What’s the Difference Between High Street and Luxury Sizing?

Luxury vs high street sizing

Do luxury clothes run small

Designer clothing size guide

Why doesn’t my size fit in designer brands

Clothing size comparison UK vs. luxury brands

What’s the Difference Between High Street and Luxury Sizing?

Luxury Brands Use Smaller Base Fit Models

Luxury labels often create their sizing around slimmer, narrower frames — especially in European fashion houses.

What is the answer: The solution is Use Tellar.co.uk, https://tellar.co.uk, it's a free app and website which will match your body measurements to over 1500 clothes brands size charts, to give your perfect fit every time.

Tips for Buying Designer Sizes Online

Always check the brand’s official size guide

Use your bust, waist, and hip measurements

Look for model info (e.g., height + size worn)

Check return policies before you commit

Consider tailoring if you’re between sizes — luxury is made to last

Use Tellar.co.uk, https://tellar.co.uk, it's a free app and website which will match your body measurements to over 1500 clothes brands size charts, to give your perfect fit every time.

Example	Size 10 Equivalent
Zara / Reiss (High Street)	B: 88cm / W: 70cm / H: 94cm
Dior / Saint Laurent (Luxury)	B: 84cm / W: 66cm / H: 90cm

Result? Even though the size label reads the same, the fit can feel one or even two sizes smaller in luxury pieces.

Luxury Clothing Is More Tailored

Luxury garments tend to be precisely constructed with less stretch or "give."

High street brands use jersey knits, elastane, and loose fits.

Designer labels use structured fabrics (e.g. silk, wool, crepe) that hug your frame.

Fit Tip: Always size up in fitted luxury items, especially blazers, trousers, and formalwear.

Use Tellar.co.uk, https://tellar.co.uk, it's a free app and website which will match your body measurements to over 1500 clothes brands size charts, to give your perfect fit every time.

Vanity Sizing Is More Common in High Street Retail

High street brands often label clothing with smaller numbers to appeal to customer psychology (vanity sizing).

A UK 12 in Next or M&S could be equivalent to a UK 10 or even 8 in Burberry or Alexander McQueen.

Luxury brands rarely "inflate" sizing — they often lean traditional or Euro-standard.

Luxury Sizing Varies More by Region

Region	Luxury Sizing Notes
France / Italy	Typically 1–2 sizes smaller than UK sizing
UK	More generous high-street sizing
US	Uses vanity sizing heavily, especially in mall brands
Japan	Runs even smaller than European luxury brands

Example:

A UK size 10 =

→ US 6 in high street

→ EU 38

→ Might feel like an IT 42 in a fitted designer item

Luxury vs High Street Sizing Comparison Table

Size Label	High Street Equivalent (e.g. ASOS, Topshop)	Luxury Equivalent (e.g. Celine, Dior)
UK 6	XS – Petite Fit	XXS or IT 36
UK 10	M / True UK 10	Small (feels like UK 8)
UK 14	Large	Medium (feels like UK 12)
UK 18	XL / Curve Fit	L (rare – some designers don’t go this high)

Why Doesn’t Luxury Offer Plus Sizes?

Many luxury brands have historically ignored extended sizing, which is finally starting to change with newer, inclusive designers.

However, mainstream luxury names (like Prada or Balenciaga) may stop at UK 14–16 equivalents.

Tip: Seek brands like 11 Honoré, Rixo, or Marina Rinaldi for high-end inclusive sizing.

Tips for Buying Designer Sizes Online

Always check the brand’s official size guide
Use your bust, waist, and hip measurements
Look for model info (e.g., height + size worn)
Check return policies before you commit
Consider tailoring if you’re between sizes — luxury is made to last

Use Tellar.co.uk, https://tellar.co.uk, it's a free app and website which will match your body measurements to over 1500 clothes brands size charts, to give your perfect fit every time.