Does Next Sizing Run Big? The Ultimate Fit Guide

The Next Sizing Reality Check

Let's be brutally honest about Next's sizing situation. After years of consistent fitting, they've shifted towards a more generous cut across most categories. Their knitwear and casual tops now run a full size large, which can be brilliant if you prefer a relaxed fit, but frustrating if you're expecting their traditional sizing. I've had countless clients come to me confused why their usual size 12 Next jumper now drowns them!

What's particularly interesting is that Next's tailored pieces - blazers, work trousers, and structured dresses - still hold closer to true sizing. So you might be a 12 in their boyfriend jeans but need a 14 in their skinny work trousers. It's all about understanding the cut and fabric.

Category-by-Category Sizing Breakdown

Tops and Knitwear: Definitely size down. Their jersey tops, sweatshirts, and knitwear are cut with loads of room. Even their "fitted" styles have generous ease through the body.

Jeans and Casual Trousers: These run big too, especially in the waist. If you're between sizes, stick with your smaller size. Their stretch denim is particularly generous.

Workwear and Tailoring: Much closer to true sizing. Their blazers and formal trousers follow standard UK sizing more accurately.

Dresses: It depends entirely on the style. Jersey and casual dresses run large, whilst their occasionwear tends to be more fitted.

How Next Compares to Other High Street Giants

When shopping across multiple brands, understanding these fit differences becomes crucial. Zara runs notoriously small with their European sizing, often requiring you to size up. H&M is inconsistent but generally true to size in basics. Mango tends to run small in tailoring but generous in casual wear - think Spanish cuts that favour slimmer fits.

COS offers minimalist pieces that run true to size with architectural cuts, whilst Whistles maintains excellent size consistency across their premium casual range. Reiss is reliable for workwear sizing, and Jigsaw offers consistently well-cut pieces that fit as expected.

For unique finds, I'm loving Kotn for their sustainable basics with perfect oversized fits, and Réalisation Par for their vintage-inspired dresses that celebrate curves beautifully.

My Styling Strategy for Next Shopping

Here's my professional approach: order your usual size plus one size down in casual pieces. Next's brilliant returns policy makes this risk-free. Focus on their strengths - brilliant basics, comfortable knitwear, and accessible occasionwear. Their Petite and Tall ranges are genuinely well-proportioned, not just shortened or lengthened regular pieces.

For budget-conscious styling, Next works brilliantly layered with premium pieces. A Next cashmere-blend knit under a luxury blazer delivers expensive-looking results without the price tag.

Brand Recommendations by Price Point

High Street Heroes:Next for reliable basics, M&S for perfect-fit workwear, and White Stuff for charming prints with consistent sizing.

Premium Picks:COS for architectural minimalism, Whistles for contemporary cuts, and Reiss for investment workwear pieces.

Luxury Investment:Max Mara for impeccable tailoring, Theory for modern sophistication, and Toteme for Scandinavian perfection.

How tellar.co.uk Solves Your Sizing Dilemmas

This is exactly why I recommend tellar.co.uk to every client. It's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. Never look at a confusing size guide again!

Here's How It Works:

1. Measure Once: Using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size from a well-fitting piece.

2. Use Their Store Size Lookup Tool: Get your precise size in any brand - from Next to COS to Reiss and beyond. Visit tellar.co.uk - Everything you need to know about finding your perfect fit

Happy shopping, and remember - the best-dressed women aren't necessarily wearing the most expensive pieces, they're wearing the best-fitting ones!