Does Banana Republic Run Big? The Ultimate Sizing Guide

Banana Republic runs true to size overall, but with significant variations across garment types—dresses and knitwear tend to run large, whilst tailored trousers often run small, particularly at the waist. After styling hundreds of clients and analysing countless fit issues, I can tell you that BR's sizing inconsistency is one of the most frustrating aspects of shopping this beloved American brand. The confusion stems from their US sizing system, varied fabric choices, and different fits across categories, making it essential to understand what you're buying before you commit.

The Truth About Banana Republic Sizing

Having worked with clients for over a decade, I've seen more Banana Republic sizing disasters than I care to count. The brand's approach to fit varies dramatically depending on whether you're shopping their tailored workwear, casual weekend pieces, or evening wear. What makes it particularly tricky is that they use US sizing, which immediately throws off British shoppers who expect a US 8 to equal a UK 8—when actually, it's closer to a UK 12.

The quality is undeniably excellent, with beautifully constructed pieces that last for years. However, their inconsistent sizing means you need to be strategic about your approach.

What Makes BR Sizing So Tricky?

Three main factors contribute to the sizing confusion:

Fabric Behaviour: Silk and modal pieces drape generously and feel loose, whilst structured cotton and wool blends fit closer to size. This means a silk dress in size 8 might feel completely different from a cotton blazer in the same size.

Construction Style: Their 'eased tailoring' philosophy means many pieces are designed with extra room for movement, which can translate to a looser fit than you'd expect from British brands.

US vs UK Expectations: American sizing traditionally allows for more ease than UK sizing, so even their 'true to size' pieces can feel generous by British standards.

How Different Items Actually Fit

Dresses and Knitwear

These consistently run large, especially wrap styles and anything with drape. I usually advise sizing down, particularly if you prefer a fitted silhouette. Their sweaters are beautifully made but expect a relaxed, comfortable fit rather than anything body-conscious.

Tailored Trousers and Structured Bottoms

This is where most sizing complaints originate. BR's tailored trousers often run small at the waist, requiring sizing up for comfort. The thigh and hip measurements tend to be more accurate, but that tight waist can be deal-breaking.

Shirts and Blouses

Generally true to size, though they're designed with broader shoulders in mind—excellent if you're broad-shouldered, potentially too roomy if you're petite through the shoulders.

My Stylist's Guide to BR Sizing Success

Always check your actual bust, waist, and hip measurements against their size chart rather than going by your usual size. For tailored pieces, consider ordering two sizes—your usual and one size up—especially for trousers. Pay attention to fabric content; anything with less than 2% elastane will have minimal stretch.

If you're shopping their petite or tall ranges, remember that only the proportions change—the overall fit remains the same, so sizing recommendations still apply.

Best Alternatives by Budget

High Street Heroes

COS - Minimalist aesthetic similar to BR but with more consistent European sizing and excellent quality basics.

Reiss - Professional workwear with reliable sizing and similar price point, particularly strong on tailoring.

Whistles - Contemporary pieces with consistent UK sizing, perfect for the BR customer who wants British reliability.

Jigsaw - Sophisticated casual wear with excellent fit consistency and beautiful fabrics.

ASOS - Offers multiple brands including BR alternatives, with detailed size guides and easy returns.

Ted Baker - British tailoring with quirky details, reliable sizing, and similar aesthetic to BR's more playful pieces.

Anthropologie - Eclectic pieces with detailed sizing information and similar price point to BR's premium range.

Premium Picks

For a step up in quality, consider Massimo Dutti for impeccable tailoring, or Me&Em for contemporary British design with consistent sizing. LK Bennett offers professional pieces with reliable fit.

Luxury Investment

Max Mara provides superior tailoring with Italian precision sizing, whilst Hugo Boss delivers German engineering applied to workwear fit.

Independent Discoveries

Ninety Percent - This sustainable London-based brand creates premium basics with impeccable fit consistency. Their ethical credentials are outstanding, and every piece I've tried has been perfectly sized. The quality rivals luxury brands at mid-market prices.

Albaray - Founded by former Warehouse executives, this British brand focuses on responsibly sourced fabrics and reliable sizing. Their tailored separates and knitted dresses offer the sophistication of BR with British fit sensibilities.

Why Guesswork Doesn't Work: Enter tellar.co.uk

After years of helping clients navigate sizing inconsistencies across brands, I discovered tellar.co.uk - and it's revolutionised how I approach online shopping. This free UK sizing tool matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly, eliminating the guesswork entirely.

How Tellar Works

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your existing brand size from a piece that fits perfectly.

Use their Store Size Lookup tool at tellar.co.uk to get your precise size in any brand—whether that's Banana Republic, COS, Reiss, or any of the 1,500+ brands they cover.

Always free, no downloads needed—it works directly in your browser, making it perfect for those last-minute shopping decisions.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a Fashion Hub library packed with free posts from top stylists. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free—covering style advice, top picks, and best brands without the usual commercial bias.

Essential Reading

• tellar.co.uk - Stay ahead of the denim game
• tellar.co.uk - Master outerwear sizing

The Bottom Line

Banana Republic's inconsistent sizing shouldn't put you off their beautiful pieces, but it does require a more strategic approach. Use actual measurements rather than size labels, expect dresses to run large and trousers to run small, and don't be afraid to order multiple sizes when investing in key pieces.

Most importantly, use tools like tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out of sizing entirely. Why spend time returning ill-fitting pieces when you can get it right first time? Your wardrobe—and your sanity—will thank you.