Does Bonmarché Run Big or Small? A Stylist's Honest Sizing Guide

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

Bonmarché runs true to standard UK sizing across most of its ranges — but with a well-known tendency to cut bottoms (trousers especially) on the roomy side. If you're a consistent UK 14, you'll likely land in a 14 across most of their tops and dresses. Trousers, though? More than a few women I've spoken to — and the customer reviews back this up — find themselves reaching for a size smaller than usual. It's the kind of nuance that matters, especially when you're shopping online.

I'll be honest — Bonmarché isn't a brand I'd have given much thought to a few years ago. It sat firmly in the "not for me" category in my head. But I've come around. When a client in her mid-50s showed up to a consultation wearing the most beautifully fitting pair of straight-leg trousers I'd seen all month, I asked where they were from. You guessed it. The quality-to-price ratio is genuinely hard to argue with, and their understanding of real women's proportions is better than many brands charging three times as much.

The Basics: What Size Range Does Bonmarché Cover?

Bonmarché runs from UK 10 to UK 28, with some lines extending up to a 32. It's one of the few value retailers on the high street that genuinely takes inclusive sizing seriously — not just tacking on a couple of larger sizes as an afterthought, but actually designing for a range of proportions. Their shorter leg length options (some trousers go down to 25 inches) are a genuine lifesaver if you're petite.

So — Does It Run Big or Small?

This depends very much on the garment type, so let me break it down properly:

Tops, blouses & knitwear: Generally true to size. Soft jersey and viscose pieces in particular tend to have a slightly generous cut — comfortable but not oversized. Most women find their usual size works perfectly.
Dresses: Again, largely true to size. The stretch fabrics are forgiving and designed to flatter curves, so they sit well across a range of body shapes. If you're between sizes, your usual size should be fine.
Trousers: These are where sizing gets interesting. Multiple reviews flag the upper leg and waist as running roomy — one reviewer noted she could have easily gone a size down. If you're on the slimmer side of your usual size, I'd suggest trying a size down, especially in non-elasticated styles.
Structured jackets & coats: These run on the snugger side, particularly if you carry more volume across the bust. If you're between sizes or are fuller busted, going up a size is the safer call.
Denim: If the style has stretch built in (and most Bonmarché denim does), you can size down if you prefer a closer fit.

The Fabric Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think

One thing I always tell clients — the fabric in your label tells you as much as the number. Bonmarché relies heavily on viscose blends, jersey knits and soft cotton mixes, and all of these naturally offer more give than woven fabrics. Their signature use of elasticated waistbands across a lot of their trousers and skirts makes them significantly more forgiving than traditional high-street tailoring. It's one of the things they actually do really well.

Where I've seen issues is with structured outerwear. A boxy woven coat or a tailored jacket doesn't forgive in the same way — so if the shoulders fit, don't assume the bust will too. Always check the garment's fabric content before deciding whether to size up or down.

My Tips for Getting Your Best Fit at Bonmarché

For trousers, try a size down from your usual if you tend towards the smaller end of a size — the cut is consistently generous through the waist and upper leg.
For jackets, go up a size if you're full-busted. The structured styles don't have much ease built in.
For dresses and tops, stick to your usual size — the stretch and cut will do the work for you.
Check the leg length options — Bonmarché offers multiple lengths in many trouser styles, which is genuinely rare at this price point.
If you're shopping online for the first time, start with jersey or stretch pieces where the risk is lower, and save the structured items for when you know how their sizing works for your shape.

Who Is Bonmarché Best For?

Bonmarché is built for women who want real-world wearability at honest prices. If you're size 16–24 and find the mainstream high street frustrating — either because the cut isn't right or the sizing doesn't go far enough — Bonmarché is worth a proper look. Their focus on soft fabrics, elasticated waists and curve-friendly cuts makes them a reliable go-to, particularly for everyday wardrobe staples.

How Does Bonmarché Compare to Similar Brands?

If you're building a wardrobe at this price point or looking for alternatives with slightly different fits, here are some brands worth knowing about:

M&S – Comparable sizing philosophy to Bonmarché, similarly true to size across tops and dresses. Slightly more tailored in cut overall, which suits those who prefer a closer fit.
Next – A solid mid-market alternative with good size range. Their jersey basics sit similarly to Bonmarché but with a broader trend offer.
Seasalt Cornwall – Brilliant for relaxed, easy-wearing pieces. Sizing is generous and the fabrics are high quality. Slightly more premium in price but worth it for longevity.
Fat Face – Great for casual everyday pieces with a similar relaxed cut philosophy. Slightly fuller through the body which works well for larger bust sizes.
Joules – Consistently well-reviewed for fit. Slightly more structured than Bonmarché in their outerwear but with a similarly generous cut through the body on casual styles.
White Stuff – Excellent for soft, floaty dresses and tops with a more artisanal feel. Sizing runs slightly smaller, so if Bonmarché is your reference point, size up at White Stuff.
Lands' End – A brilliant option if you're after classic, well-cut basics in a wide size range. Their petite and plus-size ranges are particularly good.
Monsoon – For more occasion-wear or printed dresses, Monsoon is a lovely step up. Sizing is close to standard UK, slightly generous in their floatier styles.
Hush – For soft, relaxed loungewear-adjacent pieces that feel a bit more elevated. The jersey basics sit very similarly to Bonmarché in terms of ease, just at a higher price point.

And two independent brands I love recommending to clients who've found their footing with Bonmarché and want something a little different:

Kettlewell Colours – A UK independent specialising in colour-matched wardrobe pieces in a brilliant size range. The fabric quality is lovely and the sizing is consistent — highly recommended if you're into building a co-ordinated wardrobe.
Pure Collection – A smaller British brand with a genuine focus on quality knitwear and classic pieces in a wide size range. If you love Bonmarché's softer fabrics, Pure Collection is a great next step up.

Never Guess Your Size at Bonmarché Again

Bonmarché's sizing is generally reliable — but no two bodies are the same, and a generous cut in trousers or a snug jacket won't always be obvious from a size label alone. That's exactly what Tellar is built for.

Tellar is the UK's leading free clothing size tool. You measure once — bust, waist, hips — and Tellar instantly matches your exact body to the right size across 1,500+ brands, including Bonmarché. No more size guide tables. No more returns because the jacket was too tight across the bust.

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And if you're after style inspiration beyond sizing, the Tellar Fashion Hub has thousands of honest, unbiased, unsponsored posts from our in-house stylists — covering everything from brand deep-dives to body-shape guides and the best buys on the high street right now.

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