Designer Fit Guide: True-to-Size, Runs Small, or Runs Large

Navigating designer sizing can save you time, money, and return hassles. This guide breaks down key brands—highlighting their fit tendencies and standout style picks.

✅ Brands That Fit True to Size

The Row
Sleek tailoring that aligns well with UK/EU sizing.
Style Pick: Tailored linen trousers or structured blazers.
Chloé
Feminine cuts that match standard sizes.
Style Pick: Wrap midi dresses or peplum blouses.
Céline (Hedi Slimane era)
Consistent tailored fits across seasons.
Style Pick: Blazers and elevated jeans—true to size; size up for higher-waist styles.
Victoria Beckham
Precision tailoring—stick with your usual size unless you're borderline.
Style Pick: Pencil skirts or minimalist dresses.
Max Mara
Reliable Italian cuts for coats and trousers; knits may feel roomy.
Style Pick: Double-faced wool coats or sleek trousers.

🧩 Brands That Run Small (Size Up)

Isabel Marant
Slim arms and defined busts—great to size up in fitted jackets.
Style Pick: Waterfall jackets, oversized knits.
Dior
Narrow tailoring requires sizing up for comfort.
Style Pick: Tailored sheath dresses.
Maje & Sandro
Body-skimming Parisian designs—order one size up.
Style Pick: Slim jeans or leather jackets.
Acne Studios
Compact Scandinavian cuts.
Style Pick: High-rise denim—size up for relaxed fit.
Valentino
Tailored pieces that often run small.
Style Pick: Embellished dresses—one size larger works better.

🌬️ Brands That Run Large (Size Down)

Loro Piana
Luxurious drape implies generous sizing.
Style Pick: Cashmere knits or puffer jackets—go a size smaller.
Brunello Cucinelli
Relaxed tailoring—ideal to size down.
Style Pick: Wool trousers or luxe sweaters.
Totême & Jil Sander
Clean, loose minimalism.
Style Pick: Boxy coats or structured shirting—size down for sharper fit.
Dries Van Noten
Artistic drapes and voluminous styles.
Style Pick: Flowy silk pants—choose a smaller size.
COS
High-street with generous sizing.
Style Pick: Cropped blazers or wide-leg trousers—one size smaller fits well.

📏 Understanding Sizing Differences

Tailored brands (like Dior or Céline) deliver shape and minimal stretch—compact fits.
Relaxed/minimalists (Totême, Cucinelli) prioritise comfort with roomy drapes.
Tellar’s Fit Notes guide you per product: “runs small in shoulder” or “generous hip”.

🔄 Use Tellar for Precise Fit

Enter your measurements once via the free size lookup tool, and shop across 1,500+ brands.
Access valuable insights with site-wide guides:
- Brand Size Comparison Across 1,500+ Labels
- Does This Brand Run Small or Large?

These tools help you instantly determine whether to size up, size down, or stick to your size—saving money and time.

🧥 Style Picks by Brand Fit

Brand	Fit Note	Style Pick Ideas
The Row	True to size	Tailored blazer, linen trousers
Chloé	True to size	Wrap midi dress, peplum blouse
Céline	True to size	Blazer & elevated jeans
Isabel Marant	Runs small → size up	Waterfall jacket, knits
Dior	Runs small → size up	Tailored sheath dress
Max Mara	True to size	Wool coat, silk scarf
Loro Piana	Runs large → size down	Cashmere knit, puffer jacket
Brunello Cucinelli	Runs large → size down	Wool trousers, luxe sweater
Totême	Runs large → size down	Boxy coat
COS	Runs large → size down	Cropped blazers, wide-leg trousers

📌 Best Practices for Smart Shopping

Choose a base size aligned with brand tendencies: size up in small-running brands, down in roomy ones.
Watch fabric composition: Rigid tailoring = less stretch; knit/stretch = flexible fit.
Follow Tellar’s “Fit Notes”: Product-specific notes provide helpful flags.
Between sizes? Size up in small-fit brands; size down in oversized fits.
Tailoring tip: A custom hem or nip at the waist in luxury brands is often worth it.
Avoid returns: Tellar’s tools reduce guesswork, returns, and environmental waste.

🧭 More Tellar Fit & Style Guides

Brand Size Comparison Across 1,500+ Labels
Does This Brand Run Small or Large?
Perfect Fit Clothing App: Find Your Size Instantly

🌟 Stay Connected with Tellar

For daily fit fixes, styling drops, and designer brand tips:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
X (Twitter): @Tellar100
Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Take

With insights into which designer brands run true, small, or large—and Tellar’s fit engine by your side—you’ll shop with confidence and clarity. No guesswork. No costly returns. Just perfectly fitting pieces every time.