Does Jigsaw Run Big? The Complete Sizing Guide You Actually Need

Yes, Jigsaw does tend to run slightly large, particularly in their signature knitwear and relaxed-fit pieces, making it one of those brands where sizing down often works brilliantly. As someone who's styled countless clients in Jigsaw over the years, I've learned exactly where this British brand's sizing quirks lie - and trust me, once you crack their code, you'll be shopping their gorgeous pieces with complete confidence.

My Professional Take on Jigsaw's Sizing Reality

After years of working with Jigsaw pieces, I can tell you that their sizing philosophy seems to embrace that effortlessly chic, slightly oversized aesthetic they're famous for. This isn't accidental - it's very much part of their design DNA. However, this can catch you off guard if you're expecting standard high street sizing.

I've found that approximately 70% of my clients size down in Jigsaw knitwear, whilst their tailoring tends to be spot-on for true-to-size fitting. The key is understanding which category each piece falls into before you shop.

The Jigsaw Sizing Breakdown: What Runs Large vs True-to-Size

Definitely Size Down:

Cashmere jumpers and cardigans - these are notoriously generous
Jersey dresses - especially their midi and maxi styles
Relaxed blazers - their unstructured styles run large
Oversized coats - the clue's in the name, but they're genuinely oversized

True to Size:

Tailored trousers - these fit as expected
Structured blazers - their formal pieces are more fitted
Silk blouses - generally accurate sizing
Jeans - though check the specific cut description

How Jigsaw Compares to Other British Brands

Understanding Jigsaw's sizing becomes easier when you compare it to similar brands. If you're a size 12 in COS (known for their precise, minimalist sizing), you'll likely be a 10 in Jigsaw knitwear. Whistles runs quite true to size, so if you're comfortable there, expect Jigsaw to feel roomier. Reiss tends to run small in their tailoring, making Jigsaw feel positively spacious by comparison.

I often tell clients that Mango's sizing is quite similar to Jigsaw's approach - both brands favour that relaxed, European aesthetic. Zara, on the other hand, runs much smaller, so don't use that as your Jigsaw reference point. M&S sizing tends to be generous too, but in a different way - more accommodating rather than stylishly oversized.

My Styling Tips for Shopping Jigsaw Successfully

Here's what I tell all my clients: always read the product descriptions carefully. Jigsaw is actually quite good at indicating when something is meant to be "relaxed fit" or "oversized". When in doubt, check the model's measurements and what size she's wearing - this intel is gold.

For online shopping, I recommend ordering two sizes if you're unsure, particularly for knitwear. Their returns policy is excellent, and it's worth getting the fit absolutely right with pieces at this price point.

Alternative Brands with Similar Aesthetic but Different Sizing

If you love Jigsaw's style but want more predictable sizing, consider French Connection for similar contemporary pieces that run true to size, or Ted Baker for elevated basics with consistent sizing. For independent alternatives, Kotn offers beautiful elevated basics with reliable sizing, whilst Everlane provides that same minimalist aesthetic with American sizing consistency.

Don't overlook The White Company for similar relaxed luxury - their sizing tends to be more consistent across categories. Boden offers comparable quality with British sizing that's generally true to fit, whilst Hobbs provides professional pieces with more structured, predictable sizing.

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The Bottom Line

Jigsaw's generous sizing isn't a flaw - it's a feature. Once you understand that their aesthetic leans toward relaxed sophistication, you can shop confidently. My golden rule: when in doubt with Jigsaw knitwear and casualwear, size down. For their tailored pieces, stick to your usual size. And remember, a perfectly fitting Jigsaw piece is absolutely worth the effort - their quality and style credentials are impeccable.

The key to successful Jigsaw shopping is understanding that you're not just buying clothes - you're buying into a specifically curated aesthetic that happens to run a bit large. Embrace it, work with it, and you'll have wardrobe staples that last for years.