By Tellar.co.uk – The UK’s Leading Free Sizing Tool
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is a cornerstone of the British high street. Known for dependable tailoring, inclusive sizing, and affordable quality, it’s long been the go-to for women who want pieces that fit, flatter, and last. But if you’re looking to expand beyond M&S while keeping the same reliability in cut and quality—this guide is for you.
We explore 8 brands that match M&S in practicality and polish, alongside detailed tailoring tips, style guidance, and Tellar.co.uk resources to help you size correctly, every time.
✅ Why M&S Stands Out Technically
Before diving into alternatives, let’s break down what makes M&S so trusted:
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Consistent Sizing – Most styles are offered in petite, regular, and plus fits
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Natural Fabrics – Cotton-rich tailoring, brushed wool coats, responsibly sourced linens
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Affordable Tailoring – Blazers, trousers, and occasionwear with thoughtful detailing
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Reliable Staples – From knits to denim, M&S builds seasonal wardrobes around wardrobe heroes
If you value these qualities, several other UK brands echo M&S’s balance of wearability, comfort, and timelessness.
🛍️ Brands Like M&S: Where to Shop
Each of the following brands has been selected for its structural quality, accessible price point, and similarity in fit or design philosophy. Only official store homepages are linked.
1. Next
Modern everyday basics with tailoring options for work or smart casual. Offers wide sizing, petite/long fits, and layering staples.
Shop: https://www.next.co.uk
2. John Lewis & Partners
Combines house labels (ANYDAY, Kin) with brand concessions. Excellent for structured workwear, shift dresses, and neutral-toned basics.
Shop: https://www.johnlewis.com
3. Mango
Strong tailoring and outerwear game, with classic cuts, neutral palettes, and quality suiting for less.
Shop: https://shop.mango.com/gb
4. Hobbs
For a more elevated wardrobe feel, Hobbs mirrors M&S’s occasionwear quality with polished fabric choices and sleek silhouettes.
Shop: https://www.hobbs.com
5. Whistles
Contemporary yet wearable, Whistles excels in minimal shift dresses, smart blazers, and wide-leg trousers—all similar to M&S Autograph.
Shop: https://www.whistles.com/uk
6. Boden
Ideal if you like M&S’s casualwear and printed dresses. Boden uses quality cottons, good waist shaping, and offers petite and tall sizing.
Shop: https://www.boden.co.uk
7. Reiss
If you love M&S's Autograph tailoring, Reiss offers premium finishes with a modern edge. Think clean blazers, pleated trousers, tonal knits.
Shop: https://www.reiss.com/gb
8. & Other Stories
From the H&M Group, but with a premium aesthetic. Structured staples, shirt dresses, ribbed knits, and classic monochrome edits.
Shop: https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/index.html
🧵 Technical Tailoring Considerations
When comparing brands like M&S, look for these indicators of construction quality:
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Fabric Blend Labels – Natural fibres (cotton, wool, lyocell) maintain structure and breathability
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Double Stitching or Lining – A sure sign of garment longevity, especially in trousers and coats
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Back Vent or Paneling – For movement and better drape in blazers and dresses
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Bust and Waist Darts – Ensure correct shaping over curves, especially in shift or pencil styles
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Taped Seams – Prevent fabric warping in knitwear and jersey-heavy dresses
Styling Advice: Building an M&S-Style Wardrobe
✦ Office to Outing
Start with:
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A structured blazer (try Mango, Reiss, or Whistles)
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Tailored ankle-grazer trousers (Next or Hobbs)
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A fitted roll-neck or fine knit (M&S, Stories, Boden)
→ For tailored layering tips:
Best brands for structured tailoring
✦ Everyday Casual
Pair:
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A cotton knit or Breton stripe (Boden or M&S)
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Straight-leg jeans with some stretch (Next or Mango)
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A quilted jacket or trench (John Lewis or Hobbs)
→ Learn more about fabric durability and layering:
Best brands for elevated basics
✦ Occasion Ready
Go for:
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A midi wrap or belted dress in crepe or satin (Hobbs or Whistles)
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Block heels or slingbacks (John Lewis or M&S)
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A structured clutch and drop earrings
→ See occasion dressing tips here:
How to build a capsule wardrobe
📏 How Tellar.co.uk Helps with Fit
Sizing is one of M&S’s great strengths—consistent, inclusive, and accessible. If you’re switching to similar brands, Tellar ensures that your fit experience remains seamless:
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Free sizing tool: Match your exact body measurements to sizing data across 1,500+ brands
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Zero guesswork: Know if a Mango blazer runs tight at the bust or if Boden jeans stretch out
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Body-shape styling support: Find out which cuts work best for your shape across retailers
→ Start here:
What’s the best clothes sizing tool on the market today?
📚 Related Articles on Tellar.co.uk
These resources break down brand quality, fit structure, and what to prioritise in each fabric or cut.
🛒 Summary: The Best M&S Alternatives by Category
Category |
Best Brands |
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Tailored Workwear |
Reiss, Mango, Whistles |
Casual Basics |
Boden, Next, & Other Stories |
Eveningwear |
Hobbs, John Lewis, Whistles |
Knits & Layers |
M&S, COS, John Lewis |
Printed Dresses |
Boden, Hobbs, M&S |
Budget-Friendly |
Next, Mango, & Other Stories |
→ All best paired with Tellar’s free fit guidance.
📲 Stay Connected with Tellar
Follow us for real-time sizing help, fashion tips, and new fit-focused articles:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
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Pinterest: TellarSizing
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you love M&S’s balance of comfort, polish, and size inclusivity—you’re not alone. But now you can branch out confidently. With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll know exactly which brands suit your shape, what sizes to buy, and how to avoid fit errors, whether you’re shopping from Next, Hobbs, Mango, or Whistles.
Smart style starts with smart fit. Tellar helps you do both.