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Does the Brand Nike 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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Nike is arguably the world’s most iconic sportswear brand—trusted by elite athletes, gym-goers, streetwear fans and style seekers alike. From the classic Air Force 1 to Dri-FIT leggings, oversized hoodies to tech fleeces, Nike has something for everyone. But when it comes to clothing and footwear, a common question remains: Does Nike run big or small?

📌 Here’s the shortcut: Tellar.co.uk matches your exact body measurements to Nike—and over 1,500 other brands—with a quick, free setup. You’ll receive a free tape measure, and we’ve already analysed Nike’s sizing data—so you never have to guess or rely on generic size charts again.


Why Sizing Matters for Nike

Nike sells across multiple categories, including:

  • Activewear (gym leggings, tanks, running jackets)

  • Lifestyle streetwear (hoodies, joggers, tech fleece sets)

  • Performance footwear (trainers, football boots, running shoes)

  • Athleisure collaborations and limited-edition collections

Each of these uses different cuts and fabrics—so the sizing can vary more than you’d expect.


So, Does Nike Run Big or Small?

In general:

  • Nike clothing runs true to size, with a slightly athletic fit

  • Nike women’s leggings and tops run small, especially in compression ranges

  • Nike footwear runs slightly small, especially in running shoes and Air Force models

Let’s break it down further:


👟 Nike Footwear:

  • Air Force 1: Slightly small—especially in women’s sizes

  • Pegasus & running shoes: Narrow in width

  • Blazers & lifestyle sneakers: True to size, but stiff at first

  • Fit tip: Size up by 0.5 if you have wide feet or are between sizes


🧥 Nike Tops (Men & Women):

  • T-shirts and long sleeves: True to size, slightly athletic cut

  • Oversized hoodies: Designed to be roomy—true to size or size down

  • Compression tops (Pro range): Run small—size up for comfort


👖 Nike Bottoms:

  • Dri-FIT leggings (Women): Compression fit—run small

  • Joggers and tracksuits (Men): True to size with tapered leg

  • Shorts (All): Running and gym shorts may be cut short or high-rise

  • Fit tip: Use Tellar for waist/hip ratio—especially in leggings


Nike’s Fit Philosophy: Athletic Cut = Less Room

Nike designs many of its products with athletic body proportions in mind, especially in performance lines. That means:

  • Broader shoulders in men's tops

  • Narrower waists and longer inseams

  • Compression fits in gym leggings and sports bras

  • Narrow or curved toe-box in many shoes

📏 That’s why Tellar.co.uk adjusts sizing not just by chest/waist, but by body shape and intent (relaxed fit vs performance).


Nike Size Guide vs UK Sizing

Nike uses standard UK sizing for clothing and US/UK/EU sizing for shoes, but it doesn’t always translate consistently.

UK Women’s Size

Nike Fit Insight

6–8

Tight in Dri-FIT and compression tops

10–12

True to size in relaxed cuts

14+

Some styles stop at XL or 1X only—check before buying

UK Men’s Size

Nike Fit Insight

S (34–36 chest)

Slim fit across chest and shoulders

M (38–40)

True to size in hoodies and tracksuits

L+

May need to size up in compression tops or slim joggers

🎯 Use Tellar now to get the perfect Nike fit without relying on trial and error.


Bestselling Nike Items & How They Fit

1. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Leggings (Women)

High-compression, sculpted fit. Best for training.

➡️ Fit tip: Runs small—size up for less squeeze. Use Tellar for waist-to-hip proportion.


2. Tech Fleece Joggers (Men & Women)

Streamlined and tapered. Premium streetwear appeal.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size—but tight through calves.


3. Oversized Hoodie

Relaxed and soft, ideal for layering.

➡️ Fit tip: Roomy—size down if you want a cleaner silhouette.


4. Air Force 1 Trainers

Classic staple—but often runs small, especially for women.

➡️ Fit tip: Size up half a size for long-term comfort.


5. Nike Pegasus Running Shoes

Performance-focused, lightweight and snug.

➡️ Fit tip: Tight at the toe—size up if wide-footed or distance running


How Nike Compares to Other Sportswear Brands

Brand

Fit Compared to Nike

Adidas

Adidas runs wider in footwear

Puma

Puma has looser cuts in hoodies

Gymshark

Gymshark leggings run even tighter

ASOS 4505

ASOS activewear fits roomier overall

Reebok

Reebok’s cuts are boxier and more forgiving

🧠 Tellar.co.uk lets you compare all of these brands instantly using your saved profile.


Common Nike Fit Complaints (And How Tellar Fixes Them)

❌ “My leggings wouldn’t go past my thighs.”

Tellar analyses waist and hip ratio to avoid compression fit errors.

❌ “I ordered my shoe size but they were too narrow.”

Tellar shows brand-specific width fit—especially important in athletic footwear.

❌ “The hoodie looked relaxed online but was too baggy on me.”

Tellar checks your height and chest to ensure oversized fits won’t overwhelm your frame.


Why Use Tellar Before Buying Nike?

Nike sizing varies across categories—streetwear hoodies don’t fit like compression leggings or trainers. Tellar.co.uk cuts through the confusion:

  • ✅ Enter your waist, chest, hip, foot length & height once

  • ✅ Get your size in Nike and 1,500+ other brands instantly

  • ✅ Receive a free soft tape measure in the post

  • ✅ Compare Nike sizing to Adidas, Puma, Gymshark & more

  • ✅ 100% free—no upsells, no payment required

🎯 Create your free Tellar profile now


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Final Thoughts: Nike Runs True—But Performance Gear is Tighter by Design

Nike offers consistent sizing across many categories, but compression gear, running shoes, and sculpted fits can run small. If you're curvier, taller, wider-footed or between sizes—it’s easy to get caught out.

Let Tellar.co.uk handle it. We’ve measured the margins, mapped the styles, and matched thousands of shoppers with their exact Nike fit—so you don’t have to guess again.


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

🎯 Use Tellar Now