How to Find Your Perfect Fit at Aje

TELLAR FASHION HUB · BRAND SIZING GUIDES

By Ella Blake · Tellar Fashion Stylist

Aje runs small — and honestly, knowing that one simple fact before you order could save you a very expensive return.

If you've been eyeing up an Aje piece and wondering whether to go with your usual size or the one above, the short answer is: go up. As a general rule, Aje sizing comes up at least one size smaller than most UK high street brands. I learnt this the hard way after ordering a gorgeous broderie dress in my usual size 10 and receiving something that looked, in a charitable interpretation, like a corset. It was stunning — just not on my actual body. One exchange later, in a size 12, and I was obsessed.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Aje sizing: how their clothes are cut, which styles run particularly small, and how to nail your size the first time.

First: What Is Aje?

Aje is an Australian contemporary luxury label, founded in 2008 by Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest. The brand has built a devoted following for its textural fabrics, bold broderie anglaise, relaxed tailoring, and its distinctly sun-drenched, effortless aesthetic — think Byron Bay via a very well-funded wardrobe. It sits firmly in the premium-to-luxury space, with pieces ranging from around £150 for basics up to £800+ for tailored outerwear.

Aje now ships worldwide and has become a proper cult favourite in the UK, particularly among women who love the pairing of relaxed silhouettes with high-quality fabrics. But the sizing? That's where things get a little complicated.

Aje Sizing: The Honest Truth

Aje uses Australian sizing, which on the label looks familiar — sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 — but in practice, their pieces tend to run noticeably smaller than UK equivalents from most high street brands.

Here's what you need to know:

Aje runs approximately one full size small compared to UK high street sizing
Their cuts are often structured and close-fitting through the bodice, especially on dresses and tops
Knitwear and relaxed-cut pieces tend to be more forgiving — sometimes true to size
Tailored blazers and co-ord sets run the smallest — size up here without hesitation
If you're between sizes, always go up — Aje does not have a generous amount of ease built into their patterns

STYLIST'S TIP

Measure your bust, waist, and hips and cross-reference with Aje's own measurement guide on their website before every order. Their size guide is actually quite detailed and reliable — it's the starting point I always recommend.

Aje Size Guide at a Glance

Aje Label SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)Approx. UK Equivalent6826389UK 88866793UK 1010907197UK 12129576102UK 141410081107UK 161610586112UK 18

*These are approximate conversions based on Aje's published measurements. Always measure yourself and check against the specific garment's size guide, as cut varies across collections.

Which Aje Styles Run Smallest?

Not all Aje pieces are created equal when it comes to fit — and knowing which styles to size up on will save you a lot of faff.

Broderie and lace dresses: These are Aje's signature and often the most unforgiving. The structured boning and shirred bodices on many of their dress styles hold their shape rigidly — if your measurements are even slightly at the top of a size, go up.
Tailored blazers and co-ords: The shoulders and chest on Aje tailoring run very slim. These pieces are designed to look sharp and architectural — lovely, but not roomy.
Fitted midi and wrap dresses: These can vary — some wrap styles offer more flexibility, but if the dress has a defined waist seam, size up.
Knitwear and jersey pieces: Generally the most forgiving in the range. True to size is more achievable here, but if you prefer a relaxed fit, go up.
Wide-leg trousers and relaxed linen pieces: Aje's more casual, breezy pieces can run true to size. Still worth checking the waistband measurements though.

How Does Aje Compare to Other Brands?

If you're used to shopping at brands with a similar aesthetic, it helps to know where Aje lands comparatively. Here's my honest take:

Reiss — Generally true to UK sizing and with more structured tailoring that sits comfortably. If you're a Reiss 10, try an Aje 10 but be prepared to size up.
Whistles — Runs fairly true to size and is more generous through the body than Aje. A Whistles 12 may find Aje 12 tight.
Me&Em — True to size with a slightly relaxed fit philosophy. Me&Em and Aje share a quality-led customer, but Aje cuts closer to the body.
Massimo Dutti — European sizing that can also run small, so if you size up in Massimo Dutti, you'll likely do the same at Aje.
Anthropologie — More generous sizing overall, particularly in casual and bohemian styles. Aje is significantly smaller in comparison.
LK Bennett — True to UK sizing. LK Bennett's structured dresses are often more spacious through the waist than Aje's equivalent styles.
Jigsaw — Runs true to UK size with a clean, minimal cut. If you wear a Jigsaw 12 comfortably, size up to an Aje 12 or even 14 in fitted styles.
Phase Eight — Generous and accommodating sizing with lots of give. If Phase Eight is your go-to, you may need to size up significantly at Aje.

Two Independent Labels Worth Knowing (With Great Sizing Transparency)

If Aje's sizing is giving you anxiety and you love that elevated, textural aesthetic, these two independent brands are worth exploring — and both have brilliant, honest size guides:

Shona Joy — Another Australian contemporary label with a similar sun-kissed, luxurious aesthetic. Their pieces run slightly more generously than Aje, and their size guide is exceptionally detailed. Particularly brilliant for linen and broderie dresses.
Vestiaire Collective — Not a brand per se, but if you want to try Aje pieces without the full price risk, buying pre-loved through Vestiaire is a genuinely brilliant option. You can often find worn-once pieces and communicate directly with sellers about fit.

My Top Tips for Getting Your Aje Size Right

Always measure your bust, waist, and hips with a soft tape before ordering — and check Aje's garment-specific measurements, not just the general size chart
If you're between two sizes, go up every single time — Aje does not ease up on structure
Pay attention to fabric content: anything with elastane will have more give; 100% cotton broderie will not
Check customer reviews on the product page — Aje buyers are vocal and helpful about fit
If you're shopping in-store (they have boutiques in London), always try before you buy and try your usual size and the size up simultaneously
For tailored pieces, focus on shoulder fit above everything else — that's the hardest alteration to make

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

If navigating sizing across brands like Aje feels like a full-time job, I completely understand. That's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists — and honestly, it's become my go-to before ordering anything from any brand I haven't worn before.

Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool — it matches your body measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. No size guides to squint at, no guesswork, no returns.

Here's how it works:

Measure once — just your bust, waist, and hips (or use your existing size in a brand you know well)
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise recommended size in any brand — including Aje, Reiss, Me&Em, and 1,500+ more
Completely free, no app to download, works instantly in your browser

And beyond sizing, the Tellar Fashion Hub is a library of honest, unsponsored style content from our team of stylists — covering everything from fabric guides to brand comparisons. No ads, no affiliate bias, just real advice.

A few posts from the Hub you might find useful:

FIND MY AJE SIZE →