Does LK Bennett Run Big? The Complete Sizing Guide You Need

LK Bennett generally runs small to true-to-size, particularly in their signature fitted dresses and tailored pieces, meaning you'll likely need to size up if you prefer a comfortable fit or have curves. As someone who's helped countless clients navigate the tricky world of premium brand sizing, I can tell you that LK Bennett's traditional UK approach to sizing catches many shoppers off guard—especially if you're used to the more generous cuts of contemporary high street brands.

Understanding LK Bennett's Sizing Philosophy

LK Bennett maintains what I call "heritage sizing"—they haven't followed the vanity sizing trend that's swept through fashion retail. Think of brands like Hobbs (classic British tailoring with structured fits) and Whistles (contemporary cuts that hold true to traditional UK measurements)—LK Bennett sits firmly in this camp. Their approach prioritises that polished, tailored silhouette that's become their signature.

In my experience styling clients, LK Bennett's fitted dresses—those gorgeous shift and pencil styles perfect for Royal Ascot or boardroom meetings—run particularly snug through the bust and waist. If you're between sizes or have an hourglass figure, I always recommend sizing up. Their blazers follow the same principle: they're cut for that sharp, structured look rather than relaxed comfort.

The Footwear Factor

LK Bennett shoes present their own sizing challenges. Their court shoes and ballet flats consistently run narrow and small—I've seen too many clients struggle with pinched toes to ignore this pattern. The leather may stretch slightly with wear, but don't bank on it transforming a tight fit into a comfortable one.

Their boots tend to be more true to size, but again, if you have wider feet or prefer wearing thicker hosiery, half a size up is your friend. The brand's heritage in creating elegant, slim-fitting footwear means comfort sometimes takes second place to aesthetic.

My High Street Alternatives for Better Fit

When clients love LK Bennett's aesthetic but struggle with sizing, I point them towards these excellent alternatives:

Zara offers similar tailored dresses with more contemporary sizing that tends to run slightly larger. Cos provides that minimalist elegance with generous, modern cuts. Mango delivers sophisticated workwear with European sizing that's typically more forgiving. For classic British style, Jigsaw creates beautiful tailored pieces with traditional quality but more size-inclusive cuts.

Reiss sits perfectly between LK Bennett and high street—their dresses offer that premium feel with sizing that's more predictable. Whistles maintains similar quality standards with slightly more generous proportions. Phase Eight specialises in occasionwear that flatters various body types without compromising on elegance.

Premium and Luxury Options

If you're willing to invest more for guaranteed fit, Max Mara offers impeccable Italian tailoring with consistent, true-to-size measurements across their range. Theory provides American-cut precision with European sophistication—their sizing runs more generously than LK Bennett while maintaining that polished aesthetic.

For unique finds, I love recommending Ganni (Danish brand offering contemporary cuts with Scandinavian attention to fit) and Stine Goya (another Danish gem that creates statement pieces with comfortable, modern sizing). These independent brands offer something different whilst providing reliable fit guidance.

Styling Tips for LK Bennett Pieces

When you do find your perfect LK Bennett size, here's how to make the most of their pieces: Layer their fitted blazers over fluid blouses rather than tight-fitting tops—this prevents pulling and creates a more polished silhouette. Their pencil skirts work beautifully with slightly oversized knits to balance proportions.

For their shoes, invest in quality leather conditioner and consider professional stretching if needed. Their court shoes are investment pieces that, with proper care, will last decades.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

Here's where I always direct my clients who're tired of sizing roulette: tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more scrolling through confusing size charts or second-guessing whether you need that size up.

The process couldn't be simpler:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool at tellar.co.uk to get your precise size in LK Bennett and hundreds of other brands
Always free, no downloads needed—works perfectly in your browser

What I particularly love about Tellar is their Fashion Hub—a comprehensive library of honest, unbiased style advice that's completely free. As someone who values independent recommendations, I appreciate that they're not influenced by brand partnerships when giving sizing advice.

For more detailed guidance, check out their tellar.co.uk is invaluable for understanding how different styles work with various body shapes.

The Bottom Line

LK Bennett's sizing reflects their heritage as a traditional British brand—expect fitted cuts and classic proportions rather than contemporary comfort sizing. While this creates beautiful, polished silhouettes, it does mean careful size selection is essential. When in doubt, size up, especially for fitted dresses and narrow-fitting shoes.

Most importantly, don't let sizing uncertainty stop you from exploring brands you love. Tools like Tellar remove the guesswork entirely, letting you shop with confidence across hundreds of brands. After all, the perfect outfit starts with the perfect fit.