The Bill of Materials contains all the information about the substances and ingredients required for a specific garment design. The tech pack designers’ Bill of Materials (BOM) is the master ingredient list. The technical illustration is the “look” of a design, then the POM is the “law,” as it describes all the instructions for the stitching.
The “BOM is the substance,” as described, is every single physical component required to transform a design from a digital file into a retail-ready product. The tech pack for clothing contains all the information about the BOM. The BOM also includes sustainability credentials regarding a fashion article.
The Architecture of a BOM
A professional BOM contains all the information and details for the construction of a garment. It is meticulously organized to ensure that nothing is forgotten.
- A complete Information Package: BOM isn’t just about fabric or its construction. It covers everything about the design and its ingredients. BOM has the information from the “main body” material down to the chemical composition. It contains the color of the buttons and the thickness of the thread.
- BOM A Complete Recipe: BOM is the complete recipe for tconstruction of a garment. If the information in the BOM is incomplete, it can cause a delay in the production process. The tech pack for clothing fails to specify the color of the stitching thread. The factory may use whatever is currently on the machines. An incomplete BOM ruins the whole construction process, and it destroys the aesthetic of the brand.
Comprehensive Sourcing & Specification
The tech pack for clothing contains all the information, especially in the BOM. The tech pack designer must act as a technical sourcer for all the parties.
- Construction of BOM: The BOM contains all the information regarding the construction. BOM has a “Source” or “Supplier” name, a “Ref Number,” and a “Colorway.” It also provides instructions about the recycling of materials. The BOM also includes sustainability credentials.
- Transparency Laws and BOM: BOM contains all the certificates to comply with transparency laws. So the designers are now expected to list the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification numbers for fabrics and hangtags. It is directly within the BOM to comply with transparency laws.
Sample Bill of Materials (BOM) Structure
| Component Category | Item Description | Supplier / Ref # | Specification / Color |
| Primary Fabric | 100% Organic Cotton Jersey | Mill-A / #OCJ-202 | 180 GSM / Pantone 19-4008 |
| Secondary Fabric | 2×2 Cotton/Spandex Rib | Mill-A / #R-505 | Match to Main Fabric |
| Thread | T-24 Spun Polyester | Coats / Epic #80 | DTM (Dye to Match) |
| Closures | #5 YKK Metal Zipper | YKK / Brass-G | Antique Gold Finish |
| Labels | Recycled Satin Main Label | TrimCo / #RL-99 | Heat Transfer / Center Back |
| Hardware | 15mm Metal Snap Buttons | SnapTech / #SB-12 | Matte Black / Nickel Free |
Take Away:
A tech pack for clothing contains a well-structured BOM. Provide information regarding all the materials and ingredients. Removes ambiguities in the production line working in a far-off place. BOM is vital for the commencement for construction of a fashion design.