Does the Brand Motel Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like & What’s Worth Buying?

Motel—also known as Motel Rocks—is a UK-based fashion brand known for its throwback 90s silhouettes, statement prints, and Gen Z-focused partywear. Their viral dresses, flared trousers, and micro minis often dominate TikTok and Instagram—but when it comes to fit, many shoppers ask: Does Motel run big or small?

If you only read one thing, read this: Tellar.co.uk matches your exact body measurements to Motel—and over 1,500 brands—with one quick, free setup. You’ll receive a free measuring tape, and we’ve analysed Motel’s full sizing data, so you never need to check a size chart again. No catches, no trial-and-error—just your size, instantly.

Who Is Motel For?

Founded in the late 1990s, Motel was inspired by vintage cuts and global subcultures. It’s now a go-to for:

Night-out dresses & partywear
Co-ords and two-piece sets
Festival fashion
Retro flared trousers and crop tops
Sustainable capsule edits (Motel Renew)

The aesthetic is bold, fitted, and often body-hugging—so getting the right size is crucial, especially for petite or curvier body types.

So, Does Motel Run Big or Small?

Overall: Motel runs small, especially in fitted dresses, mini skirts, and woven fabric styles. If you’re between sizes, you’ll likely need to size up.

For Dresses & Two-Pieces:

Most run tight across the bust and hips, with minimal stretch
Spaghetti strap styles often fit small in the chest
Fit tip: Size up if you’re curvier or have a fuller bust

For Trousers & Bottoms:

Fitted flares and cargo trousers run small at the waist and snug across the bum
Waistbands tend to sit high and rigid
Fit tip: Size up for comfort if you’re pear-shaped

For Tops:

Crop tops and bralettes are cut very short and narrow
Oversized shirts (like the “Xareni”) run more generous
Fit tip: Most fitted tops run small—size up unless you prefer ultra-tight

Use Tellar here to instantly find your size in Motel based on your actual measurements.

Motel Sizing Chart vs UK High Street Sizes

Motel uses standard UK sizing (XS–XL or 6–16), but due to body-hugging fits, their sizing feels smaller than many high-street brands.

Motel Size	UK Size	Tellar Fit Comment
XS	6	Runs extra tight at bust & hips
S	8	Tight fit—size up if curvy
M	10	Often feels like a UK 8.5
L	12	May feel snug in woven fabrics
XL	14–16	Most generous but still close-cut

💡 Tellar.co.uk does this conversion for you automatically—no more guessing if a Motel “M” fits like a UK 10 or 8.

Fabric Fit Guide: What Affects Motel Sizing Most

Motel’s sizing is heavily influenced by fabric choice. Here’s how each type behaves:

🧵 Woven Fabrics (Non-Stretch)

Found in most mini dresses, trousers, and co-ords
No give at all—tight on curves
Fit tip: Size up, especially if you’re between sizes

🧶 Stretch Jersey / Ribbed Knit

Used in bodycon dresses, flared leggings, and crop tops
More forgiving, but can be body-hugging
Fit tip: True to size, unless you want a looser fit

☁️ Satin & Mesh

Popular in eveningwear and midi styles
Light and floaty but tight where lined
Fit tip: Size up in lined satin dresses or mesh bodysuits

Bestselling Motel Items & Their Fit

1. Zoven Trousers

Flared, high-waisted, and iconic. Often run tight in the hip and thigh.

➡️ Fit tip: Size up if curvy through the bottom or hips.

2. Sakaria Dress

Spaghetti strap, fitted mini—hugely popular, but unforgiving in the chest.

➡️ Fit tip: Size up for bust room and length if you’re tall.

3. Maiwa Blouse

Floaty, oversized cropped blouse with puff sleeves.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size—roomy fit.

4. Rima Mini Dress

Slinky with cut-outs or ruching, often in woven fabric.

➡️ Fit tip: Runs small at bust and waist—size up unless petite.

5. Thilde Unitard / Romper

One-piece jersey with elastic—super flattering but sculpted.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size for a sculpted fit. Use Tellar for torso length accuracy.

Comparison: Motel vs Other Popular Brands

Brand	Fit Compared to Motel
Zara	Motel runs smaller overall
Urban Outfitters	Similar fit; Motel tighter
ASOS	Motel is more form-fitting
Reformation	Reformation slightly roomier
Missguided	Missguided runs more generous

📏 Compare sizing across all these brands here

Common Sizing Complaints (And How Tellar Solves Them)

❌ “I ordered my usual size and couldn’t zip it up.”
That’s due to woven fabric and close cuts. Tellar calculates your bust and waist vs Motel’s garment data.

❌ “The trousers fit my waist but flattened my bum.”
Tellar matches your hip-to-waist ratio to brands like Motel, which use narrower hip blocks.

❌ “I’m always between sizes and nothing ever fits properly.”
Tellar provides brand-specific size guidance—not generic charts—so you can order confidently.

Why You Should Use Tellar Before Buying Motel

Tellar.co.uk is your free, all-in-one size guide for Motel and 1,500+ other brands. No guesswork. No returns. Just accurate sizing from day one.

✅ Match your real measurements (cm or inches) to Motel’s sizing
✅ Receive a free soft tape measure in the post
✅ Instantly see your best size in dresses, trousers, and co-ords
✅ Compare Motel sizing with brands like Zara, ASOS, and Reformation
✅ It’s always free to use—no subscriptions, no surprises

Create your free Tellar profile now

Follow Tellar for Sizing Tips, Trends & Fit Breakdowns

We post weekly size guides, festival-ready brand comparisons, and real fit reviews.

Final Thoughts: Motel Rocks—but You Need the Right Fit

Motel’s edgy, curve-hugging styles are flattering—but only if they fit correctly. And with small cuts, rigid fabrics, and inconsistent sizing across product types, it’s easy to get it wrong.

Tellar.co.uk takes care of that. We’ve analysed every Motel product type to help you get the perfect size—whether it’s your first viral mini dress or a throwback co-ord.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”
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