Boohoo Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small, Big, or True to Size?

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

Boohoo generally runs true to size, or ever so slightly generous — which is honestly great news for online shopping. That said, sizing can vary depending on which range you're shopping and what fabric you're dealing with. Here's the honest breakdown, range by range, so you don't end up doing the dreaded return-and-reorder dance.

I've spent more time than I care to admit scrolling Boohoo at midnight, adding things to basket that I absolutely do not need. It's one of those sites. The prices are wild, the trends are fast, and the sizing — once you crack the code — is actually pretty reliable. Let me save you the trial and error.

Boohoo Standard Range: Stick to Your Size

For the main Boohoo line, covering sizes 4 to 26, the general rule is simple: go with your usual UK size. Around 70% of shoppers find their regular size works exactly as expected, and if anything, pieces tend to have a little extra room rather than pulling tight. Consistency is one of Boohoo's genuine strengths — once you've nailed your size in one item, you can usually trust it across the board.

Where it gets trickier is fabric. This is the bit most people overlook:

Jersey and stretch fabrics: Go true to size, they're forgiving and comfortable.
Woven fabrics, chiffon, or poplin: These have zero stretch, so consider sizing up — especially on the bust and hips.
Oversized styles: Boohoo actually delivers on the "oversized" label, so don't be tempted to go up a size thinking it'll add more volume. Your normal size will give you the intended look.

Boohoo Petite: Designed for 5'3" and Under

The Petite range is proportioned for women at or under 5'3" (160cm), and it's genuinely well thought-out. We're talking shorter hems, reduced rise on trousers, and adjusted sleeve lengths — not just a standard item with the hem chopped off, which is the lazy approach some brands take.

Sizing in the Petite line follows the same rules as the main range, so stick to your usual size. If you're petite and curvy through the hips, it's worth checking the size guide against your hip measurement, as the Petite cut can occasionally be a little narrow through that area on structured styles.

Boohoo Tall: For Women 5'7" and Over

The Tall range is where Boohoo genuinely earns points — longer inseams, extended torsos on bodysuits and dresses, and longer sleeves that actually reach your wrists. If you're tall and have historically had to wear midi dresses as minis and maxi dresses as midis (I see you), this range sorts that out.

Again, go true to size. The adjustments are all about proportions, not the width of the fit. If you're between sizes in the Tall range, err towards your smaller size, as the extra length already adds visual volume.

Boohoo Plus & Curve: Sizes 16–24

This is the range that has the most nuance, and it's worth taking a minute. Boohoo's Plus range runs from sizes 16 to 24 and does a genuinely good job of offering the same trend-led styles rather than hiding curvier bodies in shapeless cuts. However — and this is important — the Plus range can run slightly small compared to standard sizing.

A size 22 in the Plus range has been reported to fit more like a 20 in other brands. So if you're ordering structured or non-stretch styles in the Plus range, sizing up isn't a bad call. For stretchy jersey pieces, you're generally fine at your usual size. Always, always check the measurements listed against the specific item rather than relying on the number alone.

Boohoo Maternity

The Maternity range is sized to your pre-pregnancy size and is cut with additional room through the bump area. The fit is generally reliable — order your normal pre-pregnancy size and you should be fine throughout the majority of your pregnancy. For the later stages, jersey and ruched fabrics will give you far more longevity than anything structured.

My Honest Verdict on Boohoo Sizing

Look, Boohoo isn't going to be for everyone, and I wouldn't pretend otherwise. Quality is what you'd expect at the price point — some pieces are brilliant, some feel a bit thin on fabric. But for trend-chasing, party dressing, or filling out your holiday wardrobe without spending a fortune, it delivers. And crucially, the sizing is more consistent than many brands in this space. Once you know your size, you can shop with confidence.

The fabric rule is the big one to take away: stretch = forgiving, woven = measure first. Do that, and you'll dramatically cut your returns rate.

Shopping a Similar Vibe? Brands Worth Knowing

If you love Boohoo's approach but want to mix in some other labels — whether for better quality, different sizing, or a change of style — here's where I'd point you:

ASOS – Similarly vast in range, with its own Petite, Tall, Curve and Maternity lines. Sizing can be more variable across its marketplace brands, but ASOS Design itself is fairly consistent.
River Island – Trend-led but with noticeably better fabric quality than Boohoo at a slightly higher price. Runs true to size and has a solid Petite range.
New Look – Boohoo's closest high street rival in terms of price and style speed. Slightly more generous sizing; great for curvier figures. Petite and Tall ranges are well established.
Topshop – Now online-only via ASOS. Known for more structured tailoring, runs slightly small, especially through the waist.
H&M – Good quality basics and occasional trend wins. Sizing can be inconsistent across categories — jersey runs true, denim runs small.
Mango – A step up in finish. Runs slightly smaller than UK sizing, particularly through the shoulders and bust. Size up if in doubt.
Urban Outfitters – Great for relaxed, oversized pieces. Sizing is generous — go true to size or even down if you don't want the full slouch.
Warehouse – Mid-market, well-cut occasionwear and everyday pieces. True to size and consistent. A solid step up from Boohoo for more polished events.
Zara – The perennial comparison point. Runs smaller, especially through the hips and thighs. The quality and styling are a notch above Boohoo, but so is the price.
Next – Underrated for fit, especially if you're between sizes. Great Petite and Tall ranges with more conservative proportions.

For two brands that fly slightly under the radar but are absolutely worth a look:

Oh Polly – An independent online brand that does brilliant going-out dresses and co-ords. Sizing is consistent but fitted — go true to size and expect a close cut. Quality is noticeably above Boohoo's price bracket.
Lucy & Yak – At the opposite end of the style spectrum, but genuinely brilliant for relaxed, comfortable, colourful everyday dressing. An independent brand with inclusive sizing, and the fit is generous and designed with real body diversity in mind.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

Boohoo sizing is one thing, but what about the 1,500+ other brands you're also shopping? That's exactly what Tellar.co.uk is built for.

Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool — measure once, and get your exact size matched across over 1,500 brands instantly. No guessing, no returns, no stress.

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Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of free, honest, stylist-written posts covering everything from brand sizing to trend guides. No ads. No sponsors. Just straight-talking fashion advice.

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