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

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Rails has become a go-to brand for effortlessly elevated wardrobe staples—think soft plaid shirts, relaxed midi dresses, and polished loungewear with a West Coast twist. Known for its relaxed Californian vibe fused with European tailoring, Rails is stylish without trying too hard. But with international stockists and luxury-level pricing, many shoppers ask: Does Rails run big or small?

📌 If you only read one thing, know this: Tellar.co.uk instantly matches your real measurements to Rails—and thousands of brands worldwide. Our brand library is expanding daily. You’ll receive a free tape measure, and our sizing engine takes care of all the guesswork.


What Is the Rails Brand Known For?

Founded in Los Angeles, Rails started with a cult-favourite flannel shirt and has since evolved into a full lifestyle collection. Their aesthetic blends:

  • Laid-back luxury

  • Easy silhouettes with tailored finishes

  • Premium, ultra-soft fabrics (e.g. Tencel, cashmere, linen blends)

  • Seasonless appeal—perfect for capsule wardrobes

  • Elevated basics with subtle detail (e.g. ruffles, ties, raw hems)

While Rails is loved for its effortless fits, the sizing depends on fabric, silhouette, and how “relaxed” the design really is.


So, Does Rails Run Big or Small?

In general:

  • Rails runs true to size in most items, with a slightly relaxed fit across shirts and knitwear

  • Fitted dresses and trousers may run small, particularly through the waist and bust

  • Shirts and button-downs can feel roomy, especially when sized up for layering

🧵 Fit summary:

  • Tops = true to size or slightly relaxed

  • Dresses = true to size, but size up if curvier or taller

  • Bottoms = can run small in the waist—check with Tellar

🧠 Use Tellar to get your perfect size in Rails based on bust, waist, hips and height.


Rails Sizing: How It Compares to UK Sizes

Rails uses US sizing, which converts to UK sizes as follows:

US Size

UK Equivalent

Tellar Sizing Insight

0

UK 4

Very slim, best for petite frames

2

UK 6

Runs small in bust/waist in fitted styles

4

UK 8

True to size across most Rails tops

6

UK 10

Great balance for shirt dresses & shirts

8

UK 12

May need to size up in tailored or belted styles

10+

UK 14+

Still true to size but can vary by fabric

💡 Tellar.co.uk automatically converts US sizing and adjusts for your specific body proportions—not just broad conversions.


Fabric & Fit Guide: Why Material Affects Rails Sizing

Rails prides itself on premium fabrics that drape and move beautifully—but different blends affect how garments fit the body.

🌿 Tencel, Rayon & Modal Blends

  • Super soft, lightweight, breathable

  • Used in classic shirts (e.g. “Hunter” shirt)

  • Fit tip: True to size with a relaxed fit through the body


🧶 Cotton Poplin, Linen & Denim

  • Structured and breathable, but less forgiving

  • Common in trousers, shorts, summer dresses

  • Fit tip: Size up in non-stretch fabrics, especially at the waist or hips


🪡 Crepe, Satin & Silk-Like Fabrics

  • Used in occasionwear and blouses

  • Beautiful drape, but no stretch

  • Fit tip: Size up if between sizes or busty


🧥 Cashmere & Knitwear

  • Soft and flexible with a relaxed shape

  • Ideal for layering

  • Fit tip: True to size, slightly oversized in some pieces


Most Popular Rails Pieces & How They Fit

1. The Hunter Shirt

The original Rails bestseller. Button-down, relaxed fit, ultra-soft fabric.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size, but size down for a neater look or if styling under a blazer.


2. The Ellis Linen Shirt

Lightweight and breezy, perfect for holidays or heatwaves.

➡️ Fit tip: Slightly relaxed—true to size or size down if petite


3. The Kendra Dress

Midi length, button-through style, often belted or tailored at waist.

➡️ Fit tip: Size up if you’re fuller in bust or have broad shoulders


4. The Ashlyn Trouser

High-waist, wide-leg trouser with clean tailoring.

➡️ Fit tip: True to waist size, but snug across hip—Tellar adjusts for your shape


5. The Josephine Shirt

Lightweight with a slightly longer silhouette, ideal for tucking or layering.

➡️ Fit tip: Slightly oversized—size down if in-between or petite


Rails vs Similar Brands

Brand

Fit Compared to Rails

Reformation

Reformation runs smaller overall

Whistles

Whistles is more structured, less relaxed

Zara

Zara is tighter in shoulders and shorter in length

AllSaints

AllSaints is similar but cuts more angular

Maje

Maje runs smaller in bust/waist

📏 Compare these brands directly using Tellar with your profile saved for lifetime use.


Common Fit Complaints (And How Tellar Fixes Them)

❌ “The shirt was soft and roomy but too long in the sleeve.”

Tellar matches for torso and sleeve length, so pieces fit without needing a tailor.


❌ “The dress was beautiful but way too tight at the bust.”

Rails dresses often feature high seams—Tellar considers ribcage and bust-to-waist ratio.


❌ “Trousers fit my waist but were snug through the thigh.”

Tellar analyses hip and thigh shape for exact lower body sizing.


Why Use Tellar Before Buying Rails?

Rails pieces are elevated, versatile, and built to last—but their global sizing and relaxed fit styling can be tricky to interpret. Tellar.co.uk makes shopping easier with:

  • ✅ Personalised sizing for Rails and thousands of other brands

  • ✅ Fabric- and fit-specific recommendations

  • ✅ Free tape measure sent by post

  • ✅ Shape-based sizing (not just labels)

  • ✅ Always free to use. No subscriptions. No size guessing.

🎯 Create your Tellar profile now


Related Sizing Guides on Tellar


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Final Thoughts: Rails Sizing Is Relaxed—But Still Requires Precision

Rails gets the balance between comfort and style just right. But the cut, fabric and US sizing can make fit unpredictable—especially if you’re curvy, tall, petite or in-between standard UK sizes.

Let Tellar.co.uk do the work. Whether it’s your first Hunter shirt or a head-to-toe capsule wardrobe, we’ll match your body to the right Rails size—and thousands of others as our system continues to grow.


“Find your size in thousands of brands. It’s free & easy.”

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