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

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Coast is one of the UK’s most recognisable occasionwear brands—famous for its romantic silhouettes, polished event dresses, and modern formalwear. Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, a race day, or a black-tie event, Coast is often top of the list for style and elegance.

But when shopping online, one question persists:

Does Coast run big or small?

In this full guide, we break down how Coast sizing works across dresses, jumpsuits, coats and more—and show you how to get your perfect fit in seconds using Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s free personalised sizing tool.


What Kind of Brand is Coast?

Originally launched as a premium high-street label in the early 2000s, Coast has transitioned into a fully digital-first brand focused on eventwear, bridesmaid outfits, jumpsuits, and tailored occasion pieces. The brand balances affordability with glamour, often featuring:

  • Floor-length gowns and bodycon dresses

  • Structured jumpsuits

  • Tailored separates

  • Petite and plus-size collections

  • Bridal and bridesmaid edits

Coast has strong sizing coverage—but depending on fabric, cut, or collection, fit can be confusing. So how does it really compare?


Does Coast Run Big or Small?

Coast generally runs true to size, but some dresses and jumpsuits can feel snug at the bust and waist. Tailored items often require careful attention to fabric stretch and body proportions.

Let’s look at the specifics.


Coast Sizing Breakdown by Category

1. Dresses

  • Coast dresses are often structured and form-fitting, especially in woven or satin fabrics.

  • Stretch styles (jersey, knit) are more forgiving.

  • Strapless and off-shoulder styles can be tight through the bust and rigid in the waist.

  • Advice: If you’re between sizes, size up—especially for fitted eveningwear.

2. Jumpsuits

  • Coast jumpsuits tend to have narrow torsos and tailored cuts.

  • Some offer stretch at the waist; others do not.

  • Long-leg lengths are standard—petite sizing may be better for under 5'4".

  • Advice: Size up if long in the torso or curvy through hips.

3. Tops & Blouses

  • True to size in most relaxed styles.

  • Fitted bodices or structured pieces may be snug at the bust.

  • Advice: True to size; size up for bust support or non-stretch fabrics.

4. Skirts & Trousers

  • Waistbands tend to be accurate, but cuts are often slim or tailored.

  • Pencil skirts and tapered trousers can feel tight across the hips.

  • Advice: Stick to your usual size if straight or petite; size up for a curvier shape.

5. Coats & Outerwear

  • Generally true to size, often designed with occasion layering in mind.

  • Coat dresses and cropped jackets may feel snug if layering over heavier garments.

  • Advice: Size up if wearing over eveningwear with volume.


Customer Reviews: What Shoppers Are Saying

Feedback from Coast’s site, ASOS, and department stores like Debenhams and Next includes:

  • “Beautiful dress, but the waist is really tight—I had to size up.”

  • “Jumpsuit was long in the leg and snug in the torso—went up a size for comfort.”

  • “Fit is true to size in tops, but formal dresses can be unforgiving.”

  • “Petite sizes fit well, but standard lengths run long on me.”


How Coast Compares to Other UK Brands

Garment Type

Coast Fit

Compared to UK Brands

Sizing Tip

Evening Dresses

Snug at waist/bust

Slimmer than M&S or Phase Eight

Size up if curvy

Jumpsuits

Fitted torso

More structured than ASOS

Size up for longer torso

Tops

True to size

Similar to Oasis or Hobbs

Stay true to size

Pencil Skirts

Tailored fit

Slightly narrower than Zara

Size up if wider hips

Outerwear

True to size

Similar to Reiss

Size up for layering


Why Sizing Can Still Go Wrong

Even though Coast follows standard UK sizing, many shoppers misjudge their fit due to:

  • Not knowing current body measurements

  • Assuming fabric stretch that isn’t there

  • Relying on brand size charts that don’t consider shape

  • Shopping for events without trying on in advance

That’s why Tellar.co.uk was created—to eliminate the guesswork and get it right the first time.


The Smarter Way to Shop: Tellar.co.uk

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s most advanced free sizing tool. It shows you your perfect size in Coast (and over 1,500 other brands) using your real body measurements—not assumptions.

✔️ Personalised Size for Every Coast Product

Tellar adjusts recommendations based on cut, silhouette, and fabric type. A structured Coast midi dress? A relaxed bridesmaid gown? You’ll get the right size for each.

✔️ One-Time Setup, Lifetime Use

Just enter your chest, waist and hip measurements once. After that, every time you check a brand, your results appear instantly.

✔️ CM or Inches—You Choose

Whether you measure in centimetres or inches, Tellar supports both.

✔️ Free Measuring Tape Delivered

Don’t have a tape measure? Tellar will post you one for free, so your profile is accurate from day one.

🎯 Create your free profile now


Real Example: Coast Dress Fit on Tellar

Let’s say your measurements are:

  • Bust: 92cm

  • Waist: 76cm

  • Hips: 102cm

Tellar analyses Coast's fitted styles and recommends:

  • UK 12 for a satin occasion dress with limited stretch

  • UK 10 for a jersey bridesmaid gown

  • UK 12P for a jumpsuit if you're under 5’3” and curvy

Check your Coast size instantly


Backlinks to Other Useful Posts on Tellar.co.uk


Coast Sizing Summary at a Glance

Category

Fit Tendency

Tellar Sizing Advice

Formal Dresses

Tailored/slim

Size up for bust/waist comfort

Jumpsuits

Narrow torso

Size up if long or curvy

Tops

True to size

Stay with normal size

Skirts

Neat at hips

Size up if between sizes

Outerwear

True to size

Size up if layering with volume


Final Verdict: Does Coast Run Big or Small?

Coast generally runs true to UK sizing, but many fitted and occasion styles are cut slim in key areas like the waist and bust. If you're between sizes, curvy, or wearing something for a special event—getting the right fit matters.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk helps you get it right the first time.


CTA: Find Your Coast Size Now – Fast, Free & Accurate

✅ Works for Coast + 1,500 other brands

✅ Only takes 60 seconds to set up

✅ Includes free measuring tape by post

🎯 Create your Tellar profile now

🎯 Check your Coast size here


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