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.