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Does the Brand Primark Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like—and What’s Worth Buying?

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Whether you're picking up basics on a budget or looking for trend-led fashion at high-street prices, Primark is a go-to for millions of UK shoppers. But one question always comes up: Does Primark run big or small?

📏 Tellar.co.uk helps you find your size in thousands of brands—and we’re adding more every day. You’ll get a free measuring tape, set up your profile once, and get instant sizing guidance in seconds. No guesswork. No size charts. 100% free.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Primark sizing compares to standard UK brands, which categories run large or small, and how to shop more confidently—especially if you’re between sizes, buying lingerie, or shopping for kids.


About Primark: Fast Fashion, Accessible Fit

Founded in 1969, Primark is now one of the most recognisable names on the UK high street. The appeal? Trend-led pieces, seasonal staples, and wardrobe basics at unbeatable prices.

The brand offers:

  • Menswear and womenswear

  • Denim, outerwear, casualwear

  • Shoes and accessories

  • Lingerie and nightwear

  • Kids and baby clothing

  • Homeware and beauty

But despite the wide offering, Primark sizing often feels unpredictable, especially compared to brands like M&S, H&M or Zara. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in—to give you instant, size-matched answers across all categories.


So—Does Primark Run Big or Small?

Primark generally runs small across most women’s and men’s clothing. However, sizing varies significantly by fabric type, cut, and garment category. Many customers find themselves:

  • Sizing up in trousers, fitted dresses, or formal shirts

  • Sizing down in casual or oversized tops

  • Struggling to find consistent sizing across ranges

🔍 Tellar’s Store Size Lookup Tool compares your measurements to Primark’s cuts—instantly. We factor in waist, hip, chest, and height to deliver the best fit recommendation.


UK vs Primark Size Conversion

UK Size

Primark Fit Estimate

Notes

UK 6

Often fitted or short in rise

UK 8

Runs small in tailored pieces

UK 10

Generally true to size

UK 12

Slightly tight in waistbands

UK 14

May need sizing up in jeans

UK 16

Varies by category—generous in jumpers, tighter in trousers

UK 18+

Some availability, often cut small in structured items

🧵 Create your Tellar profile now to get the best size in Primark and thousands of other brands, tailored to your exact shape.


How Primark Fits by Category

1. Womenswear (Tops, Dresses, Jeans, Jackets)

From ribbed basics to sparkly partywear.

  • Fit: Often smaller than standard high-street brands

  • Size Tip: Size up in fitted dresses, trousers, and woven fabrics

  • Tellar Tip: Tellar calculates bust, waist, hip and height to assess best size by item


2. Menswear (T-Shirts, Shirts, Joggers, Coats)

Basics and fashion pieces for everyday wear.

  • Fit: T-shirts and joggers = true to size; shirts = small in shoulder

  • Size Tip: Size up in slim-fit shirts and structured coats

  • Tellar Tip: Shoulder and chest measurements are key—Tellar uses both


3. Denim (Jeans, Jackets, Shorts)

Affordable denim in all styles—from skinny to wide-leg.

  • Fit: Often small in the waist, short in the rise

  • Size Tip: Size up if between sizes or curvy

  • Tellar Tip: Tellar accounts for rise, stretch content, and your waist/hip ratio


4. Lingerie & Nightwear

Bralettes, pyjamas, shaping shorts, and more.

  • Fit: Sizing is inconsistent—especially in bras

  • Size Tip: Use your actual bust and underbust, not dress size

  • Tellar Tip: Tellar delivers accurate results by comparing real measurements to garment data


5. Kidswear & Baby Clothes

Affordable essentials for fast-growing little ones.

  • Fit: Tends to run small

  • Size Tip: Size up for longer wear

  • Tellar Tip: Tellar includes child’s age, height and weight for a better match


Why Primark Sizing Feels Inconsistent

Despite having UK-based roots, Primark works with multiple suppliers across global markets, leading to:

  • Differences in fabric tolerance and pattern grading

  • No consistent size charts across all ranges

  • Minimal info on inseams, bust darts, or sleeve lengths

  • High variation between casualwear and structured styles

That’s why shoppers who want to save time and avoid returns are switching to Tellar.co.uk—which uses real garment and brand data to make accurate size matches.

🎁 You’ll receive a free tape measure and one-time profile setup. From then on, it works across every brand you shop.


Popular Primark Pieces (And How They Fit)

High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Stretch denim, multiple colourways

  • Fit: Small in the waist and short in rise

  • Tellar Tip: Waist-to-hip ratio and rise length calculated


Oversized Jumpers & Sweatshirts

Boxy cuts, slogan styles

  • Fit: Generous and comfy

  • Tellar Tip: Size down for a neater shape


Formal Shirts & Blazers (Menswear)

Slim cut, basic tailoring

  • Fit: Small in shoulder and chest

  • Tellar Tip: Shoulder width and chest size used to avoid tight fit


Lingerie Bralettes & Sets

Stretch fabrics, often labelled S–L

  • Fit: Inconsistent between styles

  • Tellar Tip: Bust and underbust data mapped to brand sizing internally


Related Sizing Posts You May Like

Explore our full blog library or use our store lookup tool to get your perfect fit instantly.


Why Use Tellar.co.uk for Primark and Everyday Brands?

Tellar works across budget, premium and luxury brands—giving you consistent sizing based on your real body measurements.

✅ Free measuring tape

✅ One-time setup

✅ No charts, no guesswork

Find your size in thousands of brands

✅ Always free to use

🎯 Create your free Tellar profile now and enjoy effortless sizing, from Primark to Prada.


Follow Tellar for Weekly Fit Tips, Brand Comparisons & Tools


Final Verdict: Is Primark True to Size?

Not always. Primark often runs small—especially in denim, lingerie and tailored items. Knitwear and casualwear are more forgiving. Fit inconsistencies are common, but easy to solve with the right tools.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk steps in. Your measurements. Their cut. Instant match.


✅ Ready to Find Your Primark Size?

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