How To Create An Apparel Tech Pack, Part 6: Crafting a Bill of Materials (BOM)

Written by Stephanie Beeching

Last updated: July 7, 2026

Why a Precise BOM Page Matters in Apparel Production

The Bill of Materials (BOM) is the backbone of any apparel tech pack. It serves as a comprehensive inventory list detailing all of the fabrics, trims, and packaging components needed to manufacture a garment. It outlines quantities, placement, item codes, and known costs, thus providing a reference for designers, manufacturers, and suppliers.

A well-organized BOM page reduces errors, keeps development on track and within budget, and ensures alignment across the team. Without it, brands risk miscommunication, material shortages, cost miscalculations, and production delays that can impact timelines and affect profitability.

Bill of Materials sample page. The BOM in an apparel tech pack shows a description of every item needed to produce a garment.

How to Build a Clear & Accurate BOM Page

A strategically planned BOM enhances cost efficiency, supports accurate material sourcing, and streamlines the production process. Think of it as the blueprint for everything that physically goes into the finished garment.

Essential components of a BOM page include:

Description: Clear identification of each material or component (i.e. main fabric, lining, trims)
Placement: Where each material/component belongs on the garment
Color Details: Exact color codes (Pantone, HEX, etc.) to maintain consistency
Labels & Packaging: Branding elements such as main label, hang tags, polybags, tissue paper, or silica packets
Quantity: Total number of units required, per size or style
Cost Breakdown: Unit price to help calculate total material cost and determine profit margins
Unit of Measure: Inches, centimeters, yards, etc. Specify to avoid miscommunication
Additional Notes or Comments: Include special handling instructions, preferred suppliers, or backup material options

Pro Tip: A common industry initialism in creating BOMs is DTM (dyed to match)

Why Is the BOM Essential for Your Apparel Tech Pack?

A detailed Bill of Materials isn’t just a checklist. It’s a critical tool that adds value to every stage of development.

Accurate Costing and Pricing:

The BOM provides a real-time cost breakdown, helping brands determine profit margins and pricing strategies before development and production begin

Prevents Production Errors:

By outlining every material component, the BOM reduces mistakes and prevents missing trims, incorrect fabrics, or sizing inconsistencies

Optimized Sourcing & Development:

Ensures materials are properly sourced and available before manufacturing starts, avoiding costly delays

Scalability & Replication:

A clean BOM makes it easier to replicate designs in future seasons or increase production quantities with minimal adjustments

The Final Details

The Bill of Materials (BOM) page is a foundational element of your apparel tech pack. It promotes smooth workflows, reduces production issues, and improves final product quality—all while keeping your team on budget and on schedule.

Take the time to build your BOM page with clarity and precision. It’s worth the effort.

In the next installment of our How To Create An Apparel Tech Pack series, we’ll explore the Construction Details Page: a vital section that outlines how the garment is assembled, including seam types, stitching specifications, and other production-critical details.

This article is part of our blog series, How to Create an Apparel Tech Pack. Other articles in this series are:

Part 1: Cover Page Explained

Part 2: Mastering Technical Design Sketches

Part 3: Developing The Colorways Sheet

Part 4: Constructing a Graded Specification Sheet

Part 5: Building The Point of Measurement (POM)

Part 7: Assembling The Construction Details Page

Part 8: Forming The Renderings and Mockups Page

Part 9: Establishing The Labeling, Folding, and Packaging Information

Part 10: Understanding the Terminology