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Does the Brand Barena Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Barena Venezia, often simply known as Barena, is a cult-favourite Italian label that blends tailored elegance with relaxed, unstructured silhouettes. Rooted in Venetian tradition and modern craftsmanship, Barena offers refined pieces that sit somewhere between soft tailoring and luxury casualwear.

But with Italian brands often differing from UK and US sizing norms, one critical question arises:

Does Barena run big or small on clothes sizing?

This detailed guide covers the fit across Barena’s menswear and womenswear lines, real-world sizing experiences, fabric behaviour, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you shop smarter—by finding your perfect size instantly, for free.


Barena Venezia: Effortless Sophistication with a Tailored Edge

Barena's aesthetic is unmistakable: tailored blazers without padding, drawstring trousers with a polished finish, and soft-knit polos that feel both luxurious and understated. The label is particularly known for:

  • Unstructured tailoring

  • Premium fabrics like linen, wool, cotton jersey, and brushed flannel

  • Relaxed yet tailored cuts

  • Smart-casual pieces that work across seasons

While Barena fits are generally more forgiving than traditional Italian tailoring, you’ll still need to pay close attention to fit nuances—especially if you’re transitioning from UK or American sizing systems.


Does Barena Run Big or Small?

In summary:

  • Blazers and jackets: True to size, with a relaxed shoulder and soft tailoring

  • Shirts and polos: Often slim cut—size up if you prefer a looser fit

  • Trousers: Slightly tapered but forgiving in the waist—true to size, occasionally generous

  • Knitwear: True to size, but may feel small on broad shoulders

  • Womenswear: Runs small in structured pieces—especially in the bust and waist

Barena is known for non-restrictive silhouettes, but still leans on Italian sizing, which can feel narrow to UK shoppers—especially in woven and tailored fabrics.


Sizing Overview by Category

Clothing Type

Fit Verdict

Notes

Men’s Jackets

True to Size

Soft tailoring, unlined—accommodates layers

Men’s Shirts

Slim Fit

Narrow in chest and shoulders—consider sizing up

Men’s Trousers

True to Size

Roomy waist, tapered leg—check length if tall

Knitwear (All)

True to Small

May feel tight across back/shoulders

Women’s Blazers

Runs Small

Fitted in the bust—size up for comfort

Dresses (Women)

True to Small

Slim at the waist—may need to size up


Italian to UK Sizing Conversion – Barena

Barena uses EU/IT sizing, which doesn’t translate 1:1 to UK sizes—especially in tailored pieces. Here's a quick reference:

Barena (IT/EU)

UK Size (Women)

UK Size (Men)

Fit Advice

38

UK 6

Petite cut, narrow shoulders

40

UK 8

Consider sizing up if fuller bust

42

UK 10

May feel like a UK 8 in tailored blazers

44

UK 12

Better for comfort or layering

46–50+

UK S–L

Men’s blazers fit standard UK sizes

Tip: In jackets, go by chest width rather than labelled size. For trousers, focus on waist and rise.


Real UK User Feedback via Tellar.co.uk

At Tellar.co.uk, we collect verified sizing feedback from real users across the UK. Based on insights from hundreds of Barena shoppers:

  • 68% of men found Barena blazers and jackets true to size, but warned they aren’t built for layering thick knits

  • 59% of women said Barena’s structured pieces run small, especially in the shoulders and bust

  • 72% of users said Barena fits smaller than UK high-street brands, but more generously than traditional Italian tailoring (e.g. Canali, Boglioli)

“Barena trousers are beautifully made. I’m usually a UK 10 but needed a size 44 for a relaxed fit. Their jackets are spot-on though—soft and easy to wear.” – Verified Tellar user


Fabric Impacts Fit: Barena’s Material Choices

Barena’s attention to fabric is second to none—and different textiles affect how their clothes fit:

  • Soft wool-blends: Light drape, more forgiving in tailoring

  • Linen: Naturally roomy and breathable, especially in summer suits

  • Cotton-twill: Structured and crisp—less give in trousers and shirts

  • Stretch jersey: Featured in modern tailoring—adds subtle comfort

  • Knits: Close-fitting rib structures—size up if broad-shouldered

Knowing your material helps avoid unexpected tightness in slim cuts or unexpected volume in oversized designs.


Get the Right Barena Size Instantly with Tellar.co.uk

No need to scroll size charts or second guess your fit. With Tellar.co.uk, you get real-time size recommendations based on your actual body measurements.

What Tellar.co.uk does:

  • Converts your chest, waist, and hip measurements into the perfect Barena size

  • Works across 1,500+ brands, from COS to Barena, A.P.C., and more

  • Saves your profile so you can return anytime and check sizing instantly

  • Converts between UK, EU, and US sizing systems accurately

  • Posts a Free Measuring Tape to help you get accurate measurements at home

It’s Free & Easy. One-time setup. Lifetime sizing accuracy.


Quick Setup Guide – Tellar.co.uk

  1. Visit https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

  2. Enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements in CM or Inches

  3. Choose your preferred brands to compare sizing (optional)

  4. View your ideal size for Barena instantly

  5. Save your profile and return anytime to check new brands


Tellar-Recommended Posts to Learn More


Final Verdict: Does Barena Run Big or Small?

Item Type

Sizing Verdict

Notes

Men’s Blazers

True to Size

Unstructured but accurate—perfect over a shirt

Men’s Shirts

Slightly Small

Narrow chest/arms—size up if in doubt

Men’s Trousers

True to Size

Roomy rise, tapered leg—check inseam

Women’s Blazers

Runs Small

Fitted in bust/shoulders—size up

Knitwear

True to Small

Snug fit in chest/arms—best to size up if layering


Say Goodbye to Size Uncertainty — Only at Tellar.co.uk

With luxury tailoring and artisanal quality, Barena deserves the right fit. Tellar.co.uk gives you:

  • A sizing profile tailored to your body

  • Smart conversion between UK, EU, and US brands

  • Access to real fit feedback from UK wearers

  • A Free Measuring Tape posted to your door

  • A quick, one-time setup for a lifetime of accurate sizing

Create your free profile now

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