Calle Del Mar Sizing: How Those Slinky LA Knits Really Fit (And What to Order)

Calle Del Mar fits true to size, but every piece is cut deliberately slim and close to the body — so if you’re busty, broad across the shoulders, or you simply like a little breathing room, take the next size up. The label works in alpha sizing (XS–XL), and its signature ribbed viscose knits have a good amount of natural give. That stretch is precisely why so many people dither between two sizes at the checkout, and it’s the single thing I want to clear up for you here.

First, a word on the fabric (because it changes everything)

Calle Del Mar is a Los Angeles knitwear house, founded by Aza Ziegler and named after the street she grew up on with an ocean view. Almost everything is knitted from a slinky viscose yarn — often with a touch of Lycra — which means it drapes, clings and moulds to your shape rather than sitting away from it like a chunky wool jumper would.

The thing to remember: these knits look tiny on the hanger. I learned this the hard way years ago with a similar ribbed viscose top — held it up, decided it must be a child’s size, and very nearly returned it before trying it on. On the body it stretched to a perfect second-skin fit. Don’t panic at the flat measurement; the give is built in.

How each piece actually fits

The fit genuinely varies by style, so here’s my stylist’s shorthand:

Ribbed cardigans & cami tops — the famous “first-date top”. Slim, slinky, figure-skimming. True to size for most, but a larger bust should go up one for comfortable buttons that won’t gape.
Tube & bandeau tops — designed for a close, clingy, supportive fit (think vintage swimwear). True to size, but again, size up if you’re fuller-busted so it sculpts rather than squashes.
Ribbed flared trousers — high-rise and true to size, but they run slightly long in the leg. Brilliant if you’re tall or wear heels; shorter frames may need a tailor or a turn-up.
Zip-up & varsity-style knits — the more structured pieces. These can feel snug across the shoulders and armholes if you go too small, so don’t size down to feel “sleek”.
Cashmere & relaxed styles (the line launched in late 2024) — far more forgiving. Stick to your usual size, or even size down if you want a neater line.

My honest sizing verdict

If you’re an even, athletic or petite shape, order your normal size and trust it. If you carry more on your bust or shoulders, or you want anything other than a poured-in look, go up one. The fabric will spring back into shape, so a roomier choice never looks baggy — it just reads as relaxed rather than racy. My genuine win with this brand was a long-sleeve ribbed cardigan in my true size worn slightly undone over high-waisted denim; it’s the piece I get asked about most, and it cost less than the dry-cleaning bills on half my “investment” coats.

Where to shop a similar look on the high street

Calle Del Mar sits in that elevated-coastal-minimal lane, and plenty of high street names do the slinky-ribbed-knit thing beautifully for a fraction of the price. My picks, chosen for this exact look:

COS — the closest match for sculptural, pared-back ribbed knits and clean Scandinavian lines. Start here.
Mango — consistently nails the slinky knit tube top and ribbed co-ord for very little money; great for trying the trend.
Whistles — refined, grown-up knitwear with a slim cut and a quiet, considered palette.
Mint Velvet — soft, relaxed-luxe knits in those exact ’70s California neutrals; lovely drape.
Massimo Dutti — quality fine-gauge knitwear with a Mediterranean, body-skimming cut that feels far more expensive than it is.
Me&Em — clever, body-conscious knits engineered to flatter; their fit obsession rivals Calle’s own.
Zara — the fastest route to a trend-led ribbed set, just check the seams before you commit.
Jigsaw — understated, well-made knits for anyone who wants the look without the cling.

Premium & luxury alternatives

Reiss — (premium) polished, modern knitwear that bridges the high street and designer worlds with a sharp, slim fit.
Max Mara — (luxury) the gold standard for investment knits; buttery yarns and a fit that lasts a decade.

Two independent labels worth knowing

For something genuinely off the beaten track, both of these share Calle’s craft-led, slow-knit spirit:

Paloma Wool — the cult Barcelona studio making artful, slinky knits and tops with a playful, gallery-ish edge. Very much the same elevated-coastal mood.
&Daughter — an independent British-Irish label producing beautiful fine knitwear made in the British Isles, with real heritage and a quietly luxurious hand.

Stop guessing your size — let Tellar do it

Here’s the bit that saves you the returns faff. Tellar is the UK’s leading sizing tool — it matches your body to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you never squint at a size guide again. And there’s a Fashion Hub library of free posts covering every fashion query, always honest, always unbiased, always free.

Measure once, using bust, waist, hip, or simply a brand size you already own and trust.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads needed — it works straight in your browser.

So instead of agonising over a Small or a Medium — or worrying a structured zip knit won’t stretch enough — Tellar gives you a data-driven, body-based recommendation in seconds. Pick a brand you already know fits you well (Reformation, COS, Ganni…) and Tellar translates it straight into your Calle Del Mar size.

Find your exact Calle Del Mar size in seconds

Match your body to 1,500+ brands with Tellar — free, instant, and honest. Never read a size guide again.

Visit Tellar → Use the Store Size Lookup →

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub

A library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free — style advice, top picks and the best brands: