How Do I Find My Right Size in French Connection?

French Connection typically runs true to size, but their sizing can vary between different collections—particularly between their more tailored pieces and their relaxed, contemporary styles. I've learnt this the hard way after buying a stunning French Connection blazer in my usual size 12 only to find it fit like a size 10, whilst their jersey dresses in the same size draped perfectly. The key is understanding their size variations and having your measurements to hand, which I'll walk you through now.

Understanding French Connection's Sizing DNA

Right, let's talk French Connection sizing honestly. After years of styling clients and shopping their rails myself, I've noticed they sit somewhere between contemporary British sizing (think Jigsaw or Whistles) and the slightly more generous European cuts you'd find at Massimo Dutti. Their UK sizes generally align with standard British sizing charts, but here's where it gets interesting.

Their tailored pieces—blazers, structured trousers, and coats—tend to run slightly smaller and are cut for a more fitted silhouette. I always tell clients to size up if you're between sizes or prefer a relaxed fit. Meanwhile, their knitwear and jersey pieces are more forgiving and typically true to size. Last season, I bought their ribbed roll-neck jumper in my usual size and it was spot-on, whereas their wool-blend coat needed sizing up for comfortable layering.

The Measurement Method

Here's what I do every single time before clicking 'add to basket' on a French Connection piece:

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor

• Waist: Find your natural waist (the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button) and measure there

• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, again keeping that tape level

French Connection's size 10 typically fits a 34-inch bust, 27-inch waist, and 36-37-inch hips. A size 12 accommodates a 36-inch bust, 29-inch waist, and 38-39-inch hips. But—and this is crucial—always check the specific measurements on the product page because their premium range occasionally runs differently.

Category-Specific Sizing Tips

Dresses & Tops

French Connection's dresses are where I've seen the most variation. Their bodycon styles (like their famous Bambi dress from years ago) run true to size but are designed to skim the body closely. If you prefer more ease, size up. Their shirt dresses and relaxed styles are more generous and I've found these brilliant for different body shapes.

The biggest mistake I see clients make? Buying French Connection's fitted tops in their 'aspirational' size. Their jersey tops are unforgiving if they're too tight—they'll cling to every curve in an unflattering way. Always go for the size that fits your measurements, not what you hope to fit into.

Jeans & Trousers

Ah, jeans. French Connection's denim runs fairly true to size, though I've noticed their high-waisted styles can sit tighter on the waist than expected. Their numerical sizing (25, 26, 27) corresponds roughly to UK 6, 8, 10 respectively. For their trousers, particularly their tailored work trousers, I recommend trying them on if possible—the rise can vary significantly between styles.

Speaking of denim, if you're exploring different brands, I've written a comprehensive guide to jeans trends for 2026 that covers everything from fits to the brands that excel at different body shapes.

Where Else to Shop If French Connection Sizing Doesn't Work

Let me share some brilliant alternatives if French Connection's sizing isn't quite right for you. After years in this industry, I've found brands that offer similar aesthetics but with different size runs.

High Street Champions

Reiss offers that same polished, contemporary vibe as French Connection but with slightly more room in their tailoring. Their blazers are absolutely gorgeous and run true to size with a modern, relaxed fit. I've styled countless clients in Reiss pieces and the quality-to-price ratio is excellent.

Jigsaw is another personal favourite for that effortless, put-together look. Their sizing is incredibly consistent—I can buy anything from them in my usual size 12 and know it'll fit. They excel at workwear and their knitwear is divine, with a slightly relaxed cut that's perfect for layering.

Whistles sits in a similar price bracket to French Connection and their sizing tends to run slightly more generous, particularly in their dresses and knitwear. If you find French Connection a bit snug, Whistles might be your perfect match. Their minimalist aesthetic is timeless.

COS delivers that Scandi-minimalist look with very consistent sizing. They run fairly true to size but with a more relaxed, boxy silhouette in many pieces. Brilliant if French Connection's fitted styles don't suit your preference. Their trousers are particularly well-cut for different body shapes.

