Does Papaya Run Big or Small? Full Sizing Guide & What to Buy
Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025
Affordable Fashion Fit Breakdown | Tellar.co.uk
Budget-Friendly, Trend-Led — But How Does Papaya Actually Fit?
Papaya, the women’s fashion line from Matalan, is known for affordable styles that reflect the latest high street trends. With prices typically under £30, it’s a popular choice for basics, casualwear, summer dresses and office-friendly layers.
But with such low pricing and seasonal manufacturing, shoppers often wonder:
Does Papaya run big or small? And is the sizing consistent?
🧵 Want a quick answer? Create your free profile at Tellar.co.uk and instantly find your Papaya size — and your fit across thousands of brands. It’s a one-time setup, always free, and includes a printable measuring tape. We analyse real brand sizing data and match it to your body instantly — so you never have to check a size chart again.
Papaya Sizing: Mostly True to Size — But Watch the Fabric
Papaya is designed for real UK body shapes, and most items follow standard UK high-street sizing conventions. However, sizing can vary slightly between stretchy everyday basics (which are forgiving) and structured pieces (which may run small at the bust or waist).
Women’s Fit Overview
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T-Shirts & Casual Tops: Generally true to size with soft, stretchy fabric. Size down if you prefer a neater fit.
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Dresses: A mixed bag — jersey styles fit true, but zip-up woven dresses may run small in the chest and hips.
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Blazers & Coats: Often true to size, but slimmer in the sleeves and shoulders. Size up if layering.
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Trousers, Jeans & Skirts: Waistbands can feel snug — size up in rigid denim or structured styles.
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Loungewear & Knitwear: Designed with comfort in mind — true to size or slightly loose.
🎯 Use Tellar to find your exact Papaya fit — and compare it across thousands of other brands
Fabric & Fit: Where Inconsistencies Happen
Papaya’s fabric choices affect fit more than cut:
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Cotton jersey (T-shirts, vests): forgiving and flexible
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Woven polyester (dresses, skirts): little to no stretch
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Denim & tailored trousers: true to size if they include elastane, snug if rigid
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Coats & outerwear: often fully lined with minimal stretch in the sleeves
If you're shopping a structured dress or coat, always check the size chart — or better yet, let Tellar do it for you.
📏 Download your free Tellar measuring tape and set up your fit profile today
Real Fit Feedback from Tellar Users
Item Type |
Runs Small |
True to Size |
Runs Large |
---|---|---|---|
Jersey Tops & Vests |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Woven Dresses |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Blazers & Jackets |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Jeans & Trousers |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Loungewear Sets |
✅ |
✅ |
🧵 Want to compare Papaya to similar UK high street brands? Start with:
What’s Worth Buying from Papaya?
1. Everyday Basics (T-shirts, camis, long sleeves)
Soft, cotton-rich, and forgiving. True to size, occasionally generous. Size down for a close fit.
2. Midi & Maxi Dresses
Popular for work and events. Fitted woven styles may need sizing up at the bust or waist. Jersey dresses are reliably true to size.
3. Blazers & Jackets
Well-priced layering staples. True to size, but the arms can be snug. Consider sizing up if you wear thick layers underneath.
4. Papaya Denim
Affordable and well-reviewed — but sizes run slim at the waistband in non-stretch styles. Size up in rigid fits, stay true in stretch denim.
5. Loungewear & Joggers
Soft and comfy — ideal for relaxing or travel. Generous cuts mean you can stay true to size or size down for a neater fit.
🧵 Find your best-fitting Papaya items instantly using Tellar’s size-matching tool
Fit Tips When Buying Papaya
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Curvier figures should size up in zip-up dresses, trousers or woven skirts
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Stick to your true size in loungewear, stretch tops and knitwear
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Ignore the hanger size — compare actual bust/waist/hip measurements using Tellar
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Look for added elastane or viscose blends — those styles will feel more flexible
🎯 Tellar gives you brand-specific sizing insights based on your body — instantly
Why Tellar.co.uk Is the Best Way to Shop Papaya
Budget fashion often means unpredictable sizing — and Papaya is no exception. But Tellar makes it simple:
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✅ One-time setup with your actual measurements
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✅ Free printable measuring tape included
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✅ Compare your Papaya size to thousands of other brands (not just UK high street)
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✅ Real-time sizing conversions across UK, US, EU and international retailers
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✅ 100% free — no login required to view your fit results
🧵 Set up your free Tellar profile now — and shop smarter forever
Related Sizing Posts You’ll Love
Love affordable fashion? You’ll find these posts helpful too:
📲 Stay updated with new sizing drops:
Final Verdict: Does Papaya Run Big or Small?
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True to size in most categories, especially basics and knitwear
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Structured woven pieces can run small, especially at the bust or waist
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Loungewear and casual items are often generous
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Sizing is affordable — but inconsistent, so Tellar is your best tool for clarity
🎯 Check your Papaya size now and get your fit across thousands of brands with Tellar
📣 Final CTA
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