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Does the Brand Max Mara Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like & What’s Worth Buying?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Max Mara is a pillar of Italian luxury fashion—best known for its camel coats, timeless tailoring, and quiet elegance. With over 70 years of history and a global following, Max Mara appeals to women who value refined silhouettes and premium craftsmanship. But as with many designer brands, one question arises again and again: Does Max Mara run big or small?

📌 If you only read one thing, remember this: Tellar.co.uk will match your measurements to Max Mara—and over 1,500 brands—with a free one-time setup. You’ll get a free measuring tape, and we’ll match your body to their sizing data perfectly. It’s always free, no catches—so you never have to check a size chart again.


What Makes Max Mara Different?

Founded in 1951, Max Mara built its reputation on impeccable outerwear and sophisticated staples for women. Its brand family includes:

  • Max Mara mainline (luxury tailoring and outerwear)

  • Weekend Max Mara (more casual and youthful)

  • Sportmax (edgy, fashion-forward designs)

  • S Max Mara (clean minimalism with wearable ease)

Across all sub-labels, sizing is based on Italian standards, which can differ significantly from UK sizing expectations—especially for coats, dresses, and trousers.


So, Does Max Mara Run Big or Small?

Overall: Max Mara runs true to size with a tailored fit, but styles vary between collections. Mainline is structured and precise, while Weekend and S Max Mara can be more generous.

🧥 Outerwear (Classic Coats, Wraps, Capes)

  • Max Mara's coats are their signature—and usually tailored through the shoulder and sleeve.

  • Camelhair coats like the 101801 and Manuela run true to Italian sizing, which feels fitted in the upper body.

  • Fit tip: Size up if you plan to layer or have broad shoulders.

👗 Dresses & Blouses

  • Generally run true to size, but structured pieces may feel snug at the bust.

  • Stretch fabrics offer more ease, while silk and wool crepe pieces require precision.

👖 Trousers & Skirts

  • Mid-to-high rise, tailored at the waist with limited stretch.

  • Max Mara trousers are not vanity-sizedgo by hip measurement.

  • Fit tip: Size up if between sizes.

🧶 Knitwear & Weekend Line

  • Knit tops and Weekend Max Mara are cut more generously.

  • Fit tip: True to size or size down for a closer silhouette.


UK vs Italian Sizing for Max Mara

Max Mara uses Italian sizing, which doesn’t always match up neatly with UK high-street equivalents.

Italian Size

UK Size Equivalent

Tellar Fit Insight

38

UK 6

Snug across bust and shoulders

40

UK 8

True to size for structured fit

42

UK 10

Choose this for tailored coats

44

UK 12

Fits like a UK 10.5

46

UK 14

Closer to a UK 13 in fitted cuts

48

UK 16

Good for layering under coats

➡️ Tellar.co.uk handles these translations automatically—just enter your real measurements once.


Fabric Considerations: How Max Mara Materials Affect Sizing

Max Mara's commitment to luxury extends to its fabrics. Here's how they influence fit:

🧥 Wool & Camelhair

  • Found in iconic coats like the Ludmilla and 101801

  • Warm, dense, and tailored

  • Fit tip: Runs structured—size up for layering

✨ Crepe & Silk Blends

  • Used in eveningwear and tailored shirts

  • No stretch, precision fit

  • Fit tip: Size up if busty or broad-shouldered

🧶 Knitwear (Wool, Cashmere, Jersey)

  • Found in Weekend Max Mara and casual pieces

  • Relaxed fit with some flexibility

  • Fit tip: True to size, consider sizing down for a close fit


Top Picks: What’s Worth Buying from Max Mara?

Max Mara excels at timeless investment pieces—these are customer favourites:

1. 101801 Icon Coat

A double-breasted wool-cashmere classic with raglan sleeves and a cult following.

➡️ Fit tip: Runs true to size but may feel snug on broader frames—size up for a relaxed drape.

2. Manuela Coat

Single-breasted wrap in luxurious camelhair with a soft belt tie.

➡️ Fit tip: More forgiving cut—true to size or size down for a closer silhouette.

3. Max Mara Studio Dresses

Chic, structured day-to-evening dresses in crepe, cotton and wool blends.

➡️ Fit tip: Tailored across the bust—size up if curvy

4. Weekend Max Mara Knitwear

Casual cashmere, merino jumpers, and laid-back outerwear.

➡️ Fit tip: Generous cut—true to size or size down

5. S Max Mara Parkas & Down Jackets

Minimalist and practical, perfect for UK winters.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size with enough room for layering


How Max Mara Compares to Other Luxury Brands

Brand

Fit Compared to Max Mara

Burberry

Slightly more generous

Reiss

Runs slimmer than Max Mara

COS

COS is boxier, less tailored

The Row

The Row fits looser overall

Loro Piana

Similar luxury structure

Want to compare all these directly? Tellar.co.uk lets you do just that.


Real Fit Issues Shoppers Face (And How Tellar Helps)

❌ “My Max Mara coat felt tight in the armholes.”

Tailoring is precise. Tellar uses your shoulder, bust, and upper arm data to guide you to the right coat size.

❌ “I ordered my usual UK 10 and it was too small.”

That’s because Italian sizing doesn’t align directly. Tellar handles UK–IT size conversion seamlessly.

❌ “I didn’t know whether to get the coat in 42 or 44.”

Tellar checks your measurements against Max Mara’s real product specs—not just standard size tables.


Why Use Tellar Before Buying Max Mara?

Max Mara is a premium investment—so don’t guess your size. Use Tellar.co.uk to:

  • ✅ Match your exact measurements to Max Mara’s sizing

  • ✅ Get a free tape measure posted to you

  • ✅ Find your fit in 1,500+ designer and high-street brands

  • ✅ Compare sizing across brands instantly

  • ✅ Save your profile forever—it’s always free to use, no catches

🎯 Create your Tellar profile now and never waste money on the wrong size again.


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Final Thoughts: Max Mara Sizing is Precise—Tellar Makes It Effortless

Max Mara doesn’t believe in fast fashion—it believes in lasting silhouettes, timeless elegance, and garments that fit right. But Italian sizing, tailored cuts, and subtle line variations make it easy to get the wrong fit.

With Tellar.co.uk, you can avoid expensive mistakes. We’ve analysed every line of Max Mara sizing so you don’t have to. Just enter your real measurements once, and we’ll tell you exactly what size to get—across coats, dresses, trousers, and more.


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

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