A garment brief should cover: the garment type and silhouette, fabric direction, target quantity, timeline and any key construction details. It does not need to be a full tech pack to start a conversation.
Most production problems start before the first sample is made. In our experience, they start with a brief that was too vague, too optimistic or built around assumptions the manufacturer had no way of knowing.
This guide is based on what actually works when we receive briefs at Monteos — and what tends to cause avoidable delays.
What a garment brief is — and is not
A garment brief is not the same as a tech pack. A tech pack is a complete technical document — flat sketches, graded measurements, construction specs, BOM. A brief is the starting point. It communicates your intention clearly enough for the manufacturer to evaluate the project and ask the right questions.
We can work from a brief. Most good manufacturers can. The tech pack usually develops as part of the process, not before it.
The five things a brief must include
1. Garment type and silhouette — with references
"A jacket" is not a brief. "A mid-length unlined coach jacket with dropped shoulders, snap-button closure and two side seam pockets — similar to the reference I've attached" is a brief.
Visual references are not optional. A photograph with annotations will communicate more in 10 seconds than two paragraphs of description. Send them.
From our experience: The briefs that produce accurate first samples are almost always the ones with 3–5 reference images and clear annotations. The ones that produce three rounds of unnecessary revisions usually have none.
2. Fabric direction — composition, weight and feel
You do not need to specify the exact fabric — sourcing is often part of what we do together. But you should be able to describe the weight, feel and composition you are aiming for.
"A heavyweight cotton canvas, similar to a Japanese workwear fabric — stiff, structured, maybe 400–450gsm" is useful. "Cotton" is not.
3. Target quantity — be honest
Your quantity affects which production route makes sense, which fabrics are available, and how the manufacturer structures the project. Saying "I want 500 but I'll start with 50" is actually useful information — say it.
From our experience: We prefer honest numbers to optimistic ones. A brand that tells us they want to start with 80 units and potentially scale gets a more accurate plan than one that quotes 500 hoping for a better price.
4. Timeline — work backwards from reality
When do you need the finished product? Work backwards. Factor in: sampling (usually 2 rounds), production, and shipping. A custom project from brief to delivery is typically 10–16 weeks. If you have a hard deadline, state it at the start.
5. Construction priorities — what cannot be compromised
Seam finishes, lining, hardware, label placement. Not everything — just the details that are non-negotiable for you. This tells the manufacturer where to focus attention and where there is flexibility.
What you do not need at brief stage
A full tech pack, a graded size spec, a finalised fabric, or a perfect document. Start with what you have. A well-structured one-page brief is better than a half-finished tech pack.
If you can answer: what is it, what should it feel like, how many do you need and when — you have the foundation of a brief we can work with.