In simple terms, a Bill of Materials (BOM) is the "ingredient list" for your garment. Just as a cake recipe lists flour, eggs, and sugar, your BOM lists every physical component required to produce a finished piece of clothing.
Why the BOM is Your Most Important Costing Tool
You cannot know how much your garment will cost to produce until your BOM is complete. When you send a tech pack to a factory for a quote, the first thing they look at is the BOM. It allows them to calculate the "landed cost" of materials and determines if they have the right machinery to handle your specific trims or fabrics.
What to Include in Your BOM
A complete BOM should never leave the factory guessing. Here are the five categories you must include:
- Primary Fabric: The main material. Include the weight (GSM), composition (e.g., 100% Cotton), and the color.
- Secondary Fabrics/Linings: Don't forget the fabric inside the pockets or the ribbing on the collar.
- Trims and Hardware: This includes buttons, zippers, snaps, drawstrings, and elastic. Be specific about the material (e.g., "Matte black metal zipper").
- Threads and Labels: Specify the thread type and color. List your brand labels, size tags, and care instructions.
- Packaging: Include hangtags, polybags, and even the type of tissue paper or stickers used for shipping.
👉 Try TechPackApp free
We make creating a BOM as easy as filling out a checklist.
Start Creating →A Simple Example: The Classic T-Shirt BOM
| Category | Item Description | Quantity Per Garment |
|---|---|---|
| Main Fabric | 180 GSM Organic Cotton Jersey - Navy | 0.8 Meters |
| Trim | 1x1 Cotton Rib (Collar) | 0.1 Meters |
| Label | Woven Brand Label (Center Back) | 1 Piece |
| Thread | 100% Polyester T-24 - Color Match | N/A |
Common BOM Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is omission. If you don't list the interfacing (the stiff fabric inside a collar), the factory might skip it, resulting in a floppy, unprofessional-looking shirt. Another mistake is failing to update the BOM after you make a design change. If you switch from plastic buttons to wood, your BOM must reflect that immediately to avoid a costly production error.
Tips for Accurate Factory Quotes
When requesting quotes, ask your factory if they are "sourcing" the materials or if you are providing them. If the factory sources the materials, they will use your BOM to find the closest match. Having a detailed BOM makes it much easier for them to give you an accurate price per unit right from the start.
What is the difference between BOM and CMT?
BOM refers to the cost of the materials themselves. CMT stands for "Cut, Make, Trim," which is the fee the factory charges for the labor of cutting and sewing those materials together.
Do I need to list thread in my BOM?
Yes. While factories often provide standard thread, you should specify the thread type (like 100% polyester) and color (color-matched to fabric) to ensure the garment is durable and aesthetically consistent.
Should I include packaging in my BOM?
Absolutely. Things like polybags, hangtags, and silica gel packets are costs. Including them in your BOM ensures the factory knows exactly how to prepare the garment for retail.