How Does Sizing Vary by Store for Work Suits?

Work suit sizing varies dramatically between stores, with some brands running a full size smaller than others, making it essential to know each retailer's fit profile before you buy. I've spent years fitting women for professional wardrobes, and I can tell you that a size 12 blazer from one high street store can fit like a 10 or a 14 from another—it's genuinely that inconsistent. The frustration of ordering online, only to find the shoulders are too tight or the waist gapes, is something I hear about constantly. Understanding these sizing quirks isn't just about convenience; it's about feeling confident and powerful in your workwear.

Why Work Suit Sizing Is So Inconsistent

The reality is that each brand targets a different fit model and customer demographic. Some brands are designed with more generous proportions through the bust and hips, whilst others create a slimmer, more Continental fit. Manufacturing in different countries also means sizing charts follow different standards—UK sizing doesn't always translate neatly to the European or American sizing systems many brands now use.

Work suits present particular challenges because they need to fit multiple body areas precisely: shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. A dress might forgive a slight sizing discrepancy, but a structured blazer won't. I always tell my clients that trying before buying is ideal, but when that's not possible, knowing your measurements and each brand's sizing tendencies becomes absolutely crucial.

High Street Heroes: Reliable Options

Zara tends to run small and quite fitted, especially through the shoulders and arms. Their suits work beautifully if you have a slim, athletic build, but size up if you're between sizes or prefer a more relaxed fit. The quality for the price point is excellent.

Mango offers a more generous cut than Zara, with their Committedline doing particularly well for structured work blazers. I find their sizing more consistent with UK standards, making them a safer bet for online ordering.

Reiss creates beautifully tailored suits that run true to size, though they're cut for a more streamlined silhouette. Their blazers have excellent shoulder construction and the trousers sit perfectly on the waist without gaping—definitely worth the investment.

Whistles is my go-to recommendation for petite to average height women. Their proportions are spot-on for UK sizes 8-14, with slightly shorter jacket lengths that don't overwhelm a smaller frame. Sizing is accurate and consistent.

Jigsaw runs slightly generous, which I actually love for workwear as it allows for layering. Their suits have a modern, relaxed elegance that works in contemporary offices. The fabric quality is superb for the price.

Hobbs is absolutely brilliant for classic tailoring. Sizing runs true to UK standards, and they offer regular, petite, and tall options. The quality of their wool-blend suits rivals far more expensive brands.

M&S has genuinely upped their suiting game. Their sizing is reliable and they offer multiple leg lengths in trousers. The quality at this price point is unbeatable, though styles can be slightly more conservative.

Premium Picks Worth the Investment

Massimo Dutti delivers Spanish elegance with sizing that runs a touch small. Their suits have a sophisticated European cut that works wonderfully for a polished, fashion-forward office look.

AllSaints creates edgier workwear with a rock-and-roll aesthetic. Sizing runs quite small, so I always recommend going up a size. The cuts are modern and slightly oversized, which is very current.

Me+Em is exceptional for modern professional women. Sizing is true to UK standards, and the fit is refined without being restrictive. These are investment pieces that work season after season.

Luxury & Designer Options

For those seeking top-tier quality, Hugo Boss delivers impeccable tailoring with sizing that runs true to European standards (typically one size smaller than UK). Their wool suits are investment pieces that last years. Max Mara represents the pinnacle of Italian tailoring—sizing runs small, so size up, but the quality and cut are unparalleled.

Independent Brands to Discover

Rag & Bone offers contemporary American tailoring with a cool, downtown aesthetic. Their blazers have a relaxed, slightly deconstructed feel that's perfect for creative industries. Sizing runs true to US standards (roughly UK sizing).

Ganni brings Scandinavian design to workwear with their tailored pieces featuring unexpected details and colours. Sizing is generous and relaxed—perfect for the modern professional who wants personality in their suiting.

My Expert Fitting Tips

Always measure yourself properly before ordering. You need your bust, waist, and hip measurements, plus your height for trouser length. Shoulders are the hardest part of a blazer to alter, so prioritise fit there—you can take in a waist, but you can't easily let out shoulders.

For trousers, look for brands that offer multiple leg lengths. A 'regular' length varies wildly between brands. If you're under 5'4", always check for petite options; over 5'9", seek out tall ranges.

Read reviews obsessively. Other customers will tell you if something runs small, large, or true to size. Pay attention to reviews from people with similar measurements to yours.

The Tellar Solution: Never Guess Your Size Again

This is exactly why I'm such an advocate for Tellar.co.uk—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body to over 1,500 brands instantly. Here's how brilliantly simple it is:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or simply input your existing size from a brand that fits you well.

Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether it's Reiss, Mango, AllSaints, or Hugo Boss. No more guessing, no more size charts that make no sense.

Always free, no downloads needed—it works entirely in your browser, which means you can check your size whilst browsing online or even in-store.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is also packed with free posts from experienced stylists like me. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free. We cover everything from style guidance to brand recommendations and fit solutions.