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Does the Brand Marks & Spencer Run Big or Small, What Is Their Sizing Like?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Marks & Spencer (M&S) is one of Britain’s most recognisable high-street retailers, known for reliable quality, broad size ranges, and affordable wardrobe staples. From school uniforms to womenswear, tailoring to lingerie, M&S serves nearly every demographic—but the question remains: does M&S run big or small?

Before you scroll down, here’s what you need to know: Tellar.co.uk has analysed every single brand’s sizing data, including M&S. With a free measuring tape, a quick one-time setup, and instant access to sizing across 1,500+ brands, you’ll never have to check a size chart again.

Start now – create your free profile on Tellar. It’s always free, with no catches.


About Marks & Spencer: A British Retail Institution

Founded in 1884, Marks & Spencer has built a legacy of trust, comfort, and consistency. The brand spans multiple categories:

  • Everyday casualwear

  • Smart-casual and formalwear

  • Lingerie, hosiery and shapewear

  • Footwear, activewear and school clothing

In particular, M&S is known for inclusive sizing, often catering from UK size 6 to 24 across many lines. But this doesn’t mean all M&S pieces are sized the same.


So, Does M&S Run Big or Small?

Overall Verdict:

Marks & Spencer generally runs true to size, with some categories running slightly large, especially in looser fits or relaxed collections.

Here’s what that means in practice:

Category

Fit Feedback

Casualwear

Slightly generous

Tailoring

True to size

Lingerie

Reliable but varies by style

Denim

Can run large at the waist

Footwear

True to size with half-size options

Common Feedback:

  • Great for curvier or fuller body types

  • Generous hip and bust allowance in most items

  • Petite and tall ranges help improve fit for different heights

  • Less structured styles may feel roomy to shoppers used to slim-fit brands like Reiss or Zara

For exact sizing on trousers, skirts, bras, and more—use the Tellar Size Lookup Tool to match your measurements with M&S’s real fit data.


M&S Sizing by Product Category

1. Dresses

  • Fit: Relaxed in casual styles, true to size in workwear.

  • Tip: Stick to your regular UK size unless it’s a bodycon cut—then use your waist/bust ratio to determine fit.

2. Tailored Pieces

  • Includes blazers, pencil skirts, and structured trousers.

  • Fit: More accurate than fast fashion counterparts.

  • Tip: Use Tellar to compare across brands like Hobbs or Massimo Dutti.

3. Jeans & Trousers

  • Fit: M&S denim runs slightly generous at the waist; trousers often feature elastic inserts.

  • Tip: Use waist and hip measurements rather than relying on your standard jeans size.

4. Tops & Knitwear

  • Fit: Consistently roomy, especially in jersey and relaxed knits.

  • Tip: Consider sizing down if between sizes.

5. Lingerie

  • Famous for fit consistency, but not all bras are created equal.

  • Fit: T-shirt bras are reliably sized; push-ups and minimisers may feel tight.

  • Tip: Get your bust/band size right using Tellar’s measuring guide and tape.


How M&S Compares to Other High-Street Brands

Brand

Compared to M&S

Zara

Zara runs smaller

H&M

H&M is more variable

Reiss

Reiss is slimmer and more structured

White Stuff

Similar in fit, M&S more consistent

Next

Very similar overall

Want to explore more? Here are detailed sizing guides you’ll find useful:


M&S Highlights: What to Buy (and How They Fit)

Autograph Tailoring

  • M&S’s premium collection, known for flattering silhouettes and quality finishes.

  • Fit: Tailored and true to size.

  • Tip: Great for workwear wardrobes—use Tellar to match bust/shoulder fit precisely.

Goodmove Activewear

  • Affordable gym wear that’s surprisingly stylish and practical.

  • Fit: Often stretchy and forgiving.

  • Tip: Size down if you prefer compression.

Per Una and Soft Touch Ranges

  • Softer cuts and flowy designs for day-to-day dressing.

  • Fit: Generous; many shoppers recommend sizing down.

  • Tip: Use Tellar’s hip-to-waist tool to refine your size.

Bras and Lingerie

  • M&S is one of the UK’s most trusted bra fitters.

  • Fit: Consistent for band sizes, variable for cup style.

  • Tip: Use Tellar’s free tape to update your bust measurements.


Why Standard Size Charts Aren’t Enough

Even a reliable brand like M&S can have fluctuations across styles or seasonal collections. That’s where Tellar.co.uk changes everything.

Why Tellar Is the Smarter Way to Size:

✅ Uses your actual body measurements (bust, waist, hips)

✅ Includes a free measuring tape with every setup

✅ Matches you to 1,500+ brands, not just M&S

✅ Works in centimetres or inches

Completely free with no paywalls or gimmicks

Start in under 2 minutes → Tellar will do the rest


Related Fit Guides You’ll Find Helpful

Shopping across the UK high street or beyond? Explore these next:

Or explore the full Tellar Brand Sizing Blog Library.


Follow Tellar for Weekly Sizing Insights

Stay ahead of size shifts, trend analysis, and insider fit tips:


Final Thoughts: Is M&S True to Size?

Yes—for the most part. M&S is one of the most reliable UK brands when it comes to sizing. That said, fit can vary by category, and relaxed fits often feel oversized, especially compared to slimmer-cut brands.

For true confidence—whether buying bras, suits, or jeans—use Tellar.co.uk to get the right size first time.


Know Your M&S Size Instantly

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