How to Find Your Size in Antik Batik

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

Antik Batik sizing runs small and narrow by UK standards — and if you've ever fallen head over heels for one of their embroidered silk pieces online, only to find it barely makes it past your ribcage, you are absolutely not alone. The French brand uses European sizing throughout, which means a size 38 is roughly a UK 10, but in practice many pieces come up even more fitted than that. My rule? Size up at least once, and always measure before you order.

A Bit About Antik Batik

If you haven't come across them yet, Antik Batik is a Parisian brand founded in 1992 by Gabriella Cortese. It's pure boho-luxe — think hand-embroidered blouses, sequinned kaftans, artisan leather bags, and those gloriously floaty summer dresses that look like they belong on a market stall in Marrakech but cost considerably more. The craftsmanship is genuinely exceptional. I bought one of their embroidered cotton tops about four years ago and it's still going strong, still gets compliments, and still makes me feel like I've got my life together in a way that nothing from a fast fashion rail ever quite manages.

The brand is beloved by the Parisian fashion crowd for precisely the reason it can be tricky to buy: it's handmade, artisanal, and cut with a very French sensibility — meaning lean, minimal ease, and no real allowance for curves.

Antik Batik Size Guide: EU to UK Conversion

Here's a quick reference table. These are general guidelines — individual pieces can vary depending on the fabrication and cut, so always check the specific garment measurements where available:

Antik Batik (EU)UK SizeUS SizeApprox. Bust (cm)346282–84368486–883810690–924012894–9642141098–100441612102–104

What to Watch For: Fit Quirks by Category

Not all Antik Batik pieces behave the same way. Here's what I've found — and what customers consistently flag in reviews:

Dresses & Kaftans

Maxi dresses and kaftans tend to be the most forgiving — the loose silhouette means a standard size up usually works well for most body shapes.
Fitted or smocked bodice styles are a different story. The smocking may look elasticated and stretchy, but the panels are often stitched fairly tight. If you're above a 38-inch bust, go up two sizes here.
Shoulder width on their strappy styles is cut narrow — if you have broader shoulders, take note.

Tops & Blouses

Embroidered cotton blouses are generally true to the EU sizing but fitted through the torso. I'd recommend sizing up one if you're between sizes.
Silk blouses can come up small through the chest — always check the flat measurements if available.

Skirts & Trousers

Waistbands on skirts are often cut quite slim. If your waist-to-hip ratio is pronounced, size to your hips and consider having the waist taken in if needed.
Their wide-leg trousers are relatively generous through the leg but can be narrow at the natural waist.

My Top Tip Before You Buy

Antik Batik is sold across multiple stockists — Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Wolf & Badger, and their own site — and the sizing information isn't always consistent between platforms. I've seen the same dress listed with different measurements on different sites. Before you spend a significant amount (and you will, because their pieces aren't cheap), do yourself a favour and get your own measurements to hand: bust, waist, hips. Then compare directly against the flat garment measurements rather than relying purely on the EU size label. It takes two minutes and will save you a world of returns faff.

Alternatives to Antik Batik: The High Street & Beyond

Look, I adore the brand, but not every occasion — or every budget — calls for a £300 embroidered blouse. The good news is that the boho-artisan aesthetic has genuinely great high street representation right now. Here are my honest picks for similar vibes at various price points:

Anthropologie — Absolutely the closest match in terms of aesthetic. The embroidery detail, the floaty fabrics, the globally-inspired prints. Their sizing is more generous than Antik Batik and they offer a wider size range.
Monsoon — A British boho institution. Brilliant for embellished occasion dresses and embroidered blouses, often at a fraction of the price. Sizing is inclusive and fairly consistent.
Mango — Has had some genuinely strong bohemian collections in recent seasons. Their linen and crochet pieces in particular are worth a look. Sizing is European but the cut tends to be more relaxed than Antik Batik.
Urban Outfitters — If you want the festival-boho look at a more accessible price point, UO frequently does embroidered blouses and printed maxi dresses that hit the right notes.
All Saints — For a moodier, more grown-up take on boho — think Moroccan textures with a rock edge. Sizing is true to UK standards and their leather pieces rival Antik Batik's bags.
Oliver Bonas — Often overlooked but quietly excellent for that artisan-inspired, independent feel. Their printed dresses and embellished accessories are a steal.
Zara — Worth monitoring their Studio and Essentials lines specifically. When they nail the boho moment, they really nail it. Sizing can be inconsistent so check reviews per item.
Oasis — Back and worth revisiting for their summer dresses and smocked tops. Better sizing range than you might expect.

Two Independent Picks I Love

Aspiga — A British brand doing beautifully crafted sustainable resort wear, hand-embroidered pieces, and artisan-made accessories. Very much in the same spirit as Antik Batik but with a more transparent supply chain and slightly more inclusive sizing. Genuinely worth bookmarking.
Sundress — A French brand (fittingly) that feels like Antik Batik's more playful, slightly younger sister. Known for their embellished beach cover-ups and sequinned resort dresses. Found at Net-a-Porter and independent boutiques. One of those brands that looks far more expensive than it is.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

If the whole EU/UK sizing conversion headache has you wondering if there's a better way — there absolutely is. Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool, matching your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. No downloads, no subscriptions, no faff.

Measure once — just your bust, waist, and hips (or use a brand you already know fits you well).
Look up your precise size in any brand — from Antik Batik to Arket to Zara and well beyond — using the Store Size Lookup tool.
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