Does the Brand Comme des Garçons Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Comme des Garçons is one of the most influential fashion labels of the last century — known for its avant-garde tailoring, deconstructionist silhouettes, and experimental approach to proportion. Founded by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969, the brand now spans multiple lines, from the conceptual Comme des Garçons mainline to the more accessible Play, Homme Plus, and Shirt collections.
But when it comes to fit, there’s no standard rule.
So, does Comme des Garçons run big or small?
This guide breaks down the sizing quirks across each line, shares verified garment fit data, and shows how Tellar.co.uk instantly helps you find your correct Comme des Garçons size — and your size in 1,500+ other brands — in seconds, completely free.
Why Comme des Garçons Sizing Is Unique
Comme des Garçons is not a traditional fashion house. Sizing across its collections varies greatly depending on the line, fabric, and intention behind the piece.
Some lines are intentionally oversized, others are cut slim in Japanese sizing, and some pieces are unisex or androgynous with boxy construction.
Key Comme des Garçons Lines:
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Mainline (Comme des Garçons) – avant-garde, often oversized or unconventionally shaped
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Comme des Garçons Play – streetwear-inspired, logo-heavy, slim-fitting basics
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Comme des Garçons Homme Plus – tailored menswear with a fashion-forward edge
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Comme des Garçons Shirt – classic shirting with a twist, fits often slim
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Black Comme des Garçons – monochrome, minimal, structured
Does Comme des Garçons Run Big or Small?
Here’s a breakdown based on data from stockists like Dover Street Market, SSENSE, Farfetch, and verified customer feedback:
Line |
Sizing Verdict |
Notes |
---|---|---|
Comme des Garçons Mainline |
Oversized |
Many pieces intentionally voluminous or deconstructed |
Comme des Garçons Play |
Runs small |
Slim Japanese sizing, especially t-shirts and cardigans |
Homme Plus |
True to size |
Tailored with European proportions |
CDG Shirt |
Runs small |
Shirts and jackets fit narrowly in shoulders and chest |
Black CDG |
True to size |
Structured pieces, accurate EU sizing with minimal stretch |
Note: Most Comme des Garçons items use Japanese or French sizing, which can differ substantially from UK and US systems. Always check garment measurements — or better yet, use Tellar.
International Size Guide for Comme des Garçons
Tops (T-Shirts, Shirts, Jackets)
JP Size |
EU Size |
UK Size (Men) |
UK Size (Women) |
US Size |
---|---|---|---|---|
S |
44–46 |
34–36 |
6–8 |
XS |
M |
48–50 |
38–40 |
10–12 |
S–M |
L |
52 |
42 |
14–16 |
M–L |
XL |
54+ |
44+ |
18+ |
XL |
Sizing Issues Most Customers Encounter
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Play T-shirts run very small, particularly in the arms and chest
-
Blazers and shirts from CDG Shirt often require sizing up for broader builds
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Avant-garde silhouettes are not always designed to conform to body shape
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Coats and outerwear can run large or boxy — intentionally so
Real Customer Feedback
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“The Play tee runs two sizes small. I'm a UK M, but needed an XL.”
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“CDG Shirt blazers are amazing quality, but shoulders are narrow.”
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“Mainline jackets are enormous — definitely part of the look, not a mistake.”
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“Would’ve saved time if I’d just measured and used Tellar first.”
Why Guessing Doesn’t Work with Comme des Garçons
Because of the experimental, artistic nature of CDG design, standard UK sizing often doesn’t apply. That’s why you should never guess your size based on labels alone.
Fabric choice, cut intention, and regional grading all affect fit. Enter Tellar.co.uk — the easiest way to get it right.
What Is Tellar.co.uk?
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s smartest free sizing tool, helping you find the perfect fit in Comme des Garçons and 1,500+ other brands — in just 60 seconds.
How It Works:
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Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements
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Tellar matches your measurements to CDG’s fit data
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See fit notes (e.g. “Play T-shirt runs slim; size up for UK Medium equivalent”)
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Save your profile and use it across all your favourite brands
📏 Create your free profile here
🎁 Every user gets a free measuring tape delivered by post
Why Use Tellar for Comme des Garçons?
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✅ Prevents costly sizing mistakes on avant-garde or slim-fit pieces
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✅ Accounts for Japanese and EU sizing differences
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✅ Considers fabric behaviour and construction
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✅ Matches your body data to brand-specific charts
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✅ One-time setup — access your size profile anytime, anywhere
It’s free. It’s accurate. And it takes less than a minute.
Tellar Fit Example: Comme des Garçons Play
Let’s say your measurements are:
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Chest: 96 cm
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Waist: 82 cm
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Hips: 100 cm
You want to buy a CDG Play heart logo T-shirt, usually labelled as size M (Japan sizing).
Tellar result:
“Play tees run small. Based on your chest size, recommended: Size L or XL JP (EU 50–52 / UK 40–42) for comfort.”
Related Reading on Tellar.co.uk
See the full Tellar Blog here for more size science.
Final Verdict: Does Comme des Garçons Run Big or Small?
Collection |
Fit Verdict |
Tellar Sizing Advice |
---|---|---|
Mainline CDG |
Oversized |
Use body data to confirm shape vs label |
CDG Play |
Runs small |
Size up 1–2 sizes from UK standard |
Homme Plus |
True to size |
Tailored fit — use chest/shoulder metrics |
CDG Shirt |
Runs small |
Narrow in shoulder — size up if broad build |
Black Comme des Garçons |
True to size |
Accurate to EU measurements |
Call to Action
Don’t risk returns or misfits with Comme des Garçons.
Instead, use Tellar.co.uk to:
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✅ Get a brand-specific size match instantly
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✅ Compare CDG’s Japanese and European sizing to your measurements
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✅ Save time and shop with confidence
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🎁 Receive a free measuring tape just for signing up
➡️ Click here to find your Comme des Garçons size
➡️ Use Tellar’s Store Lookup Tool
Follow Tellar.co.uk on Socials
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Pinterest: TellarSizing
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Facebook: TellarSizing
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Twitter (X): @TellarSizing
Final Word
Comme des Garçons designs challenge convention — and so does their sizing. Whether you’re shopping Play basics, mainline runway pieces, or Homme Plus tailoring, Tellar.co.uk ensures your size is never left to guesswork.
It’s free, it’s quick, and it works across all your favourite brands.