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:
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Everyday casualwear
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Smart-casual and formalwear
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Lingerie, hosiery and shapewear
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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:
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Great for curvier or fuller body types
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Generous hip and bust allowance in most items
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Petite and tall ranges help improve fit for different heights
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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
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Fit: Relaxed in casual styles, true to size in workwear.
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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
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Includes blazers, pencil skirts, and structured trousers.
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Fit: More accurate than fast fashion counterparts.
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Tip: Use Tellar to compare across brands like Hobbs or Massimo Dutti.
3. Jeans & Trousers
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Fit: M&S denim runs slightly generous at the waist; trousers often feature elastic inserts.
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Tip: Use waist and hip measurements rather than relying on your standard jeans size.
4. Tops & Knitwear
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Fit: Consistently roomy, especially in jersey and relaxed knits.
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Tip: Consider sizing down if between sizes.
5. Lingerie
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Famous for fit consistency, but not all bras are created equal.
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Fit: T-shirt bras are reliably sized; push-ups and minimisers may feel tight.
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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
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M&S’s premium collection, known for flattering silhouettes and quality finishes.
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Fit: Tailored and true to size.
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Tip: Great for workwear wardrobes—use Tellar to match bust/shoulder fit precisely.
✦ Goodmove Activewear
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Affordable gym wear that’s surprisingly stylish and practical.
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Fit: Often stretchy and forgiving.
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Tip: Size down if you prefer compression.
✦ Per Una and Soft Touch Ranges
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Softer cuts and flowy designs for day-to-day dressing.
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Fit: Generous; many shoppers recommend sizing down.
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Tip: Use Tellar’s hip-to-waist tool to refine your size.
✦ Bras and Lingerie
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M&S is one of the UK’s most trusted bra fitters.
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Fit: Consistent for band sizes, variable for cup style.
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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
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
🎯 Want to know your M&S size in jeans, blazers, bras or dresses?
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No more guessing. No more size chart confusion.
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