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

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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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:

  • High-neck satin blouses

  • Velvet flares and flowing dresses

  • Longline tailored coats and blazers

  • 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:

  • Dresses and blouses: Run small, particularly in the bust and upper arms

  • Trousers and skirts: Typically true to size, but check waist measurements

  • Coats and outerwear: Often generous, designed for layering

  • 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:

  • 71% said tops and dresses run small, especially for those with fuller busts

  • 22% found trousers and skirts true to size, but mentioned a snug waistline

  • 58% of users found coats and jackets roomy or oversized, especially winterwear

  • 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:

  • Fitted bodices and narrow sleeves

  • High necklines and zipped backs (less adjustability)

  • 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:

  • Lets you create a free size profile using your body measurements

  • Matches you with your best-fitting Biba size in seconds

  • Converts sizes across UK, US, and EU fashion systems

  • Offers smart size suggestions based on brand-specific fit data

  • 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

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

  2. Enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements (choose CM or Inches)

  3. Tellar instantly shows your size for Biba and 1,500+ other brands

  4. 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.

  • Create a free profile with your body measurements

  • Get brand-specific size advice, instantly

  • Avoid returns, exchanges, and sizing stress

  • Receive a Free Measuring Tape for home accuracy

  • Use it for Biba and 1,500+ fashion brands

Create Your Free Profile Today

Already a User? Log In Here


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