Does the Brand Madewell Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like

Madewell, the American label famed for effortless denim, quality basics, and modern essentials, has fast become a go-to for UK shoppers looking for laid-back cool with premium finishes. But while their aesthetic is clean and casual, their sizing often raises questions: Does Madewell run big or small?

Tellar.co.uk matches your exact measurements to Madewell's sizing—and over 1,500 other brands. We’ve already analysed every sizing chart and fit review so you don’t have to. One quick (free) setup, a free measuring tape, and your perfect size recommendations are available whenever you shop. Always free, no catches.

In this sizing guide, we’ll break down how Madewell fits, how it compares to UK sizing, which product categories run large or small, and what’s worth buying. Whether you’re eyeing a pair of Perfect Vintage Jeans or a soft crewneck tee, this guide ensures you choose the right size every time.

The Madewell Aesthetic: Laid-Back, Functional, and Thoughtfully Made

Founded in 2006 by J.Crew, Madewell quickly gained cult status for its heritage denim, premium wardrobe staples, and ethically sourced materials. It’s a brand that celebrates casual polish—perfect for everyday wear without compromising on feel or durability.

Madewell pieces are designed with a relaxed American fit, but that doesn’t mean everything runs large. Sizing can vary widely by category and style cut, which often catches UK shoppers off guard.

So—Does Madewell Run Big or Small?

Madewell generally runs slightly large, especially compared to UK or EU brands. However, certain garments—particularly denim and structured tops—can run true to size or fitted, depending on the cut.

Key Fit Trends:

T-shirts & jumpers: Relaxed, roomy, longer in the torso
Denim: Runs large in waist; slim through the leg in certain styles
Dresses: Slightly generous in the waist and hips
Outerwear: Oversized cuts are common
Footwear: True to US sizing, slightly wide in fit

Because fit varies significantly by style (especially within denim collections), your best move is to check your personalised Madewell size on Tellar using your exact body measurements.

Madewell vs UK Sizing: Conversion Guide

UK Size	US Size	Madewell Fit Estimate	Notes
UK 6	US 2	XS	Tighter in jeans, roomy in tees
UK 8	US 4	S	Slightly relaxed
UK 10	US 6	M	Roomy fit in tops
UK 12	US 8	L	Denim may still need sizing down
UK 14	US 10	XL	Generous in most categories
UK 16	US 12	XXL	Limited availability in some lines

📏 Want exact sizing guidance based on your chest, waist, hips, and height? Create a free profile on Tellar.co.uk and we’ll match your measurements to Madewell’s cut—per item type.

Madewell Fit by Product Category

1. Denim (Jeans, Shorts, Skirts)

Madewell’s denim collection is their signature line—known for soft stretch, classic fits, and inclusive sizing.

Fit: Typically large at the waist, snug at the hip
Size Tip: Many shoppers recommend sizing down
Tellar Tip: Tellar considers waist-hip ratios and rise to give an exact match

🛍 Popular styles like The Perfect Vintage Jean and The Curvy High-Rise are best matched using Tellar’s jean-specific fit engine.

2. T-Shirts and Knitwear

Relaxed, breathable cotton staples with dropped shoulders and straight lines.

Fit: Relaxed, often oversized
Size Tip: Stick to your usual size for slouchy fit or size down for structure
Tellar Tip: Add your shoulder width to your profile for topwear accuracy

3. Dresses

From shirt dresses to tiered maxis, Madewell dresses are casual and wearable.

Fit: Often roomy in the waist and bust
Size Tip: True to size or slightly large
Tellar Tip: Bust-to-hip ratio helps fine-tune your dress size on Tellar

4. Trousers & Jumpsuits

Easy tailoring in cotton twill, denim, and wide-leg silhouettes.

Fit: High rise, roomy through leg, limited stretch
Size Tip: May feel snug at waist—check fit per style
Tellar Tip: Waist, hip, and thigh width are all factored into your result

5. Footwear

Loafers, boots, and trainers designed with soft leather and wide toes.

Fit: True to size, but wider than typical EU fit
Size Tip: Stick with usual UK-to-US conversion
Tellar Tip: Tellar converts based on foot width and shape

🥿 Check your Madewell shoe size in seconds—Tellar adjusts for width and sock thickness.

Why Madewell Sizing Confuses UK Shoppers

Madewell uses US numerical sizing, which doesn’t translate cleanly to UK high street equivalents. On top of that:

Their garments vary between structured and slouchy styles
Denim sizing differs between “Classic” and “Curvy” cuts
Outerwear and tees often feel oversized—even when labelled “true to size”

Rather than guess, Tellar.co.uk analyses Madewell’s actual garment data, not vague brand charts, and maps it to your exact body measurements.

✂️ We send you a free measuring tape, so you only need to measure once. From there, you’ll get instant, accurate size recommendations forever.

Why Use Tellar.co.uk for Madewell?

Madewell’s sizing is designed for the US market, but Tellar removes all doubt by giving you personalised recommendations based on your actual shape.

✅ Free measuring tape

✅ One quick setup

✅ 100% free

✅ Smart suggestions that consider cut, rise, fabric, and your shape

🧵 Whether it’s a high-rise jean or an oversized tee, Tellar.co.uk ensures you choose the right Madewell size—first time, every time.

Join the Tellar Community

Final Verdict: Is Madewell True to Size?

Mostly yes, but often runs large—especially in tops and denim.

If you prefer a fitted silhouette, you may want to size down in certain categories. But don’t risk getting it wrong.

🎁 Tellar.co.uk does all the hard work—matching your body to real Madewell sizing across every category.

✅ We’ve analysed the data.

✅ We’ve structured the sizes.

✅ You never need a size chart again.

✅ Ready to Find Your Madewell Size?

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

Does the Brand Madewell Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like—and What’s Worth Buying?