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

Matalan is a go-to UK high-street retailer for affordable fashion, homeware, and everyday essentials. Known for trend-led collections at value prices, Matalan attracts a wide customer base—but like many multi-category retailers, their sizing can be inconsistent across departments. So how do you know if Matalan runs big or small? And how can you find your perfect fit every time?

Don’t waste time checking size charts—Tellar.co.uk has already analysed every single brand’s size data, including Matalan. With a free measuring tape, a quick one-time setup, and access to 1,500+ brands, you’ll get your exact fit every time.
Start now – create your free size profile – it’s always free, no catches.

What Makes Matalan Popular?

Founded in 1985, Matalan has over 230 stores across the UK, offering a mix of:

Everyday womenswear and menswear
Occasion pieces
School uniforms and kidswear
Footwear, lingerie and sportswear

Collections include in-house brands such as Papaya, Et Vous, Souluxe, and Be Beau, each with their own target fit and aesthetic—which can make sizing a challenge.

Does Matalan Run Big or Small?

Overall Verdict:

Matalan runs slightly large in most casualwear and knitwear categories. Tailored items (like trousers and fitted dresses) tend to be more true to size, while some pieces may feel inconsistent depending on the brand line (e.g., Papaya vs Et Vous).

Category	General Fit Guide
Casual tops	Generous and roomy
Knitwear	Often oversized or relaxed
Jeans/trousers	True to size with moderate stretch
Formalwear	Slightly small in the bust or waist
Lingerie	True to size but may lack support in larger sizes

Want to know exactly what size to choose? Use Tellar’s store lookup tool to find your correct Matalan fit in seconds.

Matalan Sizing by Collection

1. Papaya

Matalan’s main womenswear line.
Fit: Relaxed and casual. Papaya tops and dresses often run roomy.
Tip: If you’re between sizes, you may want to size down—especially in looser styles.

2. Et Vous

More formal, workwear and occasion-ready pieces.
Fit: More structured and true to size, but can feel snug across the bust.
Tip: Use Tellar’s bust-to-waist ratio calculator to avoid compression in the chest.

3. Be Beau

Youth-focused partywear and trend-led edits.
Fit: Slimmer and shorter than other collections.
Tip: Size up for a modest fit or longer length.

4. Souluxe (Activewear)

Budget-friendly fitness and athleisure pieces.
Fit: Reliable stretch and compression, fits true to size.
Tip: Size down if you want a tighter performance fit.

5. Denim

Jeans are cut mid- to high-rise with stretch fabrics.
Fit: Comfortable and often slightly generous at the waist.
Tip: Use waist and hip measurements via Tellar for precise sizing.

Real Feedback from Matalan Shoppers

“I always size down in Papaya—it’s flattering but roomy!”
“Et Vous blazers fit great through the shoulders but I needed a size up for the bust.”
“Their jeans are actually comfy and forgiving—rare on the high street.”

Matalan’s plus size and petite ranges are also more accessible than many competitors, and include thoughtful design features like longer hems and wider bust allowances.

How Matalan Sizing Compares to Other UK Brands

Brand	Compared to Matalan
Primark	Similar, but Matalan is more consistent
H&M	H&M is more fitted and variable
M&S	Similar in fit but M&S tailoring runs slimmer
Zara	Zara is tighter and shorter
George at Asda	Very similar in cut and stretch

Related Tellar sizing guides:

Primark Fit Guide
Marks & Spencer Fit Review
H&M Sizing Explained
Zara Size Breakdown

What to Buy from Matalan (and How It Fits)

✦ Papaya Day Dresses

Ideal for everyday wear, family events, or holidays.
Fit: Relaxed and forgiving.
Tip: Choose your smaller size if you want more shape.

✦ Et Vous Blazers and Skirts

Good for smart-casual or office wear.
Fit: Structured with narrow waist tailoring.
Tip: Tellar’s bust/waist guide will help you get this right.

✦ Souluxe Leggings and Tops

Surprisingly high-performance for the price point.
Fit: Stretchy and true to size.
Tip: Great for gym beginners or yoga.

✦ Footwear

Matalan shoes are fashion-led and mostly standard fit.
Fit: True to size, but not suitable for wide feet in all styles.

Why Size Charts Aren’t Enough for Matalan

Because Matalan stocks multiple sub-brands, each with its own design ethos, size charts alone aren’t reliable. That’s why Tellar.co.uk uses real measurements to determine what size you actually need.

Why Tellar Works:

✅ One-time setup using real body measurements

✅ Comes with a free measuring tape

✅ Covers 1,500+ fashion brands, including Matalan

✅ Converts sizing between UK, EU, and US systems

✅ Works in cm or inches

✅ Always free, with no paywall or subscription

Say goodbye to size chart confusion → Try Tellar now

Related Brand Fit Guides

If you like Matalan, you might also shop:

Marks & Spencer Fit Guide
Primark: Big or Small?
Next Sizing Overview
George at Asda Fit Review

See the full Tellar Sizing Blog Library for hundreds more brands.

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Final Verdict: Is Matalan True to Size?

Mostly, yes. Matalan is one of the more consistent high-street brands when it comes to casual and knitwear fits, though tailoring and partywear can run small depending on the sub-label.

The easiest way to shop confidently? Use Tellar.co.uk—we’ve already done the measuring, so you don’t have to.

Know Your Matalan Size Before You Shop

🎯 Want your Matalan size based on your real chest, waist and hips?

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