Jigsaw Sizing Guide: Does It Run Big? Your Complete Style Guide

Jigsaw generally runs true to size, but with a caveat—their precision tailoring means fitted pieces can feel snug, especially if you're curvy. As someone who's spent years styling clients in this beloved British brand, I'm constantly asked about their sizing quirks. Let me break down exactly what you need to know to nail your Jigsaw fit every single time.

The Jigsaw Sizing Reality Check

Having dressed countless women in Jigsaw over the years, I can tell you their sizing story is all about understanding their design philosophy. This isn't H&M or Zara with their relaxed, fast-fashion fits. Jigsaw embraces precision tailoring with minimal ease, meaning their clothes follow your body's natural contours closely.

Here's the honest truth: their knitwear and relaxed pieces are generous and comfortable, whilst their tailored pieces—think structured blazers, pencil skirts, and slim-cut trousers—can feel surprisingly snug. The culprit? Premium fabrics like wool, silk, and linen with limited stretch.

What Runs True to Size vs What Runs Small

True to Size (or Slightly Generous)

Knitwear and jumpers - Usually have lovely drape and comfort
Blouses and relaxed shirts - Designed with ease for layering
Coats and outerwear - Often slightly oversized for layering
Casual dresses - Fluid cuts that skim rather than cling

Can Run Small/Snug

Tailored trousers - Especially at hips and thighs
Fitted blazers - Structured shoulders and defined waists
Pencil skirts and dresses - Close-fitting silhouettes
Woven shirts - Non-stretch fabrics with fitted cuts

My Styling Recommendations by Category

High Street Alternatives

If you love Jigsaw's aesthetic but want more forgiving fits, try COS for their architectural minimalism with easier sizing, Mango for contemporary tailoring that's roomier through the body, or Whistles for similar sophistication with slightly more generous cuts. Reiss offers comparable quality with more stretch in their fabrics, whilst French Connection delivers structured pieces with better size consistency. Massimo Dutti provides that luxury feel with Spanish sizing that tends to run larger, and M&S offers excellent quality basics with more traditional, comfortable fits.

Premium Options

For step-up alternatives, LK Bennett delivers similar British sophistication with more accommodating fits, particularly in their workwear range. Their sizing tends to be more forgiving whilst maintaining that polished aesthetic.

Luxury/Designer Alternatives

Max Mara offers that same timeless elegance with Italian sizing that's generally more generous, especially in their iconic coats. The quality is exceptional and the fits are designed for real women's bodies.

Unique Brands Worth Discovering

For something completely different, I'm obsessed with Clòimh—a Scottish knitwear brand creating the most gorgeous timeless pieces with trendy touches like skinny scarves. Their sizing is beautifully consistent and generous. Also worth exploring is Damson Madder, a sustainability-focused brand with playful, personality-driven pieces that run true to size with comfortable, wearable fits.

My Jigsaw Sizing Strategy

Here's my professional advice: stick to your usual UK size for knitwear, blouses, and outerwear. For tailored pieces—blazers, fitted dresses, structured trousers—consider sizing up if you're between sizes or prefer a less fitted look. Always check the fabric composition; anything with less than 5% elastane in a fitted style will be unforgiving.

Pay particular attention to their size guide measurements, especially hip measurements for trousers and bust measurements for fitted tops. Jigsaw's cuts are designed for specific proportions, so your measurements matter more than your usual size label.

Skip the Sizing Guesswork with tellar.co.uk

Rather than playing sizing roulette with Jigsaw (or any brand), I always recommend my clients use tellar.co.uk—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. Never look at a size guide again!

How It Works:

Measure once using bust, waist, hip, or your existing brand size
Use their tellar.co.uk to get started.
Plus: Tellar Fashion Hub
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Essential Reading:
- tellar.co.uk
- tellar.co.uk
Final Thoughts
Jigsaw remains one of my favourite British brands for timeless, well-crafted pieces. Yes, their sizing can be tricky, but understanding their fit philosophy—precision tailoring with minimal ease—helps you make smarter choices. When in doubt, size up for fitted pieces, or better yet, use tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out entirely. Your wardrobe (and your sanity) will thank you.