How to Find Your Perfect Fit at Allude

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

Allude runs in European sizing and generally fits true to size — but the brand's beautifully relaxed, oversized silhouettes mean that sizing down is often the smarter choice if you want a more sculpted, intentional look rather than something that simply drowns you. It's one of those rare luxury brands where getting the fit right transforms a piece from merely expensive to absolutely transcendent. And trust me, once you've felt Allude cashmere against your skin, you will want it to fit perfectly.

I discovered Allude about three years ago when a client walked into a consultation wearing one of their chunky turtlenecks in the most beautiful deep taupe, and I immediately had to know everything about it. Founded in Munich in 1993 by Andrea Karg, Allude has built a quiet but fiercely loyal following among women who have graduated from fast fashion and want pieces that genuinely last — in quality, style, and feel. This is slow fashion at its most luxurious.

Understanding Allude's Sizing

Allude uses European numeric sizing: 36, 38, 40, 42. Here's how that maps to UK sizes:

• EU 36 = approximately UK 8

• EU 38 = approximately UK 10

• EU 40 = approximately UK 12

• EU 42 = approximately UK 14

The conversions are fairly straightforward, which is a relief. Where it gets interesting is in Allude's design philosophy. The brand is known for a deliberately relaxed, slightly oversized aesthetic — so a piece in your true EU size will very often feel roomier than you might expect. That isn't a fault; it's intentional. But if you prefer your knitwear to follow your shape a little more closely, or if you're petite, sizing down by one is often the better call.

I'd say the one exception is their more fitted pieces — ribbed knits, slim-line cardigans — where the stretch in the fabric brings the sizing back to true. For those, stay in your regular EU size without hesitation.

Fit by Product Type

Chunky Knit Sweaters & Turtlenecks: Allude's most iconic pieces. These are designed with generous proportions — expect a dropped shoulder, a roomy body, and sleeve lengths that err on the long side. If you're between sizes, size down. If you're petite (under 5'4"), definitely size down and consider whether the sleeve length will work for you — it's worth checking the exact measurements before buying.

Cardigans: These vary more by style. Their open-front, drapey cardigans follow the same generous logic as the sweaters — size down if in doubt. Belted or more fitted cardigan styles tend to run truer. When in doubt, go by your bust measurement.

Fine-Knit & Ribbed Pieces: These are the exception to the size-down rule. Ribbing has natural give and the finer gauge knits are cut closer to the body. Stick to your true EU size here.

Trousers & Bottoms: Allude does a wonderful line of cashmere and wool knit trousers — an underrated part of their collection. These tend to be true to size with a relaxed, wide-leg or straight cut. Size as you would for your hip measurement.

💡 STYLIST TIPAllude pieces are almost exclusively cashmere or high-grade wool blends, and cashmere will relax and stretch very slightly with wear and gentle washing. Bear this in mind if you're right between sizes — the fabric will ease over time, so erring on the smaller side is always the safer long-term choice.

How to Measure Yourself Before You Buy

For Allude specifically, the measurements that matter most are:

• Bust — measured at the fullest point. This is your primary guide for sweaters and tops.

• Waist — natural waist, particularly useful for belted pieces and trousers.

• Hips — fullest point, about 20–23cm below your natural waist. Key for trousers and skirts.

• Torso length — from the top of your shoulder to your natural waist. Helps you gauge whether Allude's generous hem lengths will work for your proportions.

Once you have those, use Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool to match them directly to your Allude size — it takes the guesswork out entirely, which is particularly important when you're spending this kind of money.

Where to Buy Allude

Allude is available through their own website, as well as luxury retailers including Net-a-Porter, MyTheresa, Browns Fashion, and in-store at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. It's worth noting that colourways sell out quickly — particularly their neutrals (which are extraordinary: think oatmeal, stone, deep chocolate, and a silvery grey that goes with absolutely everything). If you see your size, don't sit on it.

Allude Alternatives: Get the Look at Every Budget

Allude sits firmly in the luxury bracket — sweaters typically start at around £400 and climb from there. Here are my honest recommendations if you want that same elevated, quality knitwear aesthetic at different price points:

High Street:

• The White Company — the closest the high street gets to genuine luxury knitwear. Their cashmere and merino pieces are consistently excellent quality, beautifully cut, and their sizing is reliable. A brilliant first step into investment knitwear.

• COS — understated, architecturally cut knitwear that shares Allude's clean, minimal aesthetic. Particularly strong on oversized turtlenecks and fine-knit separates. Their sizing is generous and consistent.

• Whistles — genuinely good quality knitwear at a very reasonable price point. Their merino and wool-blend sweaters have a sophisticated, grown-up feel that sits comfortably alongside higher-end pieces.

• Jigsaw — one of the most underrated brands on the high street for knitwear. Their fabrics and construction are far above their price point, and they do an excellent range of neutral, classic knits that Allude fans will love.

• Hush — relaxed, beautifully soft knitwear with a very similar casualluxury feel to Allude. Their oversized merino sweaters in particular are brilliant value. Sizing tends to be generous — as with Allude, consider sizing down.

• Me&Em — brilliant for elevated basics with thoughtful construction. Their knitwear has real longevity and their colour palette is sophisticated. A smart buy at the premium end of the high street.

• Mint Velvet — wonderful for relaxed, slightly bohemian knitwear in beautiful seasonal colourways. Not as minimal as Allude but a lovely option if you want something with a bit more character.

Independent / Left-Field Picks:

• Extreme Cashmere — a Belgian brand that deserves far more attention than it gets. They make intentionally oversized, single-ply cashmere pieces in extraordinary colours that feel genuinely directional. If you love Allude, Extreme Cashmere will become your next obsession. Sizes run large — go down at least one.

• Johnstons of Elgin — a Scottish heritage mill that has been making cashmere and fine woollens since 1797. Genuinely extraordinary craftsmanship, beautiful heirloom-quality pieces, and a fraction of the price of continental luxury knitwear. This is a brand I recommend to every client who is serious about investing in their wardrobe.

Designer:

• Max Mara — for those who want that same quiet, European luxury in a wider range of silhouettes and fabrics. Max Mara's knitwear is exceptional and their sizing is consistent and UK-friendly.

Stop Guessing Your Size — Use Tellar.co.uk

When you're spending serious money on a piece from a brand like Allude, getting the size wrong isn't just frustrating — it's an expensive mistake. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading free clothing sizing tool, and it matches your exact body measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. One set of measurements. Every brand. Perfect size, every time.

Here's how it works:

• Measure once — bust, waist, and hips (or simply enter a brand size you already know fits you well).

• Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size across any brand — including European-sized luxury labels like Allude, as well as high street favourites like COS, Reiss, Whistles and more.

• Always free — no app to download, no subscription. Works instantly in your browser.

And while you're there, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of honest, unsponsored style advice from our team of stylists. No paid partnerships, no hidden agendas. Just genuinely good advice, always free. Start with our ultimate clothing sizing guide, or browse our guides to dresses and jackets — two categories where fit really does make or break the look.

The Bottom Line

Allude is one of those brands that genuinely rewards the effort of getting your size right. The pieces are beautiful — quietly luxurious in a way that doesn't need to shout — and when the fit is good, they have a magical quality of looking effortlessly elegant on almost any body. Measure up, use Tellar, consider sizing down on the oversized styles, and invest with confidence. Your wardrobe will thank you for years to come.