How to Find Your Perfect Fit in Primark

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

Be You — Primark's dedicated inclusive fashion brand — runs largely true to UK plus-size sizing, but there are a few things worth knowing before you shop, particularly around how their jersey pieces, denim, and occasionwear compare in fit. If you've ever wondered whether to size up or down, or why one Be You dress fits perfectly while a pair of their trousers needs a bit of a tug, this guide covers all of it.

So, What Is Be You?

If you haven't come across it yet, Be You is Primark's inclusive clothing line designed specifically for sizes 16 to 28 (and sometimes beyond). It's not just a "bigger version" of Primark's mainline — it's a proper standalone brand with its own design direction, prints, and cuts that are actually built for curvier bodies rather than simply scaled up from a size 10 block. That distinction matters enormously when it comes to fit, and it's why Be You has quietly built a really loyal following.

I'll admit I hadn't paid it much attention until a friend turned up to a dinner looking genuinely brilliant in a Be You wrap dress she'd paid about £16 for. Up close, the print was bold, the fabric draped well, and the waist actually sat where it was supposed to. That was enough to send me investigating. The sizing, I found, rewards a little bit of knowledge.

How Does Be You Sizing Run?

The broad answer is true to UK size — but with some useful nuances by category:

Jersey dresses & wrap styles: These are a real strong suit. Sizing is true to size and the fabric has enough give to be very forgiving. If you're between sizes, go true and let the fabric work for you.
Denim & structured trousers: These can run slightly small through the waist relative to the hip — a common issue in plus-size denim across the board, not just Be You. If you carry more weight around the middle, size up and use a belt if needed. Their straight-leg jeans in particular come up a touch snug in the waistband.
Knitwear & sweatshirts: Generously cut and comfortable. Sizing is accurate but the silhouette is intentionally relaxed, so don't size down expecting a fitted look — you'll lose the drape that makes them work.
Occasionwear & tailoring: For special-occasion pieces — think satin midis and structured blazers — Be You tends to size true to UK. The tailoring has improved noticeably in recent seasons and the shoulder fit is better than it used to be.
Swimwear & lingerie: Go true to size for swimsuits. For bikinis, consider sizing up in the bottoms if you carry more weight on the hip. Their bralette sizing is generous — if you're on the smaller end of a size, go down.

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Question

This is the big one with Be You — and honestly, with most plus-size brands. Be You designs to a specific body proportion, and while it's more considered than a lot of high street brands, if your waist-to-hip ratio is more pronounced (think hourglass or pear shape), you might find dresses and skirts fit beautifully on the hip but gape a little at the waist, or vice versa.

My honest advice? For wrap dresses and anything with a tie waist, this is largely self-correcting — the adjustable tie does the work. For zip-back dresses, always size to whichever measurement is larger and take in the other if needed. A small alteration makes a cheap dress look genuinely expensive.

Be You vs. Other Primark Ranges

It's worth knowing that Be You and the main Primark range don't share the same sizing blocks. Be You is cut specifically for a plus-size body, meaning the proportions — arm length, rise on trousers, distance between bust and waist seam — are designed differently. This is a good thing. But it does mean if you sometimes shop the extended sizing on Primark's mainline, the fit won't be the same. Always treat Be You as its own brand sizing-wise rather than assuming they'll match.

Brands to Consider If You Love Be You

If Be You is in regular rotation in your wardrobe, you've clearly got an eye for value and a no-nonsense approach to getting dressed well. Here are some other brands worth knowing about — chosen for their inclusive sizing, quality, and general fit reliability:

ASOS — Their ASOS Curve range is one of the most comprehensive on the high street in terms of trend coverage. Sizing is broadly true to UK size, but check individual reviews as quality varies significantly by product.
New Look — Their Curves range is reliably sized and genuinely good value. Dresses and jersey pieces in particular are well-reviewed for fit. Runs true to UK size.
River Island — Plus-size range has expanded significantly and the quality on denim especially is solid. Tends to run true to size; their jeans have a better waist-to-hip ratio than many competitors.
Yours Clothing — A dedicated plus-size brand (not just a range within a bigger brand), which shows in the cut. Sizing runs generously — often worth going down a size, particularly in jersey pieces.
Simply Be — Another dedicated plus-size brand with a wide size range (up to a 32 in some styles). Consistent sizing and particularly good for occasionwear and workwear.
Monsoon — For those occasions when you want something genuinely special. Their plus sizing has improved significantly and the fabrics are beautiful. Runs true to UK size.
Boden — Brilliant for colourful, well-made everyday pieces. Their extended sizing is thoughtfully done and consistent. Runs true to size; their jersey dresses are particularly well-loved.
Fat Face — Relaxed, quality-focused pieces with an inclusive size range. Sizing is generous and comfortable. Particularly strong on knitwear and casual separates.

And two brilliant independent names you might not have found yet:

Navabi — A curated multi-brand platform dedicated entirely to plus-size fashion, stocking premium and designer labels in sizes 12–34. If you're ready to invest a little more, it's a genuinely brilliant destination. Sizing varies by brand but the site provides detailed guidance for each.
Pepper & Mayne — A small UK independent brand making elevated, capsule-wardrobe pieces specifically for plus-size women. The tailoring is remarkable at the price point, and the sizing is consistent and well-documented. Worth bookmarking.

Never Guess Your Size in Be You Again

Sizing across plus-size brands is notoriously inconsistent — a 20 in one brand fits like an 18 in another. That's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists. It's the UK's leading free sizing tool, matching your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more guesswork. No more returns frustration.

Here's how it works:

Measure once — bust, waist, and hips (or enter a brand size you already know fits you well).
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise recommended size in Be You, ASOS Curve, River Island, New Look Curves, and 1,500+ other brands.
Always free — no app, no download, no sign-up. Works straight in your browser.

The Tellar Fashion Hub also has a full library of honest, unsponsored style guides — from brand sizing deep-dives to the best plus-size buys of the season. Independent. Unbiased. Always free.