How to Find Your Perfect Clothing Size Online: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Online shopping has revolutionised the way we buy clothes—but it’s also introduced one of fashion’s biggest headaches: finding your correct size without trying anything on. With inconsistent sizing across brands, unclear charts, and confusing conversions between UK, EU, and US sizes, it’s no surprise that returns due to poor fit are at an all-time high.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to find your perfect clothing size online using reliable methods, body measurement tips, and advanced tools like Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s most accurate online size-matching platform.

Why It’s Hard to Get Sizing Right Online

Unlike physical stores, online retailers don’t give shoppers the chance to try before they buy. That means even small inaccuracies in sizing charts or assumptions about fit can lead to:

Ordering the wrong size
Wasted time returning items
Loss of confidence in the brand

This problem is made worse by the fact that each brand uses different sizing rules. A UK 12 in Zara may fit completely differently from a UK 12 in H&M, Mango, or ASOS.

That’s where accurate self-measurement and objective tools become essential.

Step 1: Know Your Measurements

The most reliable way to determine your online clothing size is by knowing your actual body measurements. Focus on three key areas:

Bust/Chest
Waist
Hips

Tools You’ll Need:

A soft measuring tape (or download the Tellar.co.uk free printable measuring tape)
A mirror
Light-fitting clothing (or measure over underwear)

How to Measure:

Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
Waist: Measure your natural waist, typically just above your belly button.
Hips: Measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom.

Once you’ve recorded these figures, you’re ready to move on.

Step 2: Understand Sizing Standards

Most UK fashion brands use standardised size charts—but “standard” is misleading. A UK 12 could differ by up to 5cm in bust or waist between two brands.

International Conversions:

UK 10 = EU 38 = US 6 (but not always!)
Tellar.co.uk accounts for these variances and provides converted results when needed.

Tip:

Avoid relying solely on size labels (S, M, L). Always reference numerical measurements.

Step 3: Use Brand-Specific Data with Tellar.co.uk

Generic size calculators only give rough estimates. Tellar.co.uk goes much further.

Tellar matches your exact measurements to the official sizing charts of over 1,500 fashion brands, including:

Zara
ASOS
Next
M&S
H&M
Mango
COS

Key Features:

Create a profile with your measurements
Search your favourite brand to view your size recommendation
Get size guidance per brand, not just one global result
Save your profile so you don’t have to re-enter data every time you shop

It’s fast, free, and trusted by thousands of UK shoppers.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you have:

Bust: 93cm
Waist: 76cm
Hips: 101cm

Tellar.co.uk will compare these numbers against each brand’s sizing data. It might show:

Zara: Recommended UK 14 (Zara tends to run small)
ASOS: Recommended UK 12 (true to size)
M&S: Recommended UK 12 or even 10 (generous sizing)

No more trial and error. You shop knowing what will fit before you buy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Guessing your size based on past purchases
Ignoring fabric type (e.g. stretchy vs rigid)
Assuming consistency across brands
Not updating measurements regularly

Step 4: Consider Fit Type and Style

Sizing also depends on the style of the garment:

Oversized fits may look large but are intentional
Tailored items are less forgiving—measure accurately
Stretch fabrics may require different sizing than woven ones

Tellar.co.uk factors fabric and cut into its recommendations.

Step 5: Check the Return Policy

Even with the best tools, returns may still happen. Check:

Free return availability
Time limits (often 14–30 days)
Original condition requirements

Avoid brands with unclear or no return options when buying online.

Tellar.co.uk Additional Tools

Conclusion

Finding your perfect size online doesn’t have to be frustrating. By measuring correctly and using Tellar.co.uk’s data-backed recommendations, you can shop smarter, reduce returns, and build confidence in your online wardrobe choices.

Stop guessing. Create your free profile and get instant sizing results across 1,500+ brands today.