Arket Sizing and Stylist Picks: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Perfect Fit

Arket runs true to size across most pieces, but their Scandinavian approach to fit means slightly roomier cuts than typical high street brands—and as someone who's styled countless clients in their pieces, I can tell you exactly how to nail your size every time. This Swedish brand has become my go-to recommendation for clients seeking that effortless, minimalist aesthetic with quality that actually lasts.

Understanding Arket's Sizing Philosophy

Having worked with Arket pieces for years, I've noticed their sizing reflects that classic Scandinavian approach to dressing—think comfort meets sophistication. Their XS typically fits a UK 6-8, S fits 8-10, M fits 10-12, and so forth, but here's what the size charts don't tell you: their pieces are designed with layering in mind.

I always advise my clients to pay particular attention to Arket's knitwear and outerwear, which tend to have that deliberately relaxed fit that's so quintessentially Nordic. Their tailored pieces, however, run more true to size with a modern, streamlined silhouette that works beautifully for both professional and weekend wear.

My Top Arket Styling Picks

After years of curating wardrobes, these are the Arket pieces I consistently recommend. Their merino wool jumpers are absolute wardrobe heroes—the quality rivals pieces three times the price. I particularly love styling their ribbed crew necks with wide-leg trousers for that effortless sophistication.

Their organic cotton shirts deserve special mention. The fit is impeccable—neither too boxy nor too fitted—and they hold their shape beautifully wash after wash. I often pair these with their high-waisted trousers for clients seeking that polished, minimalist look that works from boardroom to weekend brunch.

Mastering Arket's Fit Guide

The key to getting Arket sizing right is understanding their European approach. I always recommend sizing down in their knitwear if you prefer a more fitted look—their medium fits more like a UK 12-14 rather than the typical 10-12. For dresses, stick to your usual size as they're cut to skim the body beautifully without clinging.

Their denim runs slightly large in the waist but true to size in length, so if you're between sizes, opt for the smaller one. I've found their wide-leg jeans particularly flattering on most body shapes—they create that enviable '70s silhouette without overwhelming petite frames.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe: High Street Heroes

When building a complete wardrobe around Arket's aesthetic, these high street brands complement their minimalist approach perfectly. COS offers that same architectural approach to design with comparable quality—their pieces layer beautifully with Arket basics. Zara provides trend-led pieces that add contemporary edge to Arket's timeless foundation.

Mango excels in tailoring that mirrors Arket's sophisticated cuts at a lower price point, while H&M offers accessible basics that blend seamlessly with higher-priced investment pieces. ASOS provides the widest range of sizes and styles to complement any wardrobe, and Whistles delivers that same understated elegance with distinctly British sensibility.

Reiss rounds out my high street recommendations with impeccable tailoring that rivals designer pieces—their blazers particularly work well with Arket's relaxed approach to suiting.

Premium and Independent Brand Discoveries

For premium alternatives, Totême shares Arket's Scandinavian DNA with an even more luxurious approach to minimalism—their pieces are investment buys that'll anchor your wardrobe for years. Kowtow offers ethically-made pieces with that same clean aesthetic but with artisanal touches that make each piece feel special.

At the luxury end, brands like The Row and Lemaire share that commitment to exceptional quality and timeless design, though at significantly higher price points.

Styling Secrets for Arket Pieces

The beauty of Arket lies in its versatility. I love taking their basic white cotton shirt and styling it five different ways—knotted at the waist with high-waisted jeans, layered under a slip dress, worn oversized with leggings, tucked into tailored trousers, or tied around the waist over a midi dress.

Their neutral palette makes mixing and matching effortless. I often create complete looks using just three colours—think cream, camel, and navy—for that sophisticated, pulled-together aesthetic that looks expensive regardless of price point.

Discover Your Perfect Size with Tellar

Getting sizing right across different brands can be frustrating, but tellar.co.uk has revolutionised how I help my clients shop. As the UK's leading sizing tool, it matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—meaning you'll never need to decipher another confusing size guide again.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size. Visit tellar.co.uk to get started.

2. Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—including COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, and more. Access this game-changing tool at tellar.co.uk

3. Always free—no downloads needed as it works entirely in your browser, making it the most accessible sizing solution available.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a comprehensive Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free, covering everything from style advice to top picks and best brand recommendations.

For more comprehensive guidance, check out these essential reads:

Whether you're building a capsule wardrobe around Arket's timeless pieces or simply trying to nail your size in their latest collection, remember that great style comes from understanding fit, quality, and how pieces work together. With the right sizing tools and styling knowledge, creating that effortlessly chic Scandinavian aesthetic becomes not just achievable, but sustainable.