How to Find Your Perfect Fit in M&S Autograph

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

M&S Autograph fits broadly true to UK size — but there are a few quirks worth knowing before you shop, particularly around tailoring, stretch fabrics, and the brand's more relaxed versus structured cuts. If you've ever grabbed your usual M&S size and found it pulling across the shoulders or sitting slightly boxy through the waist, this guide is for you.

What Is M&S Autograph, Exactly?

For anyone who hasn't shopped it yet, Autograph is M&S's premium in-house line — their answer to the gap between high street and luxury. Think elevated fabrics (pure wool, Italian silk, cashmere blends), cleaner tailoring, and generally more considered silhouettes than the core M&S range. It's also the range that tends to attract those brilliant collaborations — the brand has worked with designers like Antonio Berardi in past seasons, and the quality genuinely reflects that positioning.

I'll be honest: I used to ignore Autograph completely. Thought it was a bit safe, a bit "mum's wardrobe" (no offence to mums). Then I tried on a beautifully cut pure wool blazer in a Marble Arch changing room on a whim, and I've never looked back. The sizing, however, did catch me out at first.

How Does M&S Autograph Sizing Run?

The short answer: generally true to size, but with some category-specific variation.

Tailoring & structured pieces (blazers, trousers, coats): These run fairly true to size but are cut with a slightly more relaxed, generous shoulder than a fitted premium label. If you're between sizes, size down rather than up — especially in jackets.
Knitwear & cashmere: The jumpers and cardigans tend to run generously. If you prefer a sleeker, more fitted look, go down a size. If you like an oversized feel, stay true to size.
Dresses & occasionwear: These follow standard UK sizing quite reliably. If the dress has a defined waist seam, go by your true size. If you're larger in the hip relative to your bust, it's worth trying the next size up and having the waist taken in.
Trousers & skirts: Waistbands here can run slightly large — particularly in straight-leg and wide-leg styles. Size down if you're on the smaller end of a size, or look for styles with an elasticated back panel for a more forgiving fit.
Jersey & stretch fabric pieces: These tend to be pretty accurate to standard UK sizing. The stretch does a lot of the work, so you rarely need to size up here.

The Shoulder & Bust Issue — Read This If You're Between Sizes

This is the one sizing quirk I hear about most with M&S Autograph tailoring specifically. The brand cuts its structured pieces (coats and blazers in particular) with a fairly set shoulder — meaning if you've got broader shoulders or a larger bust, you might find the fit tight across the top even if the waist is fine. If that sounds like you, go up a size in the jacket and invest in a tailor to nip the waist. A £15 alteration is worth it on a beautiful wool coat.

Conversely, if you're petite or narrow-shouldered, the shoulders on Autograph blazers can feel quite wide. Look for the brand's petite range — yes, M&S Autograph does have a petite edit — and it's genuinely well done.

M&S Autograph vs. the Rest of the M&S Range

Here's something a lot of people don't realise: Autograph and the core M&S range don't always size identically. Autograph tends to have slightly more generous ease in structured pieces (it's designed to feel premium, which often means a bit more room), but can run slimmer in jersey and knit styles where the range takes a more fashion-forward approach.

My rule of thumb: if you normally wear a 12 in standard M&S, start with a 12 in Autograph. But always try before you buy online — their returns are easy, but still, nobody wants the hassle.

Brands Worth Considering If You Love M&S Autograph

If Autograph is your go-to, you're clearly someone who values fabric quality and wearable, elevated design. Here's where else to look — all selected based on their quality, sizing reliability, and how they compare in cut and construction:

Whistles — Exceptionally well-cut basics and tailoring. Tends to run true to size, slightly fitted through the torso. Great for elevated workwear.
Jigsaw — A natural M&S Autograph companion brand. Similar premium fabrics, similar sizing philosophy. Particularly good for trousers and knitwear.
Phase Eight — Strong on occasionwear and dresses. Sizing is consistent and well-reviewed; runs true to UK size.
Hobbs — Premium tailoring with a similar customer in mind. Coats and blazers here are particularly well-made, and sizing is reassuringly consistent.
Me&Em — A brilliant step up in price but worth every penny for quality basics. Runs slightly slim — size up if in doubt.
Reiss — More trend-led than Autograph but excellent quality. Tailoring runs slim here — if Autograph fits well on you, go true to size in Reiss or a half-size up.
Mint Velvet — Relaxed, boho-leaning premium high street. Sizing is generous and forgiving, particularly in knitwear and dresses.
Massimo Dutti — Spanish tailoring at a brilliant price point. Runs slim through the body — if you're between sizes, go up in their structured pieces.

And for two brands you might not have discovered yet:

Baukjen — A brilliant British sustainable brand making exactly the kind of elevated, grown-up pieces that Autograph fans will love. Sizing is true to UK size and genuinely consistent. Their knitwear is outstanding.
Finery London — A London-based independent label with a sharp editorial eye and gorgeous fabrics. Their dresses and blouses in particular feel like they belong in a much higher price bracket. Runs true to size.

Never Guess Your Size in M&S Autograph Again

Here's something I wish existed years ago: Tellar.co.uk — the UK's leading free sizing tool that matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more guessing. No more size guide squinting. Just your size, right now.

Here's how it works:

Measure once — just your bust, waist, and hips (or plug in an existing brand size you know fits).
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in M&S Autograph, Reiss, Whistles, Jigsaw, and 1,500+ other brands.
Always free — no app, no download, no subscription. Works straight in your browser.

Plus, the Tellar Fashion Hub is packed with honest, unsponsored style guides from our team of stylists — covering everything from sizing deep-dives to the best denim of the season. Independent, unbiased, and always free.