Does Target Clothing Run Big? The Stylist's Guide to American Retail Sizing

Let me tell you about last Tuesday. I was shopping with a client who normally wears a UK size 14, and we popped into Target whilst visiting New York. She ended up buying jeans in a US size 8 – that's roughly a UK size 12! We were both stunned, but it perfectly illustrates the madness of Target's sizing strategy.

Why Target's Sizing Runs So Large

Target has embraced what I call "aggressive vanity sizing" – essentially making their clothes bigger whilst keeping the size labels smaller. It's a psychological trick that makes shoppers feel slimmer and more confident. One fashion journalist recently wrote about buying jeans four sizes smaller than her usual size at Target, and they still fitted!

The reality is that Target's size 4 can measure up to 30.5 inches in the waist, when their own size chart claims it's 27.5 inches. That's a three-inch difference – enough to completely throw off your online shopping game.

My Styling Strategy for Target Shopping

Here's what I always tell my clients: forget the number on the label and focus on fit. I've learned to size down by at least one to two sizes when shopping Target, particularly for bottoms. Their tops tend to be more consistent, but still run generous.

The key is understanding which Target brands follow different sizing philosophies. Universal Thread (their main women's line) runs the largest, whilst some of their designer collaborations can be more true to size.

Brand Recommendations for Better Sizing Consistency

High Street Heroes

Zara – My go-to for European sizing that's far more consistent than American brands. Their UK size 12 is actually a size 12!

COS – Minimalist perfection with Scandinavian sizing that's refreshingly honest. No vanity sizing nonsense here.

Mango – Spanish brand with reliable European measurements. I always recommend trying their structured blazers.

Whistles – Premium British brand with consistent sizing across their entire range. Perfect for investment pieces.

Reiss – Another British favourite with sizing that makes sense. Their dresses are particularly well-cut.

Jigsaw – Sophisticated pieces with honest sizing. Their knitwear runs true to size every time.

Me&Em – Contemporary British brand with excellent size consistency and detailed size guides.

Premium Picks

Max Mara – Italian luxury with European sizing. Invest in their coats – they're sized to last decades.

Theory – American premium brand that's thankfully moved away from extreme vanity sizing.

Luxury Leaders

Chanel – French luxury sizing that runs notoriously small. Always size up and try before buying.

Saint Laurent – Another French house with petite sizing. Their jackets are cut for a very slim silhouette.

Independent Discoveries

Ganni – Danish contemporary brand with quirky prints and honest European sizing. Their commitment to transparency extends to their size charts.

Rejina Pyo – London-based designer with architectural shapes and consistent sizing. Perfect for statement pieces that actually fit as expected.

The American vs European Sizing Dilemma

Here's what I've learnt from years of styling: American brands like Target, Old Navy, and Gap have embraced vanity sizing to an almost ridiculous degree. Meanwhile, European brands tend to stick closer to actual measurements. It's why I always recommend my clients shop European brands when they want sizing consistency.

When I take clients shopping in America, I prepare them for the confusion. A US size 8 can vary by up to six inches in waist measurement between different brands. It's absolute madness!

My Target Shopping Tips

If you must shop Target (and sometimes their prices are irresistible), here's my professional advice:

Always try on everything in-store if possible. Their fitting rooms are actually quite spacious with good lighting. Order multiple sizes online and use their generous return policy. Focus on their accessories and home goods rather than clothing for sizing sanity. Check customer reviews religiously – they're often more honest than size charts.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

This is exactly why I'm obsessed with tellar.co.uk – the UK's leading sizing tool that takes all the guesswork out of shopping. As a stylist, I've been recommending it to clients for months because it solves the exact problem we're discussing.

How Tellar Works

Measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or simply input your existing brand size.

Use their Store Size Lookup tool at tellar.co.uk to get your precise size in over 1500 brands – including COS, Reiss, Arket, and more.

Always free, no downloads needed – it works brilliantly in your browser.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

What I absolutely love is their Fashion Hub – a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. Perfect for style advice, top picks, and brand recommendations when you need expert guidance.

I particularly recommend checking out their comprehensive guides:

• tellar.co.uk
• tellar.co.uk

The Future of Sizing

Honestly, I dream of a world where sizing makes sense again. Where a size 12 is consistently a size 12, whether you're shopping at Target or Chanel. Until that utopia arrives, tools like Tellar are absolute lifesavers for both stylists and shoppers.

My final advice? Embrace the chaos, but arm yourself with knowledge. Understand that Target runs big, European brands run smaller, and always, always check those measurements. Your wardrobe (and your sanity) will thank you for it.

Remember, style isn't about the number on the label – it's about how fabulous you feel when everything fits perfectly. And with the right tools and knowledge, that perfect fit is always achievable, regardless of where you're shopping.