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Introduction: Barba Napoli and the Art of Italian Menswear

Barba Napoli—often referred to simply as Barba—is one of Italy’s most respected luxury shirtmakers. Founded in Naples, the brand is rooted in sartorial excellence, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern style. Barba is known for precise tailoring, premium cottons, and timeless pieces ranging from shirts and trousers to full suits.

But one common issue for first-time buyers—especially those shopping online—is sizing.
So does Barba run big or small on clothes sizing?

In this guide, we break down Barba’s fit across its key product lines, share feedback from UK customers, and explain how Tellar.co.uk removes the uncertainty by giving you your exact size across Barba and 1,500+ other brands.

Barba Napoli Sizing at a Glance: Tailored, Slim, Traditional

Barba’s sizing reflects its Neapolitan tailoring heritage, which means garments are generally designed for a close-to-the-body fit, especially in the torso and shoulders.

Item Type General Fit Description
Formal Shirts Slim, Fitted – Runs Small
Casual Shirts Slightly Slim – True to Size
Trousers Tailored – True to Size or Slim
Jackets & Blazers Slim-cut – Often Run Small
Knitwear Relaxed or True to Size

Summary: Barba is not a vanity sizing brand. Expect a European slim fit, and if you’re used to UK high street or American brands, you may need to size up, especially in dress shirts.

Shirt Fit Options: What Barba Offers

Barba shirts come in three main cuts, which affect how the garment sits on the body:

  1. Classica Fit

    • Traditional cut

    • More generous in chest and waist

    • Best for those with a broader frame

    • Comparable to a regular fit in British brands

  2. Slim Fit

    • Most common cut sold online

    • Tapered waist, high armhole

    • Ideal for athletic or lean builds

    • Comparable to Reiss or Hugo Boss slim shirts

  3. Super Slim Fit (Skinny)

    • Very tailored, almost custom fit

    • Narrow shoulders, close-fitting collar

    • Designed to be worn tucked and pressed

How Barba Shirts Compare to UK Brands

Brand Fit Comparison to Barba
TM Lewin Barba is slimmer, more tailored
Charles Tyrwhitt Barba is more structured & fitted
Reiss Similar in Slim fit
Paul Smith Slightly roomier than Barba

International Sizing: EU vs UK in Barba

Barba uses EU/IT sizing, typically by collar size in cm, for shirts. This can confuse UK shoppers used to S/M/L or inches.

Use this size conversion guide:

Barba Size (cm) UK Collar (inches) General Size
37 14.5 Small
38 15 Small–Medium
39 15.5 Medium
40 15.75 Medium–Large
41 16 Large
42 16.5 Large–XL

Important: Due to slim tailoring, many UK shoppers will need to go up one collar size to accommodate shoulder and chest width.

Customer Feedback: What UK Buyers Say About Barba Fit

Real-world reviews help build a clearer picture:

“The craftsmanship is stunning, but the 15.5” fit more like a 15. I had to size up.”
“I love the fabric and the cut, but these are definitely made for slim builds.”
“Excellent tailoring, but I recommend sizing up if you lift weights or have broad shoulders.”

Most agree that Barba’s strength is also its challenge: high-end Neapolitan tailoring is very exacting, and unless you’re already used to this style, it may feel small.

Trouser and Blazer Fit in Barba

Barba trousers and blazers reflect the same design DNA:

  • Trousers: Slim through the thigh and seat. Expect a tailored, narrow leg.

    • If you’re athletic or curvy in the hips, size up.

    • Minimal stretch in most fabrics.

  • Blazers & Jackets: Traditional Neapolitan shoulder, close-cut chest, and often short length.

    • Designed to hug the body, not drape it.

    • Size up if layering or wearing over shirts with thicker fabric.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Charts Alone—Use Tellar.co.uk

Most size charts only tell part of the story. They don’t account for:

  • Your body shape (broad shoulders, narrow waist, etc.)

  • How different fabrics and styles behave

  • Brand-specific tailoring tendencies (like Barba’s slim arms)

That’s where Tellar.co.uk changes everything.

What is Tellar.co.uk?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s most advanced free sizing tool, designed to help shoppers find their correct clothing size in Barba and over 1,500 brands.

With a one-time setup, you input your body measurements (chest, waist, hips), and Tellar does the rest—telling you your exact size for each brand based on real data.

✅ No guesswork
✅ Tailored to your measurements
✅ Accounts for brand fit and style
✅ Works across high street and luxury fashion

🔗 Set up your free size profile now

🎁 Need a Tape Measure? We’ve Got You Covered

Not sure of your chest or collar measurement? Tellar offers a free body measuring tape to UK users.

Simply request one and get started with 100% precision.

📦 Order your free tape here

Barba vs Other Premium Shirt Brands: Fit Summary

Brand Fit Type Sizing Trend
Barba Italian Slim Fit Runs Small
Eton Slim/Contemporary True to Size
Finamore Slim/Tailored Runs Small
Ralph Lauren Classic–Relaxed Runs Large
Hugo Boss Modern Slim Slightly Small

Backlinks for Smarter Shopping

Follow Tellar for More Tailoring Tips and Sizing Help

Conclusion: Barba Runs Small—Tellar Makes It Easy

If you’re new to Barba Napoli, be prepared for a structured, close-fitting style that runs half a size smaller than most UK brands. Whether you’re investing in a dress shirt or building a full formal wardrobe, getting your size right the first time is essential.

Rather than guessing, use Tellar.co.uk to see your exact size based on your real body shape. No risk, no stress—just confidence and perfect fit across Barba and more.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”
Try Tellar.co.uk now—and make every fit flawless.