Boohoo Petite, Tall & Plus Sizing: What's It Actually Like Across Their Ranges?

By Ella Blake – Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub – Always honest, unbiased & unsponsored

Let me give you the short answer first: Boohoo's sub-ranges — Petite, Tall, and Plus/Curve — are genuinely useful, but sizing isn't consistent across them, and if you shop across multiple ranges without checking measurements, you will end up with the wrong fit. I say this with the authority of someone who has learned this the hard way, standing in front of a full-length mirror holding a pair of Boohoo Petite jeans that looked like three-quarter lengths on me and a Tall dress that looked like a maxi on my five-foot-four frame. Let me save you the hassle.

The Main Range: Your Baseline

Before we get into the specialist ranges, it helps to understand how Boohoo's main line fits. Generally, it's close to true-to-size on basics — your jersey tops, lounge sets, simple dresses — but it has a tendency to come up slightly small on anything fitted. Bodycon styles, structured blazers, and anything with limited stretch? Go up one size. You'll thank me for it.

There's also a well-known inconsistency issue across garment types. A size 12 in Boohoo's jersey midi skirt might feel perfectly relaxed, while the same size 12 in their tailored wide-leg trousers sits tight across the hips. It's not unique to Boohoo — it's a fast-fashion reality — but it's worth knowing before you click 'add to bag.'

Boohoo Petite: Good Proportions, But Size Up on Fitted Pieces

The Petite range is designed for women who are 5'3" (160cm) and under, and honestly, the proportions are better than you might expect from a budget brand. Hem lengths are shortened, sleeve lengths are adjusted, and the torso is nipped in accordingly. The size numbers themselves are the same as the main range — so if you're a 10 in Boohoo's main collection, you're still a 10 in Petite.

That said, here's the thing: the Petite range can run slightly small, particularly on tops and dresses with a defined waist or structured fit. My rule? If it's stretchy, go true to size. If it's structured or the product description mentions a fitted silhouette, size up one.

Best for: Midi dresses (the lengths are spot on), tailored trousers, jeans (the inseam is much better proportioned than altered full-length styles)
Watch out for: Knits and jersey pieces can feel a touch snug if you're between sizes
Tip: Always check the product's specific measurements in the description — Boohoo is fairly good at listing inseam and length details

Boohoo Tall: Great Range, But the Length Varies Wildly

This is where it gets interesting. Boohoo's Tall range is aimed at women who are 5'7" (170cm) and above, and the breadth of styles available is genuinely impressive for the price point. Longer inseams, extended torso lengths, and higher rises on trousers — on paper, it ticks every box.

In practice though? The length can be dramatic. A few years back I ordered a pair of Tall wide-leg trousers for a client who is 5'9" — lovely long legs, always struggles with length — and even she found them slightly too long. If you're on the shorter end of "tall" (around 5'7"–5'8"), try the regular range in fitted styles first and reserve the Tall for trousers, jumpsuits, and midi/maxi dresses where length is everything.

Best for: Trousers, jeans, jumpsuits, maxi dresses — anything where inseam and hem length matter most
Sizing: True to size across the range; the same size as your main Boohoo size works here
Tip: If you're between 5'7" and 5'9", check the exact product length before committing — Boohoo do list these measurements and it's worth thirty seconds of your time

Boohoo Plus & Curve: Runs Small — Size Up

This is the one where I'm going to be most direct with you: Boohoo Plus runs small. Consistently. Multiple customer reviews back this up — a size 22 in the Plus range has been known to fit more like a 20, and the same pattern repeats across the size range. This isn't catastrophic — the solution is straightforward — but it means you should size up at least one, particularly on anything structured, lace, or non-stretch.

What Boohoo does well in Plus is actually cutting the garments for a curvier frame, rather than just scaling up a straight-size pattern (a mistake so many brands still make, maddening as it is). The waist-to-hip ratio is better, the shoulder seams tend to sit correctly, and the range covers UK 16–24. For the price point, it's a solid option — just size up and check those measurements.

Best for: Occasion dresses, going-out pieces, jersey basics
Watch out for: Structured, non-stretch fabrics — always size up here
Tip: If you're between two sizes in Plus, always go bigger. The sizing runs small enough that it's not a gamble worth taking

Jeans Sizing Across All Boohoo Ranges

A quick note on jeans specifically, because denim is where Boohoo's sizing inconsistency is most noticeable. Denim has less give than jersey, which means the 'slightly small' tendency becomes more obvious. My standard advice: go up one size in Boohoo jeans regardless of the range, then use a belt if needed. The waistband on their jeans also tends to gape slightly if you have a more defined waist-to-hip ratio — this is especially true in the Main and Tall ranges. If that sounds familiar, look for styles with an elasticated waistband or a higher rise, both of which tend to sit better.

My Top Tips for Getting Boohoo Sizing Right

Always measure your bust, waist, and hips before ordering — not your dress size from another brand
Check the specific product measurements listed in the description, not just the size chart
On fitted or structured styles across any range, size up one
In the Plus range, size up regardless
Stretchy, jersey basics tend to be the most reliable for true-to-size ordering
Use Boohoo's free returns if you're between sizes — ordering two and sending one back is a perfectly valid strategy

Brands Worth Knowing as Alternatives

If Boohoo's inconsistency is wearing thin (and I understand if it is), here are some brands I'd genuinely point you towards depending on what you're looking for. Some have brilliant specialist ranges, and a couple you might not have come across before:

ASOS — Their own-label range is one of the best on the market for specialist sizing. The Petite, Tall, and Curve ranges are genuinely well proportioned, the measurements are listed clearly, and the size range is vast. Reliable, and the returns are simple.
New Look — Underrated for petite and curves. New Look's Petite range has improved enormously in recent years, and their Plus range tends to size more consistently than Boohoo's. Great price point too.
River Island — Particularly good for the Tall range. Their Tall trousers and jeans have a loyal following for a reason — the inseam is actually long enough, the fits are fashion-forward, and the quality feels a step above fast fashion.
Next — Brilliant for petite and plus sizing, especially if you want something a little more wearable-everyday than going-out. Their sizing is remarkably consistent and the returns policy is one of the best on the high street.
M&S — For the Plus and Petite ranges in particular, M&S is unbeatable for quality at the price. The Petite range is really well proportioned, and their jersey basics in Plus never disappoint on fit.
Phase Eight — If you want something a step up in quality — occasions, work, smart dressing — Phase Eight's curve-inclusive sizing is thoughtfully done and their dresses are cut beautifully for fuller busts and hips.
Mango — Worth a mention for the Tall range specifically. Mango's longer cuts suit taller women well even in the main range, and the aesthetic is considerably more elevated than Boohoo if you're after something more understated.
Boden — If you haven't tried Boden for petite sizing, please do. Their petite trousers and dresses are genuinely excellent — beautifully proportioned, thoughtfully designed, and built to last. More of an investment, but worth it.

And two independent labels I love recommending:

Lucy & Yak — Incredibly inclusive sizing (up to a 5XL), genuinely ethical production, and dungarees that have become a cult item for very good reason. The sizing is clear, consistent, and their customer community is brilliant for real-life size comparisons.
Joanie Clothing — Fantastic for petite women specifically. A vintage-inspired independent brand that actually designs with shorter proportions in mind, not as an afterthought. Their dresses are a particular highlight — lovely prints, great waist definition, and the length is always spot on.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

If Boohoo's sizing inconsistency has taught us anything, it's that your body measurements matter far more than a label. That's exactly why I use Tellar.co.uk — the UK's leading free sizing tool that matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly.

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