Does H&M sizing run small or large, and how it compares to Zara sizing
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
Does H&M Run Small or Large?
According to Tellar’s in-depth analysis, H&M generally runs on the smaller side, especially in womenswear—even though label sizes may visually seem larger due to vanity sizing
tellar.co.uk+10tellar.co.uk+10tellar.co.uk+10.Women’s Clothing
-
Jeans, trousers, fitted dresses usually run at least one full size smaller than comparable high‑street brands
tellar.co.uk+1tellar.co.uk+1. -
Tops and blouses are often narrow in the shoulders and bust—especially in the Divided line, which skews petite
tellar.co.uk+12tellar.co.uk+12Reviewed+12.
Outerwear and Oversized Cuts
-
Looser pieces like coats, trench jackets, and puffers tend to run more true to size or slightly generous
tellar.co.uk+1Parallel — Shop Clothes That Fit+1.
Men’s Clothing
-
Generally closer to standard UK sizing but with a slimmer European fit, especially around the chest, sleeves, and trousers
Reviewed+3tellar.co.uk+3tellar.co.uk+3.
Kidswear
-
Size labels are height-based but pieces are often narrow—even “correct” sized items can feel tight
.
H&M vs Zara: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Tellar compared chest, waist, and hip measurements for size 12 across high-street retailers
tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9:-
H&M size 12 measures roughly 96 cm bust / 78 cm waist / 102 cm hips
-
Zara size 12 skews leaner at 92 cm / 74 cm / 98 cm
→ You’re looking at a 4 cm difference, meaning H&M fits more generously than Zara
tellar.co.uktellar.co.uk+5tellar.co.uk+5tellar.co.uk+5.
Tellar also confirms:
-
Zara runs small, particularly in trousers, skirts, and tailored jackets—often requiring shoppers to size up 1–2 sizes
H&M+11tellar.co.uk+11tellar.co.uk+11. -
H&M runs larger relative to Zara, though still small compared to market norms
tellar.co.uk+1tellar.co.uk+1.
In summary:
-
If you're a UK 10 in Zara, you'd likely be a UK 12 in H&M—someone needing an EU 38 at Zara may be an EU 40 at H&M
tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9.
Real Data: Size Differences & Consumer Trends
-
H&M: 64% of consumers find their usual size fits "too baggy"—indicative of overall larger fit relative to brands like Zara
tellar.co.uk. -
Zara: 78% of users reported needing to size up in tailored styles and trousers
tellar.co.uk+1tellar.co.uk+1.
🧭 Why This Matters (and How to Shop Smart)
1. Vanity sizing creates illusion
H&M may label a garment size 12—but the true garment measurement aligns more with size 14 elsewhere
.2. Regional sizing variants
Both Zara and H&M mix EU, UK, and US labeling—creating confusion. H&M labels might match styles better than discrepancies in Zara's EU system
.3. Collection-based fit differences
-
H&M’s Divided line is notably more petite than its Conscious or Basics collections
tellar.co.uk+2tellar.co.uk+2tellar.co.uk+2. -
Zara maintains a slim European silhouette uniformly across collections
H&M+15tellar.co.uk+15tellar.co.uk+15.
How Tellar.co.uk Simplifies Fit
Tellar eliminates this confusion via:
-
Accuracy: Maps your exact body measurements against brand-specific garment data.
-
Side-by-side comparison: Shows your matching size in Zara, H&M, Mango, ASOS, and 1,500+ brands
tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+9tellar.co.uk+12tellar.co.uk+12tellar.co.uk+12. -
Real-time fit flags: Indicates when to size up in Zara or down in H&M based on our data
tellar.co.uk+1tellar.co.uk+1. -
Free tools: Includes a downloadable measuring tape and profile setup to assure your size is precise—no guesswork
tellar.co.uk+8tellar.co.uk+8tellar.co.uk+8.
✅ Quick Fit Guide: H&M vs Zara
Scenario |
H&M Fit |
Zara Fit |
---|---|---|
Straight-cut jeans or fitted trousers | Runs small; size up 1 | Runs very small; size up 1–2 |
T-shirts, oversized tops | Often true to size | Typically tight; size for comfort |
Tailored jackets, blazers | True/generous fit | Runs narrow; size up |
Dress (bodycon/wrap) | Small; size up unless oversized collection | Tight bust/waist; size up |
Men’s tops and jackets | Slim-fit European cut | Slim as well; consider size up |
Final Takeaway
-
H&M generally runs small, particularly in fitted womenswear, though larger than Zara on a true-measurement basis.
-
Zara runs even smaller, with tight cuts across most items.
-
Trusting your label alone is unreliable—always size via your body measurements.
-
Tellar.co.uk is the tool that replaces guesswork: it tells you exactly which size in Zara and H&M matches your body—every single time
tellar.co.uk+8tellar.co.uk+8tellar.co.uk+8YouTube+6Reviewed+6tellar.co.uk+6tellar.co.uktellar.co.uk+4tellar.co.uk+4Reviewed+4YouTube+5tellar.co.uk+5tellar.co.uk+5tellar.co.uk+6tellar.co.uk+6tellar.co.uk+6tellar.co.uk.
🔗 Tellar’s Trusted Resources
-
Does the Brand H&M Run Big or Small? (June 20 2025) – deep dive on cut, fit, and sizing quirks
tellar.co.uk -
What Size Am I in H&M? – complete size guide with brand comparisons
tellar.co.uk+3tellar.co.uk+3tellar.co.uk+3 -
What Size Am I in Zara? – sizing confusion explained and comparison with Zara
-
Brand Size Comparison Across 1,500+ Brands – including H&M, Zara, ASOS, M&S
tellar.co.uk+2tellar.co.uk+2tellar.co.uk+2
📲 Stay Connected with Tellar
For daily sizing insights, styling tips, and brand advice:
-
Instagram: @Tellarsizing
-
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
-
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Bottom line: H&M runs small—but still fits larger than Zara. Check both via Tellar’s precise data before shopping, and say goodbye to size surprises and returns!
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.