Luxury vs High Street: Why Women's Sizes Feel So Different
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Luxury vs High Street: Why Women's Sizes Feel So Different
If you’ve ever noticed that your size shifts depending on whether you're shopping designer or high street, you’re definitely not imagining it. Women’s clothing sizes can vary wildly—especially between luxury brands and more affordable high street names.
Let’s break it down (and show you how Tellar can make it way easier to get it right).
Luxury Brand Sizing: Tailored and Tighter
Luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Dior are famous for their ultra-tailored silhouettes. But what does that mean for sizing?
Smaller cut: Luxury brands often cut their clothes smaller, closer to European sizing standards.
Narrower fit: Expect tighter waists, slimmer sleeves, and less stretch.
High expectations: These clothes are often designed for very specific body shapes, based on traditional runway standards.
You might find yourself needing to size up—sometimes by one or even two sizes—when buying designer pieces.
High Street Sizing: Looser and More Flexible
In contrast, high street brands like Zara, H&M, and River Island tend to design clothes for the everyday shopper:
More generous cuts: Wider waistbands, more forgiving hip measurements, and more relaxