Does Ann Taylor Run Big? The Ultimate Sizing Guide

Yes, Ann Taylor definitely runs big – expect to size down 1-2 sizes from your usual fit, making it one of the most generous vanity-sizing brands on the high street. As someone who's been styling women for over a decade, I've seen countless clients surprised by Ann Taylor's oversized approach, particularly when they're used to more true-to-size brands.

I remember my first Ann Taylor experience vividly. Standing in the fitting room with a size 8 blazer that could've housed a small family, I quickly realised this American brand plays by different rules. Their sizing philosophy seems designed to make you feel fabulous about dropping down numerically, but it can be utterly confusing when shopping online or transitioning from other brands.

Understanding Ann Taylor's Sizing Philosophy

Ann Taylor's vanity sizing is legendary amongst stylists. Where most brands maintain relatively consistent measurements, Ann Taylor has adjusted their fit over recent years to be notably roomier through the midsection whilst keeping bust and hip measurements more standard. This means their size 6 might measure closer to what other brands call a size 10.

The inconsistency can be maddening. I've had clients wear a size 2 in Ann Taylor dresses when they're typically a size 6-8 elsewhere. Their dresses and blouses tend to run larger than their skirts, so you might need different sizes within the same shopping trip.

My Stylist's Guide to Ann Taylor Sizing

Tops and Blouses

Size down 2 sizes from your usual fit. Their button-down shirts are particularly generous through the bust and waist, perfect for a relaxed professional look but potentially overwhelming if you prefer fitted silhouettes.

Dresses

Drop 1-2 sizes, depending on the style. Their sheath dresses run especially large, whilst their fit-and-flare styles tend to be more true to their vanity sizing.

Trousers and Skirts

Size down 1 size minimum. Their pencil skirts are less dramatically oversized than their casual wear, but still expect a generous cut.

Better Alternatives: High Street Heroes

If Ann Taylor's sizing confusion frustrates you, here are my go-to high street brands that offer more consistent sizing:

Reiss – Impeccable tailoring with true-to-size fits that work beautifully for professional wardrobes. Their blazers rival Ann Taylor's quality without the sizing guesswork.

COS – Minimalist designs with European sizing that tends to run smaller and more precise. Perfect for contemporary professional looks.

Whistles – British brand offering sophisticated workwear with consistent UK sizing. Their dresses are particularly reliable.

Jigsaw – Excellent quality basics with honest sizing. Their knitwear and tailoring compete beautifully with Ann Taylor's aesthetic.

ME+EM – Premium high street brand with luxurious feels and accurate sizing. Their blazers are investment pieces that last.

LK Bennett – Classic British elegance with consistent sizing. Perfect for professional wardrobes seeking timeless pieces.

Phase Eight – Specialises in occasion wear and workwear with reliable fits across their range.

Premium and Luxury Alternatives

Premium Options

Theory – American contemporary brand offering superior tailoring with more consistent sizing than Ann Taylor. Their suiting is exceptional.

Equipment – French-inspired basics with precise European sizing and beautiful silk blouses that rival Ann Taylor's quality.

Luxury Designer Options

MaxMara – Italian excellence in tailoring with consistent European sizing. Their blazers and coats are investment pieces.

Toteme – Scandinavian brand offering minimalist luxury with honest, smaller-running sizes. Perfect for contemporary professional wardrobes.

Ganni – Danish designer brand with unique contemporary pieces and consistent European sizing that runs smaller than Ann Taylor.

Shopping Ann Taylor Successfully

When shopping Ann Taylor, always:

• Order multiple sizes online and return what doesn't fit
• Read recent reviews for specific items
• Consider their petite range if you're shorter, as regular lengths can be overwhelming
• Focus on their sales – full price rarely justifies the sizing inconsistency

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

After years of wrestling with inconsistent sizing across brands like Ann Taylor, I discovered tellar.co.uk – the UK's leading sizing tool that's revolutionised how I shop for clients.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uktellar.co.uk – Your body exactly matched to 1500+ brands instantly

   Essential Tellar Resources

   • tellar.co.uk
   • tellar.co.uk

   Final Thoughts

   Ann Taylor's generous sizing can work in your favour if you understand their system, but the inconsistency makes online shopping particularly challenging. My advice? Use tools like Tellar to take the guesswork out entirely, or stick to brands with more reliable sizing if you prefer consistency over numerical flattery.

   Remember, the number on the label matters far less than how fabulous you feel wearing it. Whether you're a size 2 at Ann Taylor or a size 8 at COS, confidence is your best accessory.

   Happy styling!