M&S vs. Next: How Their Clothing Sizes Compare – A Complete Fit Guide
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Free. We promise.
We will never be influenced by brands - just the perfect Fit, Size & Style for you. Search thousands of honest posts for free, written by our stylists - your own personal shopper.
M&S vs. Next: How Their Clothing Sizes Compare – A Complete Fit Guide
Introduction
Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Next are two of the largest and most trusted fashion retailers in the UK. While both cater to a broad demographic and offer extensive womenswear ranges, customers frequently encounter discrepancies in sizing between the two brands. This guide provides a factual comparison of M&S and Next sizing standards, supported by measurement data and real-world application. It also outlines how Tellar.co.uk helps users find accurate sizing recommendations across more than 1,500 fashion brands.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) Sizing Overview
M&S is known for its classic British tailoring and emphasis on comfort. Historically, M&S has adopted slightly more generous sizing practices compared to high street averages. This often results in customers selecting one size down from their usual high street size.
Key Characteristics:
Cuts designed to accommodate a range of body types.
Trousers and skirts typically offer more room in the waist and hip areas.
Offers multiple leg lengths in trousers (short, regular, long).
Consistency is generally strong across collections, although newer ranges like Autograph or Per Una may vary.
Next Sizing Overview
Next adopts a more contemporary fit profile, aligning closely with standard UK sizing conventions. The brand generally uses slimmer cuts and targets a fashion-forward consumer base.
Key Characteristics:
Slimmer fit, particularly through the waist, hips, and shoulders.
Less generous in cut than M&S, especially in non-stretch fabrics.
Greater variation between collections, especially between tailored and casual lines.
Some customers report needing to size up, especially for structured garments.
Measurement Comparison Table
The table below compares the typical body measurements associated with women’s clothing sizes at M&S and Next. These figures are derived from official size charts published by each retailer and represent their intended fit.
UK Size |
M&S Bust (cm) |
Next Bust (cm) |
M&S Waist (cm) |
Next Waist (cm) |
M&S Hips (cm) |
Next Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 |
83 |
82 |
65 |
64 |
89 |
88 |
10 |
88 |
86 |
70 |
68 |
94 |
92 |
12 |
93 |
91 |
75 |
73 |
99 |
97 |
14 |
98 |
96 |
80 |
78 |
104 |
102 |
16 |
103 |
101 |
85 |
83 |
109 |
107 |
Note: Actual garment fit may vary depending on fabric composition, garment cut, and styling.
Causes of Sizing Discrepancies
Several structural and strategic factors contribute to sizing differences between M&S and Next:
Demographic Focus: M&S targets a broad age range with emphasis on comfort and versatility, while Next focuses more on trend-led fashion.
Grading Techniques: Each retailer uses its own sizing model and grading rules to scale measurements.
Fit Model Standards: The brands use different baseline fit models during product development, affecting proportions.
Recommendation: Use Body Measurements for Accuracy
To overcome these sizing inconsistencies, customers are encouraged to measure their body and refer to brand-specific sizing tools. Tellar.co.uk enables users to enter their measurements and receive instant, accurate size recommendations across both M&S and Next.
Tellar.co.uk Services:
Create a profile on Tellar.co.uk using your bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool on Tellar.co.uk to view your recommended size in M&S, Next, and over 1,500 other retailers.
Your measurements are saved securely for future use via the Tellar.co.uk login page.
Access a free printable measuring tape from Tellar.co.uk to ensure precision.
Practical Example
A user with a 73cm waist and 99cm hips would typically:
Be recommended a size 12 in M&S (with the possibility of sizing down for stretch fabrics).
Be recommended a size 12 or 14 in Next, depending on fabric and cut.
Tellar.co.uk accounts for these brand-specific fit nuances in real-time, offering a data-driven solution.
Common Sizing Challenges and How Tellar.co.uk Addresses Them
Inconsistent sizing across brands: Tellar.co.uk standardizes sizing using verified brand data.
Difficulty interpreting size charts: The platform automates the conversion from body measurements to retailer sizing.
Returns due to poor fit: Accurate recommendations significantly reduce returns.
Additional Tellar.co.uk Resources
Follow Tellar.co.uk Online
Conclusion
Despite both M&S and Next being established UK retailers, their sizing approaches differ significantly. While M&S offers more generous, comfort-oriented fits, Next adopts a more tailored, contemporary sizing model. To navigate these differences effectively, Tellar.co.uk provides an evidence-based sizing platform that removes guesswork and increases shopping confidence.
Visit Tellar.co.uk now to create your free profile and find your exact size in both M&S and Next.