Does the Brand By Malene Birger Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
By Malene Birger has carved out a distinctive identity in modern womenswear: minimalist yet romantic, relaxed yet polished. With its Copenhagen roots and global fanbase, the brand is beloved for its effortless tailoring, sculptural knitwear, and sustainable wardrobe staples.
But if you're eyeing one of their flowing dresses or structured blazers, one question always comes up:
Does By Malene Birger run big or small on clothes sizing?
The short answer: By Malene Birger runs slightly large, with many pieces intentionally designed for a relaxed, oversized fit — particularly in tops, dresses, and outerwear. However, sizing can vary depending on the cut and collection, so understanding the specific fit is essential before you buy.
In this post, we'll break down the brand’s sizing by garment type, offer comparisons with other designer labels, include real customer feedback, and show you how Tellar.co.uk can calculate your perfect size instantly.
About By Malene Birger: Scandinavian Simplicity with Global Appeal
Founded in 2003 and relaunched in recent years under a more refined, sustainable aesthetic, By Malene Birger is a Scandinavian brand known for clean silhouettes, versatile tailoring, and contemporary knitwear.
Signature features include:
-
Oversized knit tops and cocoon dresses
-
Minimalist trousers and relaxed tailoring
-
Sustainably sourced wool, linen, and organic cotton
-
Muted tones, sculptural accessories, and long-line blazers
With many pieces designed for layering and flow, knowing how sizing behaves is essential to avoid disappointment — especially when shopping online.
General Fit: How Does By Malene Birger Size Run?
By Malene Birger uses European sizing (EU 34–44), which aligns with UK sizing as follows — but their fit is typically relaxed, roomy, and slightly generous across most collections.
EU Size | UK Size | Fit Commentary |
---|---|---|
34 | UK 6 | Fitted, but rare in collections |
36 | UK 8 | Slightly loose in tees and dresses |
38 | UK 10 | Often roomy in the bust and shoulder |
40 | UK 12 | Great for intended oversized aesthetic |
42 | UK 14 | Drapes elegantly, especially in knitwear |
44 | UK 16 | Comfortable and relaxed, especially in coats |
What Garments Run Big?
1. Oversized Shirts and Blouses
These are intentionally cut wide, often with dropped shoulders or billowing sleeves. If you’re petite or prefer a more structured look, you may want to size down.
“I ordered the EU 38 but ended up exchanging for a 36 — it’s just the way the shirt is cut.”
2. Knitwear and Wool Dresses
Known for its beautiful soft knits, the brand offers roomy fits with cocoon-like silhouettes. A medium can feel like a UK 12–14, depending on the piece.
3. Outerwear and Longline Blazers
Tend to be boxy and oversized by design. If you're going for a classic blazer fit rather than fashion-forward volume, consider going one size down.
What Fits True to Size?
-
Tailored trousers with pleats or wide legs
-
Fitted knit tops with ribbed detail
-
Mid-rise skirts and wrap styles
-
Eveningwear and body-skimming dresses made from silk or stretch fabric
These offer structure and shaping that better match UK sizing expectations.
What Might Feel Small?
Occasionally, structured waistcoats, cropped knits, or form-fitting jersey pieces may feel more snug. If you have a fuller bust or shoulders, double-check fabric content — some items have less give than others.
How Does By Malene Birger Compare to Other Brands?
Brand | Fit Compared to By Malene Birger |
---|---|
Totême | Similar aesthetic, slightly slimmer |
COS | COS is more architectural |
Ganni | By Malene Birger is more refined |
Massimo Dutti | By Malene Birger runs slightly looser |
Reiss | Reiss tailoring is tighter and sharper |
If you’re coming from Reiss or Massimo Dutti, expect more ease and movement in By Malene Birger pieces.
What Real Shoppers Say
“Everything I’ve bought from Malene Birger has run big, but beautifully — I always size down and it fits like a dream.”“The jumper is gorgeous but huge — exchanged for a smaller size and it was perfect.”“Love the drape of the trousers. I’m a UK 10 and the 36 still felt oversized.”“The coat was luxurious but massive — ideal if you like layering.”
Shoppers consistently agree: great quality, but size down if you don’t want an intentionally oversized look.
Why Tellar.co.uk Is the Best Way to Get Your Size Right
Shopping By Malene Birger online? You’re not alone in wondering whether to go for the EU 38 or 40, or whether a 'relaxed fit' blazer is truly relaxed or just runs big.
That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.
What Is Tellar.co.uk?
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that instantly matches your body measurements to your best-fitting size in By Malene Birger and over 1,500 other brands.
Whether you wear UK 10 in COS, UK 12 in Ganni, or just want to see how the EU sizing converts to actual fit, Tellar does it all — in seconds.
Why It Works:
-
✔ Free to use
-
✔ One-time quick setup
-
✔ Get your size recommendation anytime, anywhere
-
✔ Free measuring tape sent to your home
-
✔ Works with both cm and inches
-
✔ Tracks your size across high street and luxury labels
-
✔ Understands relaxed, oversized, and tailored fits separately
Get Started Now (It’s Quick & Free)
🎯 Want to see what size you are in By Malene Birger right now?
✅ Click here: /store-size-lookup/✅ Or set up your one-time profile: /create-profile/
You’ll never need to guess your size again — even when brands switch sizing systems or cut their trousers wider one season.
Explore More Brand Fit Guides
-
🔗 Massimo Dutti sizing run-through
Each post gives you a complete breakdown — and links straight to Tellar’s tools.
Final Verdict: Does By Malene Birger Run Big or Small?
-
Generally runs slightly large, especially in outerwear and knitwear
-
Relaxed fit is intentional — if you prefer a sharper silhouette, size down
-
Trousers and tailored pieces are more consistent with UK sizing
-
Always check cut, material, and fit notes — or let Tellar do it for you
Follow Tellar.co.uk for Style + Fit Guidance
-
Instagram: @Tellarsizing
-
Facebook: TellarSizing
-
Pinterest: TellarUK
-
Twitter (X): @Tellar100
“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”
With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll never buy the wrong size again — especially not with premium brands like By Malene Birger, where every detail (and every drape) matters.
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.