What Is M&S Autograph? The Premium Line from Marks & Spencer
Autograph is one of the most premium in-house labels from Marks & Spencer (M&S), offering elevated wardrobe essentials with a focus on luxury fabrics, refined tailoring, and modern design. While M&S is known for dependable fit and high-street accessibility, Autograph is its more fashion-forward, design-conscious counterpart—featuring higher-end materials like silk, cashmere, and Italian wool blends.
But when it comes to sizing, shoppers often ask:
Does M&S Autograph run big or small?
Despite M&S’s long-standing reputation for consistent sizing, Autograph garments can vary, especially in tailoring, outerwear, and fashion-led fits. Let’s break it down.
General Overview: Does M&S Autograph Run True to Size?
In most cases, Autograph runs true to M&S’s standard sizing, but fit nuances differ depending on garment type and fabric.
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Tailored pieces (blazers, trousers) may feel slimmer than standard M&S.
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Relaxed garments (knitwear, loungewear) often run slightly larger.
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Dresses and blouses are generally true to size, but structured or non-stretch styles can be less forgiving.
Summary:
| Category | Fit Tendency | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Tailored Blazers | Slim cut | May need to size up |
| Knitwear | Generous | Consider sizing down |
| Dresses | True to size | Follow standard UK sizing |
| Trousers | Structured fit | Check waist & hip carefully |
| Outerwear | Layered cut | Usually true to size |
How M&S Autograph Sizes Compare with Other Brands
Unlike some high-street competitors like Zara or Mango, M&S (and by extension Autograph) sticks closely to UK sizing conventions. That said, Autograph’s premium styling—such as high armholes, slim sleeves, or tailored waists—can make the same size feel snugger than in other M&S sub-brands like Per Una or Goodmove.
“I’m a UK 12 in standard M&S, but the Autograph blazer in size 12 was tight across the shoulders—needed a 14 for comfort.” – JohnLewis.com review
Fit by Category: Detailed Breakdown of Autograph Sizing
1. Blazers and Tailored Jackets
Autograph is known for clean-lined, slightly masculine-inspired tailoring. Many pieces use wool blends or structured cotton, which means less stretch.
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Cut slim, especially across shoulders and arms
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Designed for a sharp silhouette
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Some styles include light shoulder pads or double-breasted fronts
Sizing Tip: Size up if you’re broad-shouldered or plan to layer. Size down only if you prefer a close, sculpted fit with thin underlayers.
2. Knitwear and Cashmere
Autograph’s knits, particularly in merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca blends, are cut with a slightly relaxed silhouette, especially in boxy or drop-shoulder designs.
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Roomier in the body
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Ribbed hems may hug more tightly
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Drop sleeves give a casual drape
“Autograph knitwear is beautiful but generous. My usual M&S 14 was quite oversized in the jumper—reordered a 12 and it fit perfectly.”
Sizing Tip: Size down for a more polished or fitted look. Stay true to size if you prefer a cosy, slouchy aesthetic.
3. Dresses and Occasionwear
From silky midi dresses to smart shirt dresses, Autograph styles are refined and true to M&S sizing. However, stiffer fabrics or tailored seams (like in shirt dresses or crepe styles) may feel snug.
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Stretch styles are forgiving
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Structured styles require precision in bust/waist fit
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Zips and seams may limit flexibility
“The satin midi was elegant but tight around the waist—wish I sized up. The jersey dress was much easier to wear and true to size.”
4. Trousers and Skirts
Autograph trousers lean toward smart tailoring and include modern updates like cropped flares or paperbag waists.
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High-waist designs often fit accurately at the waist
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Hip and thigh fit can vary depending on the cut (slim vs wide leg)
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Autograph sizing here is less forgiving than other M&S collections
| Style Type | Sizing Behaviour | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Slim Fit Trousers | Fitted through leg | Size up if between sizes |
| Wide Leg | Generous at hip | True to size |
| Pencil Skirts | Firm through hip | May need to size up |
5. Outerwear
Autograph coats and trench coats are usually roomy enough for layering, especially those with dropped shoulders or raglan sleeves.
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Wool coats and belted trenches: true to size
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Technical puffers: slightly oversized
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Light jackets: true to M&S size guide
“Autograph’s long coat was beautiful and warm. I’m a size 10 and the 10 fit perfectly, even with a jumper underneath.”
Autograph Size Guide: UK and International Conversion
M&S uses standard UK sizing for Autograph:
| UK Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hip (in) | US Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 31.5 | 24 | 34 | 2 | 34 |
| 8 | 33 | 25.5 | 35.5 | 4 | 36 |
| 10 | 35 | 27 | 37.5 | 6 | 38 |
| 12 | 37 | 29 | 39.5 | 8 | 40 |
| 14 | 39 | 31 | 41.5 | 10 | 42 |
| 16 | 41 | 33 | 43.5 | 12 | 44 |
| 18 | 43 | 35 | 45.5 | 14 | 46 |
Real Feedback from Autograph Shoppers
“Autograph trousers are more fitted than M&S’s usual cut. If you’re curvy, size up—waist fits fine, but hips can be snug.”
– M&S customer review
“The quality is amazing—feels like Reiss but half the price. I stick to my usual size but avoid tailored cuts unless I size up.”
– Trustpilot user
“Knitwear runs big, but in the best way. My cashmere jumper is soft and stylish, but I could’ve gone down one size.”
– Fashion forum comment
Why Sizing Still Feels Confusing Across Brands
Even with reliable sizing charts, customers often struggle with:
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Variations in cut or silhouette
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Fabric behaviour (stretch vs non-stretch)
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Individual body proportions (bust vs waist vs hip)
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Whether a garment is meant to be relaxed, fitted, or structured
And even within the M&S family, Autograph sizing can differ subtly from other collections—which is why Tellar.co.uk exists.
Tellar.co.uk: Match Your Body to the Right Size, Every Time
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s free sizing tool that matches your real measurements or known brand sizes to the perfect fit in over 1,500 brands—including Autograph by M&S.
Why It Works:
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Understands brand-specific sizing behaviour
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Accounts for cut, fit style, and fabric
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Matches your profile to the most likely best-fit size
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Works across UK and international brands
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Completely free, includes a free measuring tape
Example: How Tellar Helps with M&S Autograph
Let’s say you’re a UK 12 in H&M and want to try an Autograph blazer. You don’t know if it’ll be structured or relaxed.
At Tellar.co.uk, you:
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Enter your bust, waist, hip, and height
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Choose blazer or tailored garment
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See a personalised result: e.g. “Size 12 in Autograph, but 14 recommended for shoulder comfort”
Final Verdict: Does M&S Autograph Run Big or Small?
| Garment Type | Fit Behaviour | Sizing Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Blazers & Jackets | Slim cut | Size up for room in shoulders |
| Knitwear | Relaxed/boxy | Size down if you prefer fitted look |
| Dresses | Mostly true to size | Structured styles less forgiving |
| Trousers | Tailored, less stretch | True to waist; size up for hip room |
| Outerwear | Layering-friendly cuts | True to size |
Try Tellar.co.uk Today – It’s Free & Easy
✅ Create your profile now
✅ Find your Autograph size in seconds
✅ No more guesswork or returns
✅ Forever free, quick to use
✅ Comes with a free measuring tape
Follow Tellar.co.uk for Sizing Help and Style Insights
Tellar.co.uk – Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.