designer and clothing manufacturer. Owner of Urban Purple (Fashion Tech Pack Consulting Services) and custom clothing manufacturer based in Bangalore (India). 20 years of experience in the apparel industry as a technical fashion designer clothing manufacturer and consultant for more than 500 fashion labels in the USA and European Region. Expert tech pack service provider and offers fashion sketches, tech packs, and spec sheets to many fashion brand companies. This blog is all about the process and procedure of designing your clothing.