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Luxury vs High Street: Why the Same Size Feels Different

Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025

Luxury vs High Street: Why the Same Size Feels Different

1. Sizing Standards Are Not Universal

There is no industry-wide standard for clothing sizes. Each brand—whether luxury or high street—creates its own pattern blocks, which leads to size variation.

✅ High Street Brands:

  • Often use vanity sizing—their size 12 might measure more like a traditional size 14.

  • Prioritise mass market appeal, so cuts are designed for broader body types.

  • Tend to offer more stretch or elasticated fabrics, making the sizes feel more generous.

✅ Luxury Brands:

  • Often run smaller, particularly European designer houses like Celine, Dior, or Saint Laurent.

  • Use rigid, high-quality materials (like raw silk, cashmere, wool suiting), which don’t stretch.

  • Fit is based on traditional tailoring or couture ideals—not general population data.


Examples of Luxury vs High Street Size Comparison

Brand

UK Size 10 Equivalent (approx)

Fit Tendency

Zara

UK 10

True to small

H&M

UK 10

True to size

Mango

UK 10

True to small

COS

UK 10

Slightly oversized

Reiss

UK 10

Slim fitting

Massimo Dutti

UK 10

Tailored fit

Saint Laurent

UK 8–10

Very small

Gucci

UK 8–10

Slim and structured

Chanel

UK 8

Petite fit

Max Mara

UK 10

Accurate but structured

The Row

UK 10

Relaxed cut, but exact

Victoria Beckham

UK 8–10

Neat, slim fit


Why Do Luxury Brands Run Small?

Luxury brands are often rooted in couture traditions, where tailoring and silhouettes are precise, minimal, and closer to body measurements. They don’t rely on stretch or vanity metrics, so:

  • Sizes are less forgiving.

  • Fits can vary across collections.

  • They are typically cut for narrower frames unless the item is specifically designed as oversized.

In contrast, high street brands:

  • Often accommodate more body diversity.

  • Include more stretch panels, elastics, and forgiving cuts.

  • Adjust sizes frequently based on consumer buying habits.


What Should You Do?

  1. Know Your Measurements

    • Use a tape measure or get one for free at Tellar.co.uk

    • Note your bust, waist, and hip in cm or inches

  2. Never Rely on Size Labels

    • A Medium in COS is not the same as a Medium in Gucci

  3. Use a Sizing Tool

    • Go to Tellar.co.uk

    • Enter your measurements once

    • Instantly find your correct size across luxury and high street brands

  4. Don’t Guess

    • If you're shopping for investment pieces, knowing your size before ordering can save you time and costly returns


How Tellar.co.uk Solves the Problem

Tellar.co.uk compares your measurements with over 1,500+ brands—both luxury and high street—to give you a personalised size recommendation in seconds.

Features:

  • Side-by-side brand comparison

  • Options for both cm and inches

  • Supports both men’s and women’s wear

  • Works with brands like Zara, COS, Reiss, Mango, The Row, Max Mara, and more

🔗 Try the Store Size Lookup Tool

🔗 Create Your Free Profile


Conclusion

There’s no “one size fits all” when comparing luxury to high street. If you're investing in designer clothes, it’s essential to know how your size translates across brands.

Avoid the guesswork and make better buying decisions—whether it’s a £40 shirt from Zara or a £900 dress from Max Mara.

Check your size before you buy. Real-time, accurate, free.

Start now at www.Tellar.co.uk


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You said:

How does White stuff sizing work? does it run big?

ChatGPT said:

White Stuff sizing is generally considered to be true to size, but with some key details:


Does White Stuff Run Big or Small?

  • Most shoppers say White Stuff runs true to size, particularly in tops, dresses, and knitwear.

  • Some garments—especially relaxed-fit styles—can feel roomy, so if you're between sizes, you may want to size down for a neater fit.

  • Trousers and jeans tend to be more fitted and true to high-street sizing (similar to Marks & Spencer or Fat Face).

  • White Stuff menswear also runs true to size, with some shirts cut in a more relaxed shape.


Fit Notes by Category

Category

Fit

Sizing Tip

Tops & Blouses

Relaxed

Size down for a closer fit

Dresses

True to size

Size up only if you’re tall or need length

Knitwear

Relaxed fit

Size down if you prefer a fitted look

Jeans & Trousers

Structured, true to size

Stick to your usual size

Shirts (Menswear)

Regular fit

Roomy through chest and waist

Coats & Jackets

True to size

Check shoulder and sleeve length if layering


White Stuff Size Chart – Women’s (UK Sizing)

UK Size

Bust (cm)

Waist (cm)

Hips (cm)

6

79

61

87

8

84

66

92

10

89

71

97

12

94

76

102

14

99

81

107

16

104

86

112

18

111

93

119

20

118

100

126

📌 Source: Official White Stuff UK Size Guide


How to Get Your Right White Stuff Size Instantly

Instead of manually checking every size chart:

🔗 Use Tellar.co.uk — the UK’s Leading Free Sizing Tool

  • Enter your exact body measurements

  • Instantly see what size you are in White Stuff and 1,500+ other brands

  • Works in both CM and Inches

  • Totally free to use

  • Available on desktop and mobile

🔗 Try the Store Size Lookup Tool for White Stuff


Final Advice for White Stuff Shoppers

  • Between sizes? Choose your smaller size for relaxed-fit tops.

  • Shopping jeans? Stick to your usual UK size.

  • Buying online? Use Tellar.co.uk to double-check before ordering.


Stay Updated with Fit Tips & Brand Guides

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