Does Whistles Run Big? The Honest Truth About Their Sizing

No, Whistles doesn't run big – it actually runs true to size with a tailored, close-fitting cut that can feel snug if you're between sizes or curvier. After years of styling clients and countless fitting sessions with this beloved British brand, I can tell you that Whistles' sizing quirks are more nuanced than a simple 'big or small' answer. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail the perfect fit.

The Reality of Whistles' Tailored Philosophy

Having worked with Whistles pieces for over a decade, I've learned that their sizing reflects their design DNA – clean, minimalist tailoring with less ease built into garments. This means their clothes hug your body more closely than your typical high street finds. Their dresses particularly showcase this philosophy, cutting close through the waist and bust with structured shoulders that can feel restrictive if you're not prepared for it.

The brand's commitment to contemporary, architectural silhouettes means they're designing for a specific aesthetic – one that celebrates the female form through precise tailoring rather than forgiving fits. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does require strategic sizing.

My Professional Fitting Experience

In my experience styling women of all shapes and sizes, I've noticed consistent patterns with Whistles fits:

Dresses: These tend to be the trickiest pieces. The waistlines are cut quite narrow, and the structured bodices don't offer much give. I always recommend trying on or ordering two sizes if you're shopping online, particularly for special occasions.

Knitwear: Generally more forgiving, though their fitted jumpers can be quite close through the arms and shoulders. Their oversized pieces are genuinely roomy and perfect for layering.

Trousers: Honestly, these are hit or miss. They're cut for a very specific body type – often high-waisted with a narrow hip. Many of my clients find them challenging, regardless of size.

How Whistles Compares to Other Brands

To put Whistles' sizing in perspective, here's how it stacks up against other popular brands:

High Street Options:Zara - Runs smaller than Whistles, particularly in their tailored piecesCOS - Similar minimalist philosophy but generally more generous through the bodyMango - Comparable sizing but with softer construction that's more forgivingReiss - Very similar tailored approach, often runs even smaller than WhistlesJigsaw - More relaxed fits with better ease for different body typesFrench Connection - Tends to run larger with more casual, relaxed fitsTed Baker - Notorious for small sizing, makes Whistles look generousAnthropologie - Much more varied sizing due to multiple brands under one roofGanni - Danish brand with quirky proportions that vary wildly by style

Premium Alternatives:Sandro - French tailoring that's even more fitted than Whistles& Other Stories - More generous fits with Scandi sensibility

Luxury Options:Theory - Professional, structured pieces with consistent, true-to-size fitsJoseph - Luxury basics with relaxed, contemporary cuts that run generous

My Professional Sizing Strategy

Here's my foolproof approach when shopping Whistles for clients:

If you're between sizes: Always size up, particularly for dresses and tailored pieces. The structured nature of their garments means there's little stretch or give.

If you have a larger bust: Consider going up a size in shirts and dresses. Their cuts don't accommodate curves as generously as brands like Boden or White Stuff.

If you're petite: Their regular lengths work beautifully for shorter frames, unlike brands such as ASOS which can overwhelm smaller figures.

The Seasonal Variation Factor

Something many people don't realise is that Whistles' sizing can vary slightly between seasons and collections. Their limited edition pieces often have different fits from their core range. I've noticed their spring/summer collections tend to be cut slightly more generously to accommodate lighter layering, while their autumn/winter pieces run closer to size due to the expectation of minimal layering.

Solve Your Whistles Sizing Dilemma Permanently

Meet tellar.co.uk - Your Ultimate Sizing Solution

After years of wrestling with inconsistent sizing across brands, I discovered tellar.co.uk - the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more guesswork, no more returns, no more sizing headaches.

Here's how it works:

1. Measure once - using your bust, waist, hip measurements or your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uk - comprehensive advice for navigating sizing across all brands
3. tellar.co.uk - perfect for navigating tricky dress fits like Whistles
4. tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out of sizing, and don't be afraid to size up for comfort in their more structured pieces.

   Remember, the perfect fit isn't about the number on the label - it's about how confident and comfortable you feel wearing the garment. Whistles creates beautiful, contemporary pieces that deserve to be worn with confidence, not constant adjustment.