Does Mint Velvet Run Big? The Complete Sizing Guide You Need

No, Mint Velvet doesn't run big—it actually runs true to size or slightly small, particularly in tailored pieces like trousers and blazers. After years of styling clients and countless fittings, I can tell you that Mint Velvet's "relaxed glamour" ethos doesn't translate to generous sizing. In fact, their cuts are precisely calibrated, meaning you'll often need to size up if you're between sizes or prefer a roomier fit.

The Reality of Mint Velvet Sizing

I've been styling women for over a decade, and Mint Velvet consistently surprises clients with its precise fit. Unlike brands that add extra room to flatter, Mint Velvet cuts exactly to size—sometimes even slightly smaller. Their size 10 is a proper size 10, not the generous interpretation you'll find elsewhere.

The confusion often stems from mixing their relaxed knitwear (which does have a looser fit) with their structured pieces. You might be perfectly comfortable in a size 10 cashmere jumper but find yourself needing a 12 in their cigarette trousers.

Category-by-Category Sizing Breakdown

Knitwear and Casual Tops

These tend to be the most forgiving pieces in their range. Think oversized cashmere crews and relaxed silk shirts—they're designed with movement and layering in mind. Stick to your usual size here.

Tailored Trousers and Workwear

This is where you'll want to size up. Their tailored trousers, especially the popular wide-leg styles, can be unforgiving around the waist and hips. I always recommend going up a size if you're curvy or prefer comfort over a skin-tight fit.

Dresses

Shift dresses and midi styles generally run true to size, but their fitted bodycon pieces can be snug. The fabric quality is excellent, but there's minimal stretch in their structured dresses.

How Mint Velvet Compares to Other Brands

To put this in perspective, here's how Mint Velvet sizing stacks up against other popular brands:

ZARA runs notoriously small, so you'll likely take the same size in both brands. COS tends to be more generous, meaning you might size down from your COS size when shopping Mint Velvet. MANGO and H&M both offer roomier fits, particularly in their recent collections.

Premium brands like WHISTLES and JIGSAW offer similar precision sizing to Mint Velvet, whilst REISS tends to be slightly more generous. M&S has moved towards more accommodating sizing in recent years, making Mint Velvet feel comparatively snug.

Style Recommendations by Budget

High Street Alternatives

If Mint Velvet's sizing doesn't work for you, consider these excellent alternatives:

MANGO offers similar relaxed glamour with more forgiving cuts. COS provides that minimalist aesthetic with generous sizing. For workwear, MASSIMO DUTTI delivers sophisticated tailoring with European sizing that tends to run larger.

THE WHITE COMPANY shares Mint Velvet's aesthetic but with slightly roomier fits, whilst BODEN offers quirky prints and consistently reliable sizing.

Premium Options

GANNI provides that Scandi-cool factor with more relaxed fits, perfect if you love Mint Velvet's style but want extra room. SEZANE offers French girl chic with forgiving cuts that work beautifully for curvier figures.

Luxury Investment Pieces

TOTEME delivers that understated luxury Mint Velvet aspires to, with impeccable tailoring that accommodates different body types. THE ROW offers the ultimate in relaxed luxury, though at a significantly higher price point.

My Professional Styling Tips

After styling hundreds of women, here's what I've learnt about Mint Velvet:

Always size up in structured pieces: Their blazers, tailored trousers, and fitted dresses benefit from the extra room.

Check the fabric composition: Pieces with minimal stretch require more careful sizing than their jersey or cashmere knits.

Consider your body type: If you're pear-shaped, size up in bottoms. If you're apple-shaped, their relaxed tops work beautifully in your usual size.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

As a stylist, I can't stress enough how game-changing tellar.co.uk has been for my clients. It's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—including Mint Velvet.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip, or existing brand size with their free measuring tape
2. Use their tellar.co.uk
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4. tellar.co.uk, you'll never have to guess again—just accurate sizing recommendations based on your actual measurements.

   Remember, great style isn't about fitting into a specific size—it's about finding clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Mint Velvet can absolutely be part of that wardrobe, as long as you approach their sizing with realistic expectations.