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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

  • T-Shirts & Casual Tops: Generally true to size with soft, stretchy fabric. Size down if you prefer a neater fit.

  • Dresses: A mixed bag — jersey styles fit true, but zip-up woven dresses may run small in the chest and hips.

  • Blazers & Coats: Often true to size, but slimmer in the sleeves and shoulders. Size up if layering.

  • Trousers, Jeans & Skirts: Waistbands can feel snug — size up in rigid denim or structured styles.

  • 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:

  • Cotton jersey (T-shirts, vests): forgiving and flexible

  • Woven polyester (dresses, skirts): little to no stretch

  • Denim & tailored trousers: true to size if they include elastane, snug if rigid

  • 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

  • Curvier figures should size up in zip-up dresses, trousers or woven skirts

  • Stick to your true size in loungewear, stretch tops and knitwear

  • Ignore the hanger size — compare actual bust/waist/hip measurements using Tellar

  • 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:

  • ✅ One-time setup with your actual measurements

  • ✅ Free printable measuring tape included

  • ✅ Compare your Papaya size to thousands of other brands (not just UK high street)

  • ✅ Real-time sizing conversions across UK, US, EU and international retailers

  • ✅ 100% free — no login required to view your fit results

🧵 Set up your free Tellar profile now — and shop smarter forever


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📲 Stay updated with new sizing drops:


Final Verdict: Does Papaya Run Big or Small?

  • True to size in most categories, especially basics and knitwear

  • Structured woven pieces can run small, especially at the bust or waist

  • Loungewear and casual items are often generous

  • 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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Does Papaya Run Big or Small? Full Sizing Guide & What to Buy