In fashion, a season is a period for which collections are designed and sold. The two main seasons are Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Designers work months ahead of the calendar. A Spring/Summer collection shown in September arrives in stores the following spring. A Fall/Winter collection shown in February arrives the following fall. The lag between presentation and availability is long, sometimes up to six months.

Beyond the two main seasons, brands add pre-collections. Resort or cruise collections arrive in late fall, targeting customers who travel to warm climates in winter. Pre-fall collections arrive in summer, bridging the gap between spring and fall. These smaller collections have become commercially important. They stay in stores longer and often sell at full price, unlike end-of-season main collections.

The seasonal calendar is under pressure. Fast fashion produces new styles weekly, not seasonally. Climate change is making traditional seasonal dressing less reliable in some regions. Consumers in warm climates may not need heavy winter coats. Some brands are moving toward seasonless collections that can be worn year-round. The industry is slowly adapting, but the seasonal rhythm still shapes production, marketing, and retail. Buyers plan their budgets around it. Designers structure their year around it.

Main seasons

• Spring/Summer
• Fall/Winter
• Resort or cruise
• Pre-fall
• Seasonless collections