Biba is a heritage fashion brand with a bold legacy. First launched in 1960s London and relaunched by House of Fraser, Biba has become synonymous with glamorous silhouettes, vintage prints, and a touch of art deco drama. Whether you’re browsing their modern-day tailored coats, boho-inspired dresses, or statement blouses, Biba continues to stand out for those who want standout style with a nostalgic twist.
But how does Biba clothing fit in today’s fashion landscape?
Does Biba run big or small on clothes sizing? And how do you ensure the best fit if you’re ordering online?
In this detailed sizing guide, we break down how Biba fits across different garments, what real UK shoppers say, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you get sizing right the first time—across 1,500+ brands, including Biba.
Biba’s Style: Vintage Drama with a Modern Twist
The modern Biba collections—exclusive to House of Fraser—offer a mix of timeless and trend-led pieces. Biba’s signature styles often include:
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High-neck satin blouses
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Velvet flares and flowing dresses
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Longline tailored coats and blazers
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Retro prints and gold accents
These garments are often fitted or draped to flatter, but they also vary widely by fabric, decade inspiration, and cut. This makes sizing difficult to predict—especially without trying on in-store.
Does Biba Run Big or Small?
In short:
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Dresses and blouses: Run small, particularly in the bust and upper arms
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Trousers and skirts: Typically true to size, but check waist measurements
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Coats and outerwear: Often generous, designed for layering
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Jersey/stretch pieces: More forgiving, but still slim-fit
Biba doesn’t conform to vanity sizing trends. It uses standard UK high-street sizing, but many fitted or structured items—especially in satin or velvet—can feel snug across the bust, shoulders, and hips.
Biba Size Guide: UK Fit Summary by Category
| Clothing Type | Sizing Verdict | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blouses & Tops | Runs Small | Slim through arms and chest—size up if in doubt |
| Dresses | Runs Small | Structured bodices and waistlines |
| Knitwear | True to Size | More stretch, room to move |
| Trousers & Skirts | True to Size | Fitted at waist—check if high-rise |
| Coats & Jackets | Runs Large | Longline and roomy—ideal for layering |
Real UK Feedback from Tellar.co.uk Users
At Tellar.co.uk, we collect sizing feedback from real UK shoppers. Based on user profiles who purchased from Biba:
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71% said tops and dresses run small, especially for those with fuller busts
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22% found trousers and skirts true to size, but mentioned a snug waistline
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58% of users found coats and jackets roomy or oversized, especially winterwear
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Only 9% said Biba sizing felt large across all categories
“I ordered a Biba satin blouse in size 10 and had to exchange it for a 12—it was really tight in the upper arms and bust. Beautiful quality, but definitely a small fit.” – Verified Tellar user
UK Size Conversion: Biba’s Standard Sizing
Biba uses UK sizing conventions, but fit varies depending on the garment’s construction and material. Here’s a general guide:
| Biba Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 80 | 62 | 86 | Petite and slim fit |
| 8 | 84 | 66 | 90 | Often fits like a UK 6-8 |
| 10 | 88 | 70 | 94 | Still fitted at bust/waist |
| 12 | 92 | 74 | 98 | True to size in most styles |
| 14 | 96 | 78 | 102 | Size up in satin/structured |
| 16–18+ | 100–108 | 82–90 | 106–114 | Consider fabric stretch |
Tip: Check the product description for mentions like “tailored”, “slim fit”, or “generous cut” — Biba does use those terms to hint at sizing differences.
Why Biba Pieces Can Feel Small
Many Biba designs echo retro tailoring and 70s-era shapes, which means:
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Fitted bodices and narrow sleeves
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High necklines and zipped backs (less adjustability)
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Stiff fabrics like velvet, brocade, or satin that offer little stretch
So, even if you’re technically a size 10 on the chart, your bust or shoulders may need a 12 in these tighter styles.
Don’t Risk It — Use Tellar.co.uk to Find Your Best Fit Instantly
Fashion brands like Biba vary by fabric, cut, and style season to season. But Tellar.co.uk removes the guesswork.
What Tellar.co.uk does:
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Lets you create a free size profile using your body measurements
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Matches you with your best-fitting Biba size in seconds
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Converts sizes across UK, US, and EU fashion systems
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Offers smart size suggestions based on brand-specific fit data
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Posts a Free Measuring Tape so you can measure yourself correctly at home
One-time setup. Lifetime sizing accuracy. It’s Free & Easy.
Get Started in 4 Quick Steps
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Enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements (choose CM or Inches)
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Tellar instantly shows your size for Biba and 1,500+ other brands
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Save your profile—check sizes anytime without re-entering data
Whether you’re shopping Biba, Karen Millen, Whistles, or Reiss, Tellar keeps your fit consistent and accurate.
Learn More About Sizing on Tellar.co.uk
Final Verdict: Does Biba Run Big or Small?
| Item Type | Verdict | Sizing Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Blouses & Shirts | Runs Small | Size up if you’re fuller in bust/arms |
| Dresses | Runs Small | Tailored fits—size up for movement and ease |
| Knitwear | True to Size | Stretchy, relaxed cuts |
| Trousers & Skirts | True to Size | Slightly snug in high-rise designs |
| Coats & Jackets | Generous Fit | Size down if you don’t need layering room |
Make Sure Your Next Biba Order Fits Perfectly
With Tellar.co.uk, you never need to guess again.
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Create a free profile with your body measurements
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Get brand-specific size advice, instantly
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Avoid returns, exchanges, and sizing stress
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Receive a Free Measuring Tape for home accuracy
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Use it for Biba and 1,500+ fashion brands
Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Brand Sizing Guides
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Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s Free & Easy.
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