Does the Brand A.P.C. Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
A.P.C. — or Atelier de Production et de Création — is the Parisian label known for minimalist design, impeccable construction, and clean silhouettes. From its iconic raw denim to its understated shirts, knits, and outerwear, A.P.C. has developed a loyal global following drawn to its elegant restraint and premium quality.
But if you're new to the brand, you may be wondering:
Does A.P.C. run big or small? And how do I find the right size when buying online?
This detailed sizing guide breaks down the fit across A.P.C.’s men’s and women’s lines, offers real customer insights, and shows you how Tellar.co.uk can take the guesswork out of finding your perfect size — every time.
A.P.C.’s Design Philosophy: Precision Over Excess
Founded in 1987 by Jean Touitou, A.P.C. champions simplicity and structure. The brand favours:
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Straight-cut, no-fuss denim
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Streamlined cotton shirts
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Fitted jackets and trench coats
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Subtle branding and neutral palettes
A.P.C.’s clothing is designed to fit closely to the body, with particular attention to proportion and cut. While it doesn’t embrace oversized silhouettes like many contemporary labels, it also avoids vanity sizing — meaning the fit tends to be true to traditional European sizing.
Does A.P.C. Run Big or Small?
The Quick Answer:
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Tops and outerwear: True to size, but with a tailored fit — slim in the shoulders and chest
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Trousers and jeans: Often run small, particularly in the waist and hips
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Knitwear: True to size, but with minimal stretch
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Dresses (Women’s): Cut slim — consider sizing up for a relaxed fit
In short:
If you’re used to UK high-street sizing (e.g. COS, Zara, M&S), A.P.C. may feel slightly narrow or snug, particularly in denim and shirting.
A.P.C. Sizing Overview by Category
Category |
Sizing Verdict |
Fit Notes |
---|---|---|
Raw Denim Jeans |
Runs Small |
Waist tight at first, minimal stretch |
Shirts (Men/Women) |
True to Small |
Tailored, especially in shoulders and bust |
Knitwear |
True to Size |
Classic fit, low elasticity |
Jackets & Coats |
True to Size |
Straight cut, size up if layering underneath |
Dresses (Women) |
Slightly Small |
Fitted around waist and hips |
Trousers |
Runs Small |
Waist may feel tight; size up for comfort |
A.P.C. vs UK Sizing: Conversion Guide
A.P.C. Size (FR/EU) |
UK Women’s |
UK Men’s |
Fit Comment |
---|---|---|---|
34 |
UK 6 |
– |
Very slim, fitted for petite frames |
36 |
UK 8 |
– |
Often fits like a UK 6-8 |
38 |
UK 10 |
– |
Standard European slim-fit sizing |
40 |
UK 12 |
– |
Size up if bust/hips are fuller |
42+ |
UK 14+ |
– |
Available in selected pieces |
S, M, L (Men’s) |
– |
UK S/M/L |
Stick to standard UK size, but check chest |
Tip: A.P.C.’s men’s sizing is fairly accurate to UK standards — but the denim runs small, so check your waist measurements carefully.
Real Customer Reviews: What Tellar.co.uk Users Say
At Tellar.co.uk, we collect verified sizing feedback from users across the UK to map how each brand fits in the real world. For A.P.C., we’ve analysed hundreds of data points.
Key findings:
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76% of users say A.P.C. jeans run small, especially raw denim
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63% found shirts tight in the chest and shoulders
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Only 12% said A.P.C. felt “generous” in fit
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85% of women recommended sizing up in structured dresses
“I’m usually a UK 10 in jeans, but needed a 30 in A.P.C. raw denim. They were stiff at first but softened over time. Definitely size up if unsure.” – Verified Tellar user
Why Raw Denim Always Feels Smaller
One of A.P.C.’s flagship products is its raw selvedge denim — known for durability and long-term wear-in.
Unlike pre-washed jeans, raw denim:
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Has no stretch initially
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Feels rigid or tight at first wear
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Moulds to your body over time
A.P.C. actually recommends not washing for at least 6 months to allow the jeans to naturally shape to you. So if comfort is your priority from day one, size up or opt for stretch blends instead.
How to Get Your Perfect Size with Tellar.co.uk
Luxury minimalist brands like A.P.C. don’t offer vanity sizing or guesswork — and neither should you.
With Tellar.co.uk, you can find your exact size based on real measurements, not rough estimates.
What Tellar.co.uk Does:
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Uses your bust, waist, and hip measurements to match brand sizing
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Provides true fit data from thousands of UK shoppers
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Converts sizes across UK, EU, US, and FR systems
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Lets you create a free profile for instant size checks
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Posts a Free Measuring Tape to help you measure accurately
It’s Free & Easy. One time setup, lifetime sizing peace of mind.
How to Set Up Your Free Profile in 2 Minutes
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Go to /create-profile/
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Enter your measurements (or request a free tape)
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Choose CM or Inches – CM is best for A.P.C.’s European sizing
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Instantly see your best-fitting size for A.P.C. and 1,500+ other brands
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Save your profile for future sizing checks – no guesswork, ever again
Related Resources from Tellar.co.uk
Want to go deeper into size accuracy, conversion and how to avoid returns?
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Vanity Sizing: What It Is and Why It’s Confusing
Final Verdict: Does A.P.C. Run Big or Small?
Item Type |
Verdict |
Notes |
---|---|---|
Raw Denim Jeans |
Runs Small |
Rigid at first; size up one full size |
Shirts |
Slightly Small |
Tailored; snug in chest/shoulders |
Dresses (Women’s) |
Slightly Small |
Size up for comfort if between sizes |
Knitwear |
True to Size |
Structured but not restrictive |
Outerwear |
True to Size |
Stick to size unless layering multiple knits |
Find Your A.P.C. Size Instantly – Only at Tellar.co.uk
You don’t need to guess, scroll size charts, or worry about returns.
With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll get:
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Size recommendations tailored to your body
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Support for 1,500+ brands, including A.P.C.
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Real UK feedback, not just brand-supplied data
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A Free Measuring Tape and one-time setup
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Ongoing access to your size profile anytime, anywhere
Already have one? Log in here
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