How To Create An Apparel Tech Pack, Part 5: Building the Point Of Measurement (POM) Page

By Stephanie Beeching

Measuring Success: The Importance of an Accurate POM page

In fashion design, precision is everything. The Point of Measurement (POM) Page is a critical component of your tech pack, ensuring that your garment is constructed to exact specifications. Without clearly defined measurement points, inconsistencies in fit and sizing can occur, leading to costly errors, production delays, and dissatisfied customers. 

 

POMs are designated points on the garment where specific measurements are taken to maintain consistent sizing and fit across all sizes. This page will act as both a visual and an instructional guide for the manufacturers, combining a flat sketch with annotated arrows and a measurement guide detailing how to take each measurement correctly.  A well prepared POM page will minimize confusion, reduce costly mistakes, and ensure that the final product aligns with your design intent aligns with your design intent.

Key Elements of a POM page 

A thorough and well-structured POM page includes these essential components 

  • A POM Sketch 

    • A flat technical sketch of your garment with annotated arrows pointing to measurement locations

    • Arrows should be clear, precise, and easy to follow for accuracy

  • POM Description and Measurement Techniques: Each POM must include a detailed description along with the measurement techniques. Common methods include:

    • Straight: Used for flat, linear points like hemlines

    • Curve: Applied to curved seams like princess seams 

    • Half Circumference: Used for sleeve openings and other areas typically measured as half 

    • Full Circumference: Applied to collars, waistbands, or any full-round measurements (i.e. neck or waist) 

    • Flat vs. Extended: 

      • Flat: Used for stable areas like shirt cuffs

      • Extended: Used for stretch elements like elastic waistbands (measured both flat and fully extended).

  • Measurement Chart 

    • Include both sample size measurements and graded measurements to illustrate how sizes scale 

    • Assign using clear POM codes (A, B, C, D) to each measurement point for quick reference 

  • Tolerances 

    • Define acceptable margins of error to account for production inconsistencies without compromising fit

  • Fit Comments

    • Include special instructions or notes on garment construction and fit expectations

Pro Tip: Consistently use clear terms like “center front” and “side seam” throughout your tech pack to avoid confusion.

 

Pro Tip: Common industry initialisms in POMs: 

  • AH: armhole

  • CF: center front

  • CB: center back

  • HPS: high point shoulder

  • SS: side seam

Sample Point of Measurement page from an apparel tech pack. The POM in an apparel tech pack defines measurement points to ensure fit.

How to Create Your Point of Measurement Page

Follow these step-by-step instructions to build a clear and effective POM page:  

  1. Set up your template: Ensure it includes fundamental design details from previous pages in the apparel tech pack

  2. Insert your flat technical sketches: Clearly mark all measurement points

  3. Detail finished garment dimensions: Ensure they match your design specifications

  4. Indicate measurement methods: Explain where and how to take measurements

  5. Use consistent and clear labeling: Keep measurement terms easy to understand and replicate 

  6. Include additional fit comments: Add any relevant details to clarify measurements and notes in your section for additional fit comments 

Pro Tip: Double-check that all POM descriptions are standardized across your entire apparel tech pack. Consistency is key for seamless communication with your manufacturer.

The Finishing Touches

Creating a well-structured Point of Measurement page for your tech pack isn’t just a good idea; it’s a strategic necessity. A clear and detailed POM page ensures product consistency, minimizes costly production errors, and leads to a better fit, improved customer satisfaction, and fewer returns. Your apparel tech pack is a direct representation of your brand, and your POM page plays a vital role in maintaining quality control. 

 

Next in our How to Create an Apparel Tech Pack series, we will dive into the Bill of Materials (BOM) Sheet, an essential document listing all the components, fabrics, trims, and accessories needed to produce your design. 

 

Other articles in the How To Create An Apparel Tech Pack 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 6: Crafting a Bill Of Materials (BOM)

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