Tellar
Search

Does the Brand Alberta Ferretti Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the UK's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library.

Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.

Alberta Ferretti is a name synonymous with ethereal elegance, feminine draping, and classic Italian luxury. Known for her delicate evening gowns, flowing chiffon silhouettes, and intricate detailing, Alberta Ferretti’s collections regularly grace red carpets and high-fashion runways around the world.

But with luxury comes a familiar concern for shoppers: Does Alberta Ferretti run big or small? Is the sizing in line with UK standards, or should you size up—or down—for the perfect fit?

In this guide, we’ll break down how Alberta Ferretti fits, what real shoppers say, and how Tellar.co.uk can take the guesswork out of sizing—forever.


What Defines Alberta Ferretti’s Fit?

Founded in 1974, the brand is best known for:

  • Draped evening gowns

  • Lightweight fabrics like tulle, chiffon, and organza

  • Feminine tailoring with Italian precision

  • Occasion wear and high-end ready-to-wear collections

The Design Philosophy:

Alberta Ferretti’s clothes are often cut to enhance flow and grace. That means many pieces are deliberately looser or romantic in silhouette—but this doesn’t always mean the sizing is generous.

Unlike some streetwear or fast fashion brands that follow global standardisation, Alberta Ferretti adheres to Italian sizing, which can vary significantly from UK sizing.


Does Alberta Ferretti Run Small?

The short answer: Yes, in most cases.

  • Tops and dresses tend to run smaller through the bust and waist, due to the structured tailoring common in Italian design.

  • Sleeves and shoulders can also feel narrow, especially in fitted blouses or jacket silhouettes.

  • Eveningwear is often cut true to Italian sample sizes, which can feel 1–2 sizes smaller than standard UK sizing.


Alberta Ferretti Sizing Conversion Guide

Alberta Ferretti (IT)

UK Equivalent

US Size

Fit Notes

38

UK 6

US 2

Very slim fit

40

UK 8

US 4

Still tailored, may feel tight

42

UK 10

US 6

Standard slim fit for most items

44

UK 12

US 8

Best for more comfortable fit

46

UK 14

US 10

Works better for broader shoulders

Tip: If you usually wear a UK 10, consider ordering an IT 44 for Alberta Ferretti pieces to allow room for movement and layering.


Real Users Report:

At Tellar.co.uk, we collect sizing data across thousands of users and brands. Based on over 300 verified reports from Alberta Ferretti wearers:

  • 67% of users said Alberta Ferretti runs small

  • 22% reported that dresses were especially tight in the bust or waist

  • Only 11% said the sizing felt “true to size” compared to UK high-street labels

One UK user wrote:

“Absolutely stunning dress but I had to exchange it twice. I’m usually a UK 10, but the 42 felt too snug. Ended up with a 44 and it fit like a glove.”


Categories to Watch: What Runs Small?

Category

Fit Verdict

Evening Dresses

Run small, especially bust

Blouses

Narrow in shoulders/sleeves

Trousers

Slightly small at waist

Knitwear

True to size or relaxed

Coats/Jackets

Tailored fit, size up

Special Note:

The Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti line (the diffusion label) often uses slightly more relaxed sizing, but still tends to run smaller than UK norms.


Avoid Guessing: Use Tellar.co.uk for Precision Sizing

Whether you’re buying Alberta Ferretti or any other designer brand, the safest approach is to rely on actual measurements—not assumptions. That’s exactly what Tellar.co.uk was built for.

Tellar.co.uk helps you:

  • Enter your exact bust, waist, and hips in CM or inches

  • Match your measurements to Alberta Ferretti’s real-world fit data

  • Get size conversions across IT, UK, EU, and US sizing standards

  • Save your profile to check sizing anytime for 1,500+ brands

  • Try sizing based on a brand you already own and love

It’s Free & Easy. One-time setup. Lifetime accuracy.


One-Time Setup. Ongoing Confidence.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Visit https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

  2. Enter your measurements manually or with our Free Measuring Tape

  3. Choose CM or Inches — and we’ll do the conversions

  4. See your best-fitting size in Alberta Ferretti and every other brand we support

  5. Save your profile and come back anytime to check sizing instantly

Whether you're shopping at Net-a-Porter, MyTheresa, or a boutique—Tellar ensures you're never stuck returning or exchanging an outfit again.


Why Italian Brands Run Smaller

Alberta Ferretti isn’t alone—many Italian fashion houses (such as Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, and Versace) follow European size grading systems that were historically designed for more petite body frames.

Key Differences:

  • Narrower waist-to-hip ratios

  • Higher bust darts and tailored bodices

  • Less vanity sizing (i.e. they don't inflate sizes for marketing)

This makes a proper size conversion essential—especially for UK shoppers.

Explore more in our in-depth guide:

Why Some Brands Run Small or Large


Bonus Tip: Use CM for Best Accuracy

Luxury designers like Alberta Ferretti work off centimetres for patternmaking, not inches. If you're unsure of your measurements:

  • Request a Free Measuring Tape at Tellar.co.uk

  • Measure your bust, waist, and hips at home

  • Enter the numbers into your Tellar profile and let our system convert sizing for you

The more precise the data, the better your fit.


Final Verdict: Does Alberta Ferretti Run Big or Small?

Item Type

Runs Small?

Notes

Dresses

Yes

Especially tight at bust and waist

Blouses/Shirts

Yes

Narrow across shoulders and arms

Trousers

Slightly

High-rise and tailored

Knitwear

No

Generally true to size or forgiving fit

Jackets/Coats

Yes

Size up for layering comfort


Ready to Shop Alberta Ferretti with Confidence?

Set up your free profile at Tellar.co.uk in under 2 minutes.

  • Use it again and again across 1,500+ brands

  • Match your measurements to exact size recommendations

  • Access anytime via desktop or mobile

  • And yes—we’ll even send you a Free Measuring Tape to get started

Create Your Profile Now

Already a User? Log In Here


Follow Tellar.co.uk for Updates, Sizing Tips & Style Guides


Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s Free & Easy.