Brakeburn Sizing: Does It Run True to Size?

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

Yes, Brakeburn generally runs true to size — but there are a few nuances worth knowing before you click "add to bag," especially when it comes to their outerwear and knitwear. As a brand built around relaxed, coastal living, the fit philosophy is deliberately easy and roomy, which is brilliant most of the time — but can occasionally catch you off guard if you're expecting something more tailored.

I discovered Brakeburn a few years ago on a trip to Dorset (the brand's heartland, fittingly enough) and instantly fell for their hand-drawn print floral tops and practical-but-pretty waterproof jackets. First purchase? A size 12 linen shirt. It fitted perfectly — but the washed cotton jacket I grabbed in the same size was noticeably bigger. That early lesson has shaped how I shop the brand ever since.

Who Is Brakeburn?

If you haven't come across Brakeburn yet, they're a British lifestyle brand — think countryside walks, coastal picnics, and weekends that involve both wellies and a nice pub lunch. Their women's range spans everything from printed jersey dresses and soft knitwear to waterproof jackets and durable trousers. The aesthetic is wholesome and unfussy, with quality that punches above the price point. It's the kind of brand your wardrobe quietly loves to have in rotation.

They size from UK 6 through to UK 20, which is decent coverage, and use a fairly standard set of UK measurements across their size chart.

How Does Brakeburn Sizing Work?

Brakeburn's sizing is built around a relaxed fit ethos — this isn't a brand chasing a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. Their pieces are designed with ease of movement in mind, which means there's generous room built in across the chest, waist and hip. Here's how it plays out across different garment types:

Tops, shirts & blouses: Generally true to size, with a relaxed, unfussy cut. If you're between sizes, go down — the extra room is already baked in.
Knitwear & sweatshirts: Can run a touch large, particularly in the shoulder and body. If you like a more fitted look, size down. If you love an oversized feel, stay in your usual size.
Dresses: Mostly true to size. Jersey styles are forgiving, but if you're curvier through the hip, check the hip measurement on their size chart rather than relying solely on your usual dress size.
Trousers & skirts: These fit quite true to size and are probably the most predictable pieces in the range. A consistent UK 12 will generally be a consistent UK 12.
Jackets & waterproofs: This is where Brakeburn can skew noticeably generous. The practical outerwear is designed to layer over knitwear, so the fit is deliberately spacious. Sizing down one size is often worth considering if you prefer a neater silhouette.

What Real Customers Say

The general verdict online — including Mumsnet discussions and customer reviews — is that Brakeburn is "usually true to size," with the main exception being outerwear and some of the heavier knitwear pieces. Most customers report that sticking to their usual UK size works well for the softer, jersey-based pieces, while the more structured or technical items may need a size adjustment. It's also worth noting that this is very much a functional, everyday-wear brand — not one engineered for a precise fit — so if snug or sculpted is your preference, it can occasionally feel roomy.

My Honest Stylist Verdict

I'd describe Brakeburn sizing as relaxed true to size. You won't need to size up, and in fact for some categories (especially knitwear and jackets), sizing down gives a more flattering result. Their jersey dresses are a particular win — I've recommended them endlessly to clients who want something comfortable but actually looks put-together. The printed midi styles especially are brilliant for anyone who finds dress sizing tricky, because the breezy construction is very forgiving.

My advice: always check the hip measurement if you're buying trousers or a more fitted dress, and go one size down if you're buying a jacket and prefer it to sit close rather than boxy. The brand's official size chart is clear and worth two minutes of your time — especially for the outerwear.

Great Alternatives If Brakeburn Isn't Quite Right for You

Brakeburn sits in a lovely niche, but it's not the only game in town for relaxed, easy-wear British fashion. Here are some brilliant alternatives across different price points:

Fat Face – Another coastal-lifestyle stalwart with similar relaxed, print-led pieces. Sizing is very comparable to Brakeburn and they go up to a size 20 in most styles.
Joules – Bright, countryside-inspired prints with a slightly more structured cut. Runs true to size and has a strong range for petite and tall too.
White Stuff – Slightly quirkier styling with great quality jersey fabrics. Tends to run true to size and their dresses are particularly good for curvier figures.
Boden – Brilliant for printed jersey dresses and easy separates. Sizing is true and their fit guides are genuinely excellent — one of the best on the high street.
Seasalt Cornwall – The nearest stylistic rival to Brakeburn. Coastal, practical, prints aplenty. Also runs true to size, with great inclusive sizing.
Barbour – If it's the outerwear you're drawn to, Barbour's waxed jackets and quilted gilets are hard to beat. Worth noting these tend to run slightly slim, so size up there.
Hush – For a more grown-up, understated version of the relaxed lifestyle aesthetic. Sizing is true and the quality of their knitwear and jersey is exceptional.
Crew Clothing – Easy, classic styling with a British accent. Good size range and very consistent sizing across their collection.

For something a little more left-field, I'd also look at Thought Clothing — a sustainable British brand with gorgeous botanical prints and a relaxed, Brakeburn-adjacent vibe that's worth exploring. And for coastal-inspired knitwear with real character, Peregrine (a heritage British wool brand from Somerset) is a lovely independent discovery.

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