Tellar
Search

Does Forever 21 Run Big or Small? Sizing Guide, Fit Advice & Best Buys

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the UK's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library.

Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.

Forever 21 has built a global reputation for affordable fashion, bold trends, and extensive variety — particularly for women under 30. Whether you're buying jeans, crop tops, or bodycon dresses, it's one of the go-to brands for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a look that’s on point.

But if you’ve ever ordered from Forever 21 online, you’ve probably found yourself asking:

“Does Forever 21 run big or small?”

“Is it true to size or do I need to size up?”

“Why does the fit feel so inconsistent across different items?”

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Forever 21’s sizing, which pieces tend to run small, and how Tellar.co.uk can instantly find your perfect size in Forever 21 and 1,500+ other brands — all with a free measuring tape, quick setup, and one-time login.


Is Forever 21 True to Size?

Generally, Forever 21 runs small — especially in fitted and junior-sized ranges.

Here’s what’s important to understand:

  • Forever 21 uses “junior” sizing, not standard adult women's sizing

  • Many items are cut slim through the bust, waist, and hips

  • Garments are designed with a youth-focused silhouette in mind — tighter, shorter, and narrower

This means that even if you usually wear a UK 10, you may need a Medium or even a Large depending on the fabric and fit.

🎯 Tellar.co.uk takes your exact measurements and finds your real Forever 21 size instantly


Forever 21 Size Conversion Chart (UK vs. US)

Forever 21 uses US sizing, which converts like this:

US Size

UK Size

EU Size

0

4

32

2

6

34

4

8

36

6

10

38

8

12

40

10

14

42

However, their “Small, Medium, Large” system can cause confusion, especially across tops, skirts, and bodycon dresses.

That’s why Tellar.co.uk is a better way to shop — it matches your actual body shape (bust, waist, and hips) to Forever 21’s fit, so you get your size, not a guess.

👉 Click here to get your exact Forever 21 size now


How Forever 21 Clothes Fit By Category

Item Type

Fit Description

Tellar Tip

Crop Tops & Tees

Often tight and short

Size up unless petite

Jeans & Trousers

Runs small, low stretch

Use waist and hip measurement

Bodycon Dresses

Very fitted

Most users size up

Blazers & Coats

Better true to size

Check shoulder fit

Lingerie & Sleepwear

Can run large or small

Highly inconsistent – measure

Sweaters & Knitwear

Roomier, more forgiving

Often true to size

Forever 21 is notoriously inconsistent — and that’s exactly why Tellar.co.uk is the smart solution. It uses your exact body data to recommend the correct size by garment and fabric.

🎯 Avoid returns – get your size right with Tellar


Why Forever 21 Sizing Feels Inconsistent

Forever 21’s products are sourced globally and vary by:

  • Manufacturer

  • Fabric (stretch vs woven)

  • Collection (Contemporary vs Plus vs Basics)

  • Country of distribution (US vs UK)

What this means for you: your size might change depending on the item.

The same Medium might fit snug in one dress and roomy in another.

💡 Tellar.co.uk removes this guesswork.

Just enter your bust, waist, and hips once, and you’ll get:

  • Your Forever 21 size

  • Your size in 1,500+ other brands

  • A saved profile with one login for future use

  • A free tape measure sent to your door

👉 Click here to get started in seconds


Top Forever 21 Pieces to Buy

Despite its fast fashion model, Forever 21 has a few standout best-sellers and wardrobe wins:

1. High-Waisted Jeans

Available in skinny, mom, and boyfriend styles — they run snug, so check your waist/hip.

Tellar tip: Size up in denim if there’s no stretch.

2. Printed Midi Dresses

Perfect for summer, with floral, animal print, and boho vibes.

Often run small in bust — Tellar can confirm your best fit.

3. Layering Bodysuits

Essential basics that are great under jackets or sheer tops.

Measure torso length and bust for best results.

4. Cropped Knitwear

Trendy knits in bold colour blocks and modern cuts.

Usually true to size — check if it's cropped or oversized.

5. Two-Piece Sets

Forever 21 offers tons of mix-and-match sets that are ideal for festivals, holidays, and parties.

Top and bottom may need different sizes — Tellar helps with both.


How to Measure Yourself for Forever 21

To avoid any sizing mistakes, you need just three quick measurements:

  1. Bust – Around the fullest part of your chest

  2. Waist – The narrowest part of your torso

  3. Hips – Widest part of your lower half

🪡 Don’t have a tape? Tellar sends you one for free

Once entered, your measurements will automatically match you to Forever 21 and every other brand on Tellar.co.uk.


What About Forever 21 Plus Sizes?

Forever 21 also offers a dedicated Plus collection, typically available from 1X to 3X, equivalent to UK 18–26. These items tend to:

  • Be more forgiving in the waist and hip

  • Have more stretch in materials

  • Still run smaller than UK high street plus ranges

Tellar makes shopping Plus sizes easier by matching your individual proportions to Forever 21’s range.

🎯 Click here for a plus-size fit in Forever 21


Why Use Tellar.co.uk for Forever 21?

Forever 21 is fun, trend-led, and affordable — but sizing is a gamble.

Tellar.co.uk takes the risk out of shopping, with:

  • ✅ Personalised size matches for Forever 21

  • ✅ Accurate results for 1,500+ fashion brands

  • ✅ No cost — always 100% free

  • Free tape measure sent to you

  • ✅ One-time setup, stay logged in to check your size any time

  • ✅ Works for EU, UK, and US sizing conversions

🔗 Click here to start shopping smarter


Recap: Does Forever 21 Run Big or Small?

  • Forever 21 runs small, especially in bodycon styles and trousers

  • Uses US/junior sizing, which is narrower than UK cuts

  • Sizing is inconsistent across categories — you’ll need measurements

  • Best buys: jeans, dresses, bodysuits, knitwear, matching sets

  • Best strategy: Use Tellar.co.uk to find your size using real data


Final CTA: Get Your Perfect Forever 21 Size in Seconds

No more sizing confusion.

No more ordering two sizes and returning both.

No more disappointment.

Tellar.co.uk tells you your Forever 21 size instantly

Free to use

Free measuring tape

Quick login + saved profile

✅ Trusted by UK shoppers across 1,500+ brands

🔗 Click here to create your profile now


Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Brand Fit Guides

Stay updated with new brand breakdowns, fit tips, and size help: