A template is a final product. The goal of a template is to maximize resists, stats, abilities, and to have a few toys as well to use in a battle.
Many programs are used to generate templates including:
LOKI's
Gearbunny
Kort's Spellcrafting
You enter what you already have or can get into these programs, and then you figure out what stats/resists you need to put on the remaining items.
Since you seem new to the whole thing, I can direct you to VN boards for mid casters, where you can see some templates. The silksteel padded armor is not the best though. There is enhanced armor that has stat caps on it. It is like a bonus 5th slot such as dex +15, or acuity cap +5.
It is a very complicated thing to try to explain in its entirety here, so for now, take a look at some templates and see if you can begin to understand.
Here is the link
http://vnboards.ign.com/midgard_caster_professions/b20914/p1