Ilse Jacobsen Sizing: Does It Run True to Size?

By Ella Blake – Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub – Always honest, unbiased & unsponsored

Ilse Jacobsen generally runs true to size on fitted styles, but several of their more relaxed and A-line cuts run noticeably generous — sometimes by a full size or more. If you're shopping one of their iconic raincoats for the first time, this is genuinely important to know before you click 'buy.' I've seen so many women get caught out by this, and there's nothing more frustrating than finally splashing out on a beautiful Scandi coat only to have it swamp you.

Founded in Denmark in 1993, Ilse Jacobsen Hornbæk has become synonymous with one thing above all else: the perfect raincoat. These are quietly luxurious, incredibly well-made pieces that sit somewhere between functional outerwear and genuine investment dressing. If you live in the UK — and you know what our weather is like — there is a very real argument for owning one. But the sizing? It needs a little navigating.

How Ilse Jacobsen Sizes Their Clothing

The brand uses EU sizing throughout, which maps cleanly to UK sizes. Here's the conversion you'll need:

UK SizeEU SizeUS SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)83448468921036688729612388927610014401096801041642121028611018441410892116

So far, so straightforward. A UK 12 is an EU 38. The complication is that the fit varies quite significantly depending on which style you choose — and Ilse Jacobsen make a lot of different cuts.

The Fitted Styles: Stick to Your Size

Their more tailored styles — like the much-loved Rain 07 — are true to size, but with a caveat: they are deliberately fitted through the waist and lower back. This is a Scandinavian silhouette — clean, structured, not much ease. If you're planning to layer a thick knit underneath or you carry more weight around your middle, I'd size up without hesitation. I tried the Rain 07 in my usual size over a chunky cable knit once and the zip was having absolutely none of it.

Stylist tip: Measure your bust and compare it directly to the size chart — it's the most reliable starting point for fitted Ilse Jacobsen styles.

The Generous Styles: Size Down

This is where people most often get caught out. Several of their A-line and straight-cut raincoats are intentionally roomy — think swing coats and drapey macs rather than nipped-in shapes. These styles need a size down, sometimes two:

A-line / swing styles — size down; if you're between sizes, definitely go smaller to avoid too much volume
Straight cut styles (like the Rain 115B) — generous fit; most women can go one size down comfortably
Rain 128 — one of their most popular longer coats, it has a very generous cut; the brand recommends going down at least one size
The Rain 71 Mac — also cuts large; treat this one as you'd treat a relaxed boyfriend coat and size down accordingly

The Rain 37 is slightly different again — it has a more feminine, slightly tailored waist with raglan sleeves, so this one tends to sit closer to true to size than the boxier styles.

Sleeve Length: Worth Flagging

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention the sleeves. Multiple customers — and I've heard this first-hand too — find Ilse Jacobsen sleeves run quite long. If you're petite or even average height, this is worth bearing in mind. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is something to factor in before purchase. Some styles can be altered easily; others less so given the bonded seams.

Shopping Ilse Jacobsen on a Budget? Great Alternatives to Try

Ilse Jacobsen coats typically sit in the £250–£450 range. Absolutely worth it if you can — they last for years and actually improve with wear. But if that's not in the budget right now, here are the brands I'd point you to for that same elegant, practical outerwear energy:

Barbour — the British equivalent of the Scandi raincoat. Wax jackets and quilted coats that genuinely stand the test of time and weather. Sizing tends to run true to slightly large.
Seasalt Cornwall — brilliant for waterproof outerwear with a relaxed, coastal feel. Honestly underrated. Their Fal Jacket is a particular favourite of mine for wet British days.
Joules — known for their rubber wellies but their waterproof coats are excellent. Pretty prints, solid construction, sizes run true to size.
Fat Face — consistently good quality outerwear at sensible prices. Their padded and quilted jackets are especially strong. Relaxed fit throughout.
Boden — more polished than you might expect; their coats have a quietly considered Scandi-ish aesthetic that works well for anyone drawn to Ilse Jacobsen's clean lines.
Me&Em — premium British brand with beautifully cut outerwear. Pricier than the high street but well under Ilse Jacobsen territory, and the quality really shows.
Hobbs — elegant, classic British outerwear. If you love the refined Scandi approach to dressing, Hobbs has a similar sensibility in their coat edits. True to size across most styles.
Whistles — reliably stylish, especially their trench and relaxed mac styles. Good for layering and tend to fit generously through the shoulder.

Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

And because I always want to flag something a little more left-field:

Rains — a Danish brand (like Ilse Jacobsen) that makes genuinely brilliant waterproof outerwear at a more accessible price point. Their aesthetic is minimal and urban; sizing runs slightly narrow so check measurements carefully.
Didriksons — a Swedish outdoor brand with a long heritage in serious weatherproof clothing. They've had a real fashion moment recently and their Anna and Folke coats are particular cult favourites. Sizing runs true to slightly generous.

My Final Sizing Verdict on Ilse Jacobsen

The short version: always check the specific style you're buying rather than assuming the brand is consistent across the range. Fitted, tailored cuts — true to size (but snug). A-line, straight and mac styles — size down. Sleeves tend to run long. Measure your bust and compare it to their chart, and if you're on the border between two sizes, the nature of the cut you're buying should guide which way you go.

These are genuinely beautiful coats — I recommend them without hesitation to anyone who asks. Just shop them armed with the right information, and you won't go wrong.

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