What Files Do You Need For Custom Apparel?
Useful apparel design files include tech pack, reference photos, vector logo, size chart, artwork placement, Pantone references and packing notes. The practical answer from our factory side A buyer does not always need a perfect tech pack, but production needs enough information to stop guessing. AI, EPS or PDF logo files, measurement charts, reference garments, label artwork and packing instructions help us prepare a more reliable sample and quotation. When the answer is yes, we still need to define the route behind that yes, otherwise the buyer may expect a finished product while the factory is still missing production inputs. The purpose of files is simple: reduce guessing. If we know the fabric, measurements, logo size, label content, packing method and quantity, we can give a more useful quote and sample plan. If files are missing, we can still review the project, but we will need to ask more questions before the quote becomes stable. A tech pack is useful when it is accurate A tech pack may include flat drawings, fabric specification, measurements, tolerance, stitch details, trim notes, artwork placement, label files and packing instructions. When accurate, it helps us move faster. But a tech pack that is outdated or copied from another product can create confusion. If the buyer changed the design, fabric or size chart, the file should be updated or marked clearly. We prefer a simple correct file over a complicated file with conflicting information. Reference photos should explain what matters Reference photos are useful when the buyer explains what each photo means. One photo may show fit, another may show fabric texture and another may show pocket or logo placement. For garments with hidden details, such as jackets or hoodies, close-up photos of inside construction, zipper, hood, cuffs, labels and seams are helpful. If the buyer sends many photos without explanation, we may not know which detail should be followed. Clear notes save time. Artwork files affect printing and embroidery For logos, prints and embroidery, vector files are usually best. AI, PDF, EPS or SVG files can help with clean edges and accurate size. High-resolution PNG files may work for review, but production may still need vector artwork. We also need logo size, placement, color information and decoration method if already chosen. A chest logo, sleeve logo and back print have different setup and QC points. If the buyer is not sure whether to use printing or embroidery, we can review the artwork and fabric together before recommending a method. Size chart and fit notes are important A size chart helps us understand the target fit. Measurements such as body length, chest, shoulder, sleeve, hem and tolerance are useful for T-shirts, hoodies, uniforms and jackets. If the buyer has no size chart, a reference garment or target market information can help us create a starting point. The sample then needs careful review before bulk production. Fit notes should be clear. Words like oversized, regular or slim are helpful, but production still needs measurements. Fabric information changes the quote quickly Fabric files or notes can include composition, GSM, color, hand feel, stretch, coating, lining, shrinkage expectation and reference supplier information if the buyer has it. If fabric is not decided, send the target use, season, market, reference garment and target price level. We can then suggest a practical fabric route. Fabric information affects cost, MOQ, sample timing, decoration result and QC. It is one of the first things we review. Label and packaging files should be included early For private label apparel, send woven label artwork, care label text, size label details, hangtag artwork, polybag requirement, barcode or SKU files, carton mark format and packing instructions. If label or packing files are not ready, tell us what is planned. We can separate garment quotation from pending label and packing costs, but these details should be confirmed before bulk production or packing. Late files can delay shipment, especially when labels or printed packaging need supplier production time. Quantity breakdown is more useful than total quantity alone A total quantity is not enough when the order has several colors, sizes or SKUs. We need to know how quantity is divided by style, color and size. For team, uniform and Amazon-style orders, packing may depend on this breakdown. The packing team needs to know whether goods are packed by size, SKU, department or person. Quantity breakdown also affects cutting efficiency, fabric planning and MOQ discussion. Destination and timeline are also project files Buyers sometimes think files only mean artwork and tech packs. For export apparel orders, destination country, target delivery date and preferred trade term are also important project information. A launch date, event date or warehouse receiving date changes how we plan sample approval, material booking, QC, packing and shipment handover. If the timeline is urgent, tell us early. Then we can explain what can be simplified and what should not be rushed. What to send if you do not have all files If you do not have a complete file package, send what you have: product type, reference photos, logo file, approximate quantity, size range, fabric idea, packing needs and destination. Mark unknown details clearly. We can then reply with a missing-information list. Sometimes the next step is a fabric suggestion. Sometimes it is artwork cleanup. Sometimes it is a sample plan before final quotation. YISIERSAN can work with both full tech packs and early-stage design files, as long as the buyer is willing to clarify the production details before bulk. FAQ about custom apparel files Do I need a tech pack? It helps, but we can start with reference photos and clear requirements if no tech pack is ready. What artwork file is best? Vector files are best for most logos, printing and embroidery preparation. Do you need a size chart? Yes, if available. If not, we need a reference sample or target fit direction. Can I send files later? Some files can arrive later, but labels, artwork and packing files should be approved before bulk production or final packing. Why approved file versions matter One common problem in custom apparel is file confusion. A buyer may send one logo file in the first message, another file after sample review and a different label file before bulk production. We ask buyers to mark approved files clearly. This helps our team avoid using an old logo, outdated size chart or unfinished label artwork. Good file control is simple, but it prevents many production mistakes. How to send files when several styles are included If the order has several styles, each style should have its own folder or clear file names. T-shirt artwork, hoodie size charts and jacket label files should not be mixed together. We also need quantity by style, color and size. Without that breakdown, fabric planning and packing planning become weak. Clear file organization helps the factory review the project faster and reduces repeated questions. What file details help us estimate sample time Sample time depends on fabric sourcing, pattern work, artwork preparation, label readiness and whether the buyer needs a full packaging sample. If the files are complete, we can review the sample route more quickly. If artwork needs cleanup or fabric is not decided, the sample schedule may change. This is why file preparation and production timeline are connected. What we do when files conflict with the sample Sometimes the file says one thing and the sample shows another. The size chart may not match the garment, or the artwork size in the file may differ from the approved sample photo. When this happens, we ask the buyer to confirm which standard should control the bulk order. We do not want the production team to guess. Before bulk production, approved sample, files and written order details should match each other. How we work when files arrive in stages Some buyers cannot send every file on the first day. That is workable if we know the order of approval. We can review the garment direction first, then artwork, then labels and packing. The important point is to avoid starting bulk production before the files that affect fabric, measurements, logo and packing are approved. A staged file process is safe when each stage has a clear owner and written approval. Why screenshots are not enough for final artwork Screenshots can help us understand the idea, but they are usually not enough for production artwork. A screenshot may have low resolution, unclear edges, wrong proportions or no color information. For quotation review, a screenshot can be a starting point. For sampling and bulk production, we need cleaner artwork files and approved placement details. This is especially important for embroidery, screen printing and labels, where small artwork problems can become visible on the finished garment. How buyers can mark uncertain files If a file is not final, mark it clearly. Write draft artwork, reference only, old size chart or pending label file. This helps our team understand what can be used for quotation and what cannot be used for production. A draft file is not a problem when everyone knows it is a draft. The risk comes when a draft file is treated as final by one side and as temporary by the other. Clear file status keeps quotation, sample and bulk production aligned.