Does Mint Velvet Run Big? Should I Size Up?

Mint Velvet generally runs true to size with a relaxed, slightly generous fit – you should stick to your normal UK size rather than sizing up, though their knitwear and oversized styles are intentionally roomy and may warrant sizing down if you prefer a more fitted look. I learned this the expensive way when I ordered a jumper in my usual size 12 thinking it might run small (it didn't), and ended up swimming in what could only be described as a beautifully expensive tent. The return was a faff, and I should have just trusted my measurements.

Mint Velvet's sizing can be confusing because their aesthetic is deliberately relaxed and elevated-casual, which means some pieces are designed to be oversized whilst others are meant to skim your body. Here's everything you need to know to get your Mint Velvet sizing absolutely right first time.

The Mint Velvet Sizing Breakdown

Mint Velvet uses standard UK sizing (8, 10, 12, 14, etc.) and their fit is generally true to size with a slightly generous cut. This means if you're usually a size 12 in British brands like Reiss, Whistles, or Jigsaw, you'll most likely be a 12 in Mint Velvet too. The key difference is that Mint Velvet's design philosophy favours ease and comfort over body-conscious fits.

Their tailoring – blazers, trousers, coats – runs true to size but with a relaxed fit through the body. This is intentional; they're aiming for that effortless, pulled-together look rather than sharply structured tailoring. If you're used to the more fitted cuts of brands like Massimo Dutti or Cos, Mint Velvet will feel roomier even in your correct size.

Where Mint Velvet Gets Tricky

The confusion comes with their knitwear and jersey pieces, many of which are designed to be oversized. A "relaxed fit" jumper in your usual size will be genuinely roomy – think off-the-shoulder, slouchy sleeves, generous length. This is the intended look, but if you prefer your knitwear more fitted, you'll want to size down.

I've found their dresses particularly consistent – true to size with a comfortable, non-clingy fit. Their jeans run slightly generous in the waist but true to size in the hip and leg, which actually works well if you're between sizes. The denim has enough stretch to mould to your body without feeling tight.

Comparing Mint Velvet to Other Brands

If you're familiar with other premium high street brands, here's how Mint Velvet compares. Reiss runs similarly true to size but with a sleeker, more tailored fit – Mint Velvet is roomier. Whistles has a comparable fit philosophy (relaxed but considered) and their sizing aligns quite closely with Mint Velvet. Jigsaw runs slightly smaller than Mint Velvet, particularly through the shoulders and bust.

Boden is an interesting comparison – their sizing is similarly generous and true to UK sizing, making them a good reference point. If you're comfortable in your usual Boden size, stick with the same for Mint Velvet. Hobbs runs slightly more fitted, so if you size up in Hobbs, go for your smaller size in Mint Velvet.

Phase Eight has a similar relaxed-smart aesthetic and comparable sizing – both brands favour comfort and ease over ultra-fitted styles. The White Company is probably the closest match in terms of fit philosophy – their sizing and Mint Velvet's are nearly identical, both offering that elevated-casual, comfortable but polished fit.

The Height Factor

Mint Velvet doesn't offer petite or tall ranges, which can be frustrating. Their regular sizing is cut for a height of approximately 5'6"-5'7". If you're petite (under 5'4"), you'll likely find sleeve and trouser lengths too long, whilst taller women (5'9"+) might find tops and dresses finish shorter than ideal. The generous fit can actually help shorter women as there's fabric to work with for alterations, but it's worth factoring in hemming costs.

Brands with Similar Sizing If You're Still Unsure

Hush offers a very similar aesthetic and sizing to Mint Velvet – relaxed, elevated basics with comfortable, true-to-size fits. Their knitwear runs similarly generous, and they share that same "expensive casual" vibe. Quality is excellent and sizing is consistent across their range.

Seasalt Cornwall has a comparable fit philosophy with relaxed, comfortable cuts that run true to size. Their aesthetic is more coastal-casual than Mint Velvet's urban-chic, but the sizing approach is similar. Both brands favour natural fabrics and ease of wear.

White Stuff runs true to size with a relaxed fit very similar to Mint Velvet. Their styling is slightly more casual and print-focused, but if you know your White Stuff size, it'll translate directly to Mint Velvet. Both brands are reliably consistent in their sizing.

The Independent Alternatives

ME+EM sits at a similar price point to Mint Velvet (though slightly higher) with comparable sizing that runs true to UK sizes. Their aesthetic is more minimal and refined, but the fit philosophy is similar – considered, comfortable, with room to move. Quality is exceptional and sizing is impressively consistent.

Beaumont Organic is a sustainable British brand with similar relaxed-luxe vibes and true-to-size fits. Their knitwear particularly compares well to Mint Velvet – same generous, comfortable cuts in beautiful fabrics. They're brilliant if you want that elevated-casual aesthetic with ethical credentials.

Premium Alternatives Worth Considering

If you're drawn to Mint Velvet's aesthetic but want to explore similar brands, Reiss offers more structured tailoring in true-to-size fits, whilst AllSaints delivers edgier pieces with slightly slimmer cuts. Whistles provides the closest match in both aesthetic and sizing philosophy.

Luxury Investment Pieces

For special investment purchases, Max Mara Weekend offers similar relaxed-luxe styling with impeccable quality and true-to-size European fits. Joseph delivers elevated basics with consistent sizing, whilst Theory specialises in refined, comfortable pieces with excellent fit consistency.

The Sizing Strategy That Actually Works

• Check product descriptions carefully – Mint Velvet labels oversized styles as "relaxed fit" or "oversized"

• Read customer reviews – Other shoppers will flag if something runs large or small

• Measure a piece you own that fits well – Compare to Mint Velvet's size guide measurements

• Consider the fabric – Jersey and knitwear have more give than structured pieces

• When in doubt, stick to your normal size – Mint Velvet's generous cut means sizing up is rarely necessary

• Factor in washing – Natural fibres may shrink slightly; synthetic blends stay true

The Items That Run Differently

From my experience, Mint Velvet's leather jackets run true to size but fitted (as leather should be), their silk blouses are generously cut, and their trousers run slightly large in the waist but true through the hip. Coats are roomy enough to layer underneath, which is actually brilliant for British weather. Their occasion wear tends to be more fitted than their casual range.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

The frustration of sizing confusion across different brands is exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly, including Mint Velvet and every comparable brand I've mentioned above.

Here's how it works: measure yourself once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements (or input your size from a brand that fits you perfectly – say, your perfect Whistles size 12). Then use Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool to find your precise size in Mint Velvet, Reiss, Jigsaw, Hush, White Stuff, ME+EM, and hundreds more. No more guessing, no more expensive returns, no more sizing anxiety.

The platform is completely free, works in your browser without downloads, and takes the gamble out of online shopping. You'll know definitively whether you're a 10, 12, or 14 in Mint Velvet before you click "add to basket".

The Tellar Fashion Hub is also packed with honest, unbiased styling advice from experienced stylists. Check out the ultimate clothing sizing guide to understand how to measure yourself properly, or explore their comprehensive guides to jeans trends for 2025 and 2026, dresses, and jackets for more sizing wisdom.

The Bottom Line

Mint Velvet runs true to size with a relaxed, generous fit – stick to your normal UK size and only consider sizing down if you're buying an intentionally oversized piece and prefer a more fitted look. Never size up unless you want to swim in your clothes. Get your measurements sorted with Tellar, check product descriptions for fit details, read customer reviews, and order confidently knowing you've got the right size. Your wardrobe (and your bank account) will thank you.