So…someone told you you need a line sheet for your clothing line. Or your freelance client asked you to make one. Or your boss tasked you with making a line sheet template. And you’re not sure what to do. So, how do you create a fashion line sheet?

It’s actually pretty simple. First, let’s cover some of the fundamentals like what line sheets in fashion are, why they’re important and what information they include. Then we’ll go through how to create a fashion line sheet.

What are Fashion Line Sheets?

Fashion line sheets are visual documents that provide an overview of a fashion collection. They are typically used by designers to present their collections to potential buyers, showrooms, and retail stores. Line sheets represent the designer’s creative vision, detailing each garment’s key features, fabric choices, color options, sizes available, and pricing.

Here’s an example of a fashion line sheet:

The Difference Between a Line Sheet and a Tech Pack

Line sheets and tech packs are similar in some ways, but actually quite different. A line sheet is a set of information used to sell a product. A tech pack is a set of instructions used to manufacture the product.

Line sheets include information on colors, sizing, prices, fabrication and more. All the things a fashion buyer would need to know before deciding whether or not to make a purchase.

Tech packs also include information on colors, sizing, prices, and fabrication. But they also include much more detailed information on construction, graded specs, packaging details and more.

There are a lot of articles out there that say line sheets can serve as a reference for manufacturers to ensure they have all the necessary information to produce each garment.

This is wrong! That’s what a tech pack is for. Don’t confuse a line sheet with a tech pack!

Why Do You Need A Line Sheet in Fashion?

Fashion designers use line sheets to represent a collection – and all the details of each garment such as fabric, price, size range, etc – to a potential buyer.

Here are a few specific reasons why fashion designers need a line sheet:

1. Visual Representation: Line sheets visually communicate the aesthetics, style, and overall concept of a fashion collection. They allow buyers to quickly assess the design direction and determine if it aligns with their target market.
2. Information Consolidation: Line sheets consolidate essential details about each garment, making it easier for buyers to decide which pieces to purchase. This includes product names, style numbers, colorways, fabric descriptions, sizes, wholesale and retail prices, and any additional information that aids in the buying process.
3. Efficient Communication: Line sheets streamline communication between designers and retailers. They provide a clear and concise overview of the collection, enabling buyers to assess the range and select the styles that best fit their store’s aesthetic and clientele.

Parts of a Fashion Line Sheet

There are various parts of a line sheet including your company info, product info, and ordering info. Here’s what a fashion designer needs to include for each.

Line Sheet Company Info

1. Include your business name or logo at the top of each page.
2. Add your name and contact information, including a phone number and email at the bottom of each page.
3. Consider a cover page with your brand story in a few sentences.

Line Sheet Product Info

1. Product Images: High-quality, professional product images on a white background are best. Avoid editorial style images and instead use flat lays or mannequin shots. Include multiple views and angles as needed to highlight design details and fabric textures. Fashion flats can work, but photographs are better.
2. Product Details: Include essential information such as style numbers, product names, color options, fabric compositions, and care instructions.
3. Size Range: Specify the available sizes for each garment so buyers can easily identify the size range that suits their customer base.
4. Pricing Information: Outline wholesale and retail prices, minimum order quantities, and any applicable discounts or terms for bulk purchases.

Line Sheet Purchase Info

1. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Specify the order minimum, either in dollar amount or a number of items per style.
2. Payment Methods: Note whether you accept Credit cards, PayPal, or checks. 
3. Payment Terms: Specify whether you require full payment upfront or accept a deposit. If you accept deposits, make sure to include how much and when the reminder is due. For example, 50% at time of order and 50% at delivery.
4. Lead Times: Give buyers an idea of how quickly you can fulfill and ship orders.
5. Order Cut-off Dates: Based on your production schedule, indicate the last date for buyers to place an order.
6. Shipping Policy: Specify whether the buyer is responsible for shipping costs or if you provide free shipping.
7. Return Policy: Define whether you accept returns, and the conditions and timeframes.
8. Expiration Date: Set an expiration date to ensure that all the information on the line sheet remains valid within a specific timeframe.
9. Order Form: Include an area for buyers to indicate the quantities and sizes they want to purchase.

How to Create a Fashion Line Sheet

You can use any software you want to create a fashion line sheet. Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Powerpoint, or even Word. But I personally recommend using spreadsheet software like Google Sheets, Numbers, or Microsoft Excel.

It’s easier to update, there’s little learning curve, and anyone can update or access the files. That means if your freelance client or boss needs to make edits, they don’t have to come to you for help in Illustrator!

Free Fashion Line Sheet Template

There are a lot of sites out there that charge for fashion line sheet templates. I made one that you can download for free! Grab it below.