What is a line plan in fashion?
A plan that defines how many styles, categories, price points and colours a collection will include, before design starts in detail.
In short
A line plan is the framework for a fashion collection that sets how many styles and colourways will be developed per category, at which price points, for which deliveries and with what margin targets. It links sales objectives with design work and keeps the collection balanced.
How does it work in practice?
Merchandising usually builds the line plan from sales history, channel strategy and market input. It allocates slots, for example a number of new knit styles, carry-overs and key items per delivery. Designers fill these slots, and the plan is updated as samples are made, costs confirmed and styles dropped. Wholesale feedback from pre-collection meetings can also shape the plan.
- Styles and options per category
- Price architecture and target margins
- Split between new styles and carry-overs
- Delivery drops and launch dates
Why does it matter for fashion businesses?
Without a line plan, collections tend to grow too large, with overlapping styles that dilute orders and increase sampling costs. A clear plan helps buyers navigate the collection, supports pricing for each channel and ensures that key categories have enough choice. It is also the basis for the line sheet and sales tools used in the selling period.
How is AI changing it?
Predictive analytics can suggest category mix, price points and option counts from sales, sell-through and market data. AI tools can identify styles with overlapping attributes and flag gaps in the assortment. Some teams use scenario modelling to test how changes in the line plan would affect revenue and margin before committing to sampling.
Common pitfalls
Common mistakes include treating the line plan as fixed, ignoring channel differences between wholesale and direct sales, and adding styles late without removing others. Poor data on past performance also limits its value.
Frequently asked questions
Who creates the line plan?
It is usually led by merchandising, working closely with design, sales and finance teams to balance creative ideas with commercial targets.
What is the difference between a line plan and a line sheet?
The line plan is an internal planning tool that structures the collection before and during development. The line sheet is a sales document that shows finished styles, prices and details to buyers.