Does Target Clothing Run Big? Your Complete Sizing Guide

Yes, Target clothing generally runs large across most of their brands, particularly in their women's lines like A New Day, Wild Fable, and Universal Thread. As someone who's been styling women for over a decade, I've noticed this consistent pattern that leaves many of my clients frustrated when their usual size feels baggy and unflattering. Let me break down exactly what you need to know about Target's sizing quirks and how to navigate them like a pro.

The Target Sizing Reality

After years of personal shopping experiences and client feedback, I can confidently say that Target's sizing runs approximately one size larger than most high-street retailers. If you're typically a size 12 at Zara or H&M, you'll likely need a size 10 at Target. This isn't just my observation—it's echoed by countless style forums and fitting room testimonials.

The inconsistency becomes particularly noticeable when you compare Target to premium brands. While Reiss maintains precise European sizing standards and Whistles offers consistently fitted silhouettes, Target's approach seems designed for comfort over precision tailoring.

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Target's In-House Labels

A New Day: Their core women's workwear line runs the largest. I've seen clients need to size down two full sizes in blazers and trousers. The cut is generous through the waist and hips, which can be brilliant for comfort but disastrous for a tailored look.

Wild Fable: Aimed at younger shoppers, this line is slightly more fitted than A New Day but still runs large. The denim particularly tends to stretch significantly after wear.

Universal Thread: Perhaps the most inconsistent line. While their basics might fit true to size, their structured pieces like jackets and tailored trousers often run a full size large.

How Target Compares to High Street Favourites

When I'm styling clients who love Target's price points but want better fit consistency, I often recommend these alternatives:

High Street Options

Mango offers Spanish-influenced cuts that are more fitted through the waist—perfect if you find Target too boxy. Their blazers are particularly excellent value with a more structured European fit.

COS provides minimalist designs with precise Scandinavian sizing. If you love Target's A New Day aesthetic but want better tailoring, COS is your answer, though at a higher price point.

ASOS gives you the variety of Target with much more size consistency. Their ASOS Design line offers similar trendy pieces with better fit guides and customer reviews for sizing guidance.

Premium Alternatives

For those ready to invest more, Gant offers classic American preppy styles with European precision sizing. Their shirts and knitwear are particularly reliable.

Tommy Hilfiger provides that all-American aesthetic Target aims for but with consistent international sizing standards and better quality control.

Luxury Investment Pieces

If you're building a capsule wardrobe, consider Max Mara for tailored pieces that will last decades. Their sizing is impeccably consistent and their cuts are designed to flatter rather than simply provide comfort.

My Professional Sizing Strategy for Target

Here's what I tell every client before a Target shopping trip:

Always try on in-store when possible. Target's online sizing charts are notoriously unreliable compared to the actual garments.

Size down in structured pieces. Blazers, trousers, and button-down shirts consistently run large. Start with one size smaller than your usual.

Check the fabric content. Anything with significant stretch will likely grow throughout the day. Cotton blends tend to be more predictable than synthetic mixes.

Read the reviews religiously. Target shoppers are excellent at providing real sizing feedback. Look for phrases like "runs large" or "size down."

Discovering Alternative Brands

Two independent brands I've been recommending lately for clients frustrated with mainstream sizing are Kotn, a Canadian brand offering organic basics with transparent size guides, and Everlane, which provides detailed fit information and customer photos showing real body types in their garments.

The key is understanding that Target's loose fit philosophy works brilliantly for casual weekend wear but can be problematic when you need polished, professional silhouettes. That's where alternatives like Me&Em excel—they offer the versatility you love about Target but with British tailoring precision.

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Final Thoughts

Target's generous sizing can be both a blessing and a curse. While it makes their clothes accessible and comfortable for many body types, it can leave you swimming in fabric when you're seeking a more tailored look. My advice? Embrace Target for what it does well—affordable, trend-conscious pieces perfect for casual wear—but supplement with brands that offer more precision when you need it.

Remember, great style isn't about the price tag or the brand name. It's about understanding how clothes should fit your body and choosing pieces that make you feel confident. Whether that's a £15 Target basics or a £150 investment from LK Bennett, the key is knowing what works for you.