How To Create An Apparel Tech Pack, Part 9: Establishing the Labeling, Folding, and Packaging Information

By Stephanie Beeching

The Final Touches That Tell Your Brand’s Story

The final section in your tech pack may appear minor, but it influences how your product arrives in the hands of your customer or retail partner. This element is the key piece that binds everything together cohesively. It represents your brand’s identity and reflects your commitment to quality. Providing clear, specific instructions for folding, bagging, labeling, and branding ensures that your product is production-ready and presentation-perfect. 

 

Your Labeling, Folding, and Packaging page eliminates any confusion at the factory level and ensures consistency across all shipments. Each detail—from logo placement to bag dimensions—reinforces your brand standards while enhancing logistical efficiency and regulatory compliance. As a result, your brand will not only stand out visually, but you will also strengthen customer trust, ensuring products consistently meet expectations.

 

Sample labeling, folding, and packaging iInformation page from an apparel tech pack. Ink colors for printed labels and instructions for unusual techniques are included.

Labeling: Ensuring Accuracy, Compliance, and Brand Identity 

Proper labeling is vital for legal compliance, customs clearance, and consumer trust. Clearly identify the placement of every label and tag, including:

  • Main (Brand) Label

  • Size Label

  • Country of Origin Label

  • Care and Content Label

  • Price Tag

  • Brand, Style, or Fabric Specific Marketing Hang Tags

Mandatory label requirements include:

  • Brand Name or Registration Number (RN#)

  • Sizing

  • Country of Origin

  • Fiber Content (Fiber Composition) 

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Care Instructions

  • Universal Care Symbols (per ASTM D5489)

Pro Tip: Knit garments may require alternative tag placements to prevent potential damage to the fabric

 

Pro Tip: Shipping cartons should be labeled with details such as size, color, and quantity to improve warehouse efficiency

Folding: Supporting Brand Presentation & Factory Efficiency

Provide step-by-step instructions or diagrams to show how to fold your garment, if not included in your company’s Shipping Manual. If using a folding board, include dimensions. Ultimately, a thorough guide and clear visuals will ensure results that maintain neatness and uniformity in the final appearance of the garment. 

 

Key Details to Include:

  • Fold dimensions

  • Bag size and orientation 

  • Label and tag instructions (i.e. if the label or tag should be visible through the polybag)

Why it Matters: 

  • Enhances packing speed and product presentation

  • It helps to maintain a polished look, whether shipping direct-to-consumer (DTC) or to retail

Packaging: Delivering Brand Experience

Your packaging instructions should cover every element that interacts with the product post-production.

 

Specify Placement For: 

  • Polybags (clear, branded, or recycled options) 

  • Tissue Paper, silica packets, or clay desiccant, hang tags

  • Outer cartons or branded boxes

Include:

  • Material type and placement

  • Logo or branding position

  • Adhesive, barcode labels, and other pre-printed details

Ensure packaging aligns with sustainability goals and enhances the unboxing experience while meeting retail expectations. 

Final Specs that Leave a Lasting Impression

The Labeling, Folding, and Packaging page is your final chance to define how your garment is handled from factory to final destination. Providing detailed instructions is crucial, as they protect your product, reinforce your branding, and elevate the customer experience. Done right, this page minimizes the risk of miscommunication and guarantees that your brand’s story is told consistently, right down to the unboxing. 

 

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) Page

Part 6: Crafting A Bill of Materials (BOM)

Part 7: Assembling The Construction Details Page

Part 8: Forming The Renderings and Mockups Page

Part 10: Understanding the Terminology