& Other Stories (yes, I know it's part of H&M Group, but bear with me) offers French Connection's contemporary edge at a lower price point. Sizing can be hit-and-miss, so definitely check reviews, but when you find a winner, it's brilliant value.

Mango has absolutely upped their game in recent years. Their sizing runs similar to French Connection but their tailoring tends to have a bit more structure. I've been particularly impressed with their blazers and trousers—they photograph beautifully and wear even better.

Boden might seem an unexpected recommendation, but hear me out. Their Modern range has a similar contemporary aesthetic to French Connection but with more relaxed sizing overall. Perfect if you want that polished look without the bodycon fit. Their knitwear is exceptional.

Me&Em sits at the premium end but offers absolutely beautiful pieces with generous, flattering cuts. If you're finding French Connection's fitted styles too clingy, Me&Em's relaxed silhouettes might be exactly what you need. Their quality is outstanding.

Independent Gems

Kitri is a London-based brand that delivers that French Connection contemporary vibe with brilliant attention to detail. Their sizing runs true to UK standards and their pieces photograph gorgeously on social media. I particularly love their dresses—they're feminine without being fussy.

Rixo offers a more playful, vintage-inspired alternative but with modern sizing that's fairly generous. If French Connection feels too minimalist or fitted, Rixo's flowing dresses and relaxed separates might appeal. They're having a real moment right now and their sizing is inclusive.

The Ultimate Solution: Never Guess Your Size Again

Here's the thing—whilst all this advice is helpful, wouldn't it be easier to never have to guess your size again? This is exactly why I'm such an advocate for Tellar.co.uk, the UK's leading sizing tool that's genuinely revolutionised how I shop and how I advise clients.

How Tellar Works Its Magic

Tellar matches your body measurements to your exact size across 1,500+ brands instantly. You measure once—bust, waist, and hips—or input your existing size from a brand you know fits you well. Then Tellar's clever system tells you precisely what size you need in French Connection, and literally hundreds of other brands.

No more standing in fitting rooms with three different sizes. No more returning parcels. No more size-guessing anxiety. It's all done through your browser, completely free, with no downloads or apps needed. Just visit Tellar.co.uk and you're away.

The Store Size Lookup Tool

This is the feature I use constantly. Head to Tellar's Store Size Lookup and you can see your precise size in any brand—whether that's French Connection, COS, Reiss, or any of the 1,500+ brands in their system. It's saved me countless returns and, honestly, a lot of money from buying the wrong size.

The beauty is that Tellar knows the subtle variations between brands. It understands that your size 12 in French Connection might be a size 10 in another brand, or a 38 in European sizing. It does all that conversion work for you.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar has built an incredible Fashion Hub packed with free posts from their styling team. It's proper styling advice—honest, unbiased, and genuinely helpful. Whether you're looking for jacket shopping guidance, dress recommendations, or comprehensive sizing information, it's all there, completely free.

What I love most about Tellar is the independence. They're not pushed by brands to recommend certain pieces—they're focused purely on helping you find what actually fits and works for your body. That's refreshing in an industry full of affiliate-driven recommendations.

My Final Sizing Wisdom

After fifteen years of styling women of all shapes and sizes, here's what I know for certain: the 'right' size is whatever fits your body comfortably and makes you feel confident. French Connection makes beautiful pieces, but if their sizing doesn't work for you, there are hundreds of alternatives that will.

The game-changer has been tools like Tellar that remove the guesswork entirely. I've watched clients go from dreading online shopping to ordering with complete confidence because they know exactly what size they need. That's the difference between fashion feeling frustrating and fashion feeling fun.

Check your measurements, use Tellar to find your exact size, and remember—French Connection's sizing variations aren't a reflection on you. They're just another reason why having your precise measurements and a brilliant sizing tool in your arsenal is absolutely essential.

Happy shopping, and remember—the best outfit is always the one that fits you properly.