An in-depth understanding on Fashion Point of Measurement (POM) and Specification Sheets
In the world of fashion, getting the perfect fit is everything. That's why fashion designers and manufacturers rely on a secret weapon called POM or 'Point of Measure', to ensure that their creations hug the curves just right. This component is the holy grail of precision when it comes to designing and creating clothing that not only looks amazing but fits perfectly as if they were custom-made.
What is a Spec Sheet?
A Spec Sheet, also known as 'Specification Sheet', is a crucial component of a tech pack in the garment industry. Unlike the tech pack itself, the Spec Sheet is a detailed document that outlines specific measurements for each point of measure (POM) of a garment, making it the most precise way to communicate exact details about a clothing sample to production and the factory. The measurements are taken with the garment lying flat on a smooth surface free of wrinkles or bunching, ensuring accuracy.
When creating a tech pack, it is important to separate garment construction details onto a separate sheet, with the styling, seams (such as princess, shaping seams), and detail placements (such as pockets, buttons, and zippers) outlined on this page. The construction page also provides a description of the stitches included in the garment, which helps the factory understand how to execute the design precisely.
A Spec Sheet is typically composed of the following parts:
POM Code
POM Description
Tolerance
Garment Measurement
POM Code
In the apparel industry, it is essential to have a clear and concise system for identifying points of measures on a garment. To achieve this, each POM should be assigned a unique code, which can be comprised of either letters or numbers, or a combination of both. It is important to avoid duplication and over-complication when devising a coding system to ensure accuracy and efficiency in production. Although there are no specific standards for creating POM codes, it is essential to create a brand-specific code system that best suits the needs of the brand and can be used for future fashion line development.
POM Description
This refers to precise descriptions of each measurement point for a garment, which are outlined in the specification sheet (spec sheet). These descriptions must be standardized, accurate, and easily comprehensible for technical, production, and factory teams to ensure consistency and accuracy in the production. The measurements for each point of measure are recorded in the spec sheet, which is an integral component of the technical package. It is critical to understand and convey how clothing is measured and described to the factory to produce high-quality garments. Typically, a how-to-measure guide accompanies the spec sheet, providing a visual reference for each point of measure and how to measure it using a sketch or photo of the garment.
POM descriptions often have standard abbreviations widely used in the apparel industry. The frequently used abbreviations include the following:
Tolerance
This refers to the acceptable range of variations from the specified measurement standard. For instance, if the required measurement for bust circumference is 38 inches with a tolerance of +/- 1/2 inch, a garment with a quality control (QC) measurement of 37 1/2 inches or 38 1/2 inches would still meet the quality standard set at 38 inches. Tolerance is important to ensure that the finished product meets the desired measurement and quality standards, thus preventing wastage and improving production efficiency.
Garment Measurement
This column serves as a critical input area for the expected garment measurements (specs) of your sample. The accuracy of this information is vital to ensure the factory can produce the clothing as intended. Failure to provide accurate information can result in a clothing sample that does not meet expectations.
To ensure the accuracy of the garment specifications, it is recommended to follow best practices when describing point-of-measure (POM) details. This includes writing specific descriptions such as the front length from the high point shoulder and bust 1 inch below the armhole. It is also recommended to have a complete spec sheet that includes a carefully crafted point-of-measure description that all vendors can easily understand.
Additionally, including a how-to-measure guide can ensure spec accuracy throughout the sampling and production process. This step can help avoid errors that can result in garments with incorrect measurements and poor fit.
It is also important to avoid listing vague POMs when submitting the spec sheets to the factory for sampling or production. This can lead to errors and incorrect measurements. The most common description mistakes include length, bust, waist, and other crucial measurements.
All in all, the importance of providing detailed and accurate POMs cannot be overstated, as it is vital for achieving high-quality garments with an excellent fit. Utilizing this effectively can significantly increase apparel business' chances of success in the market.
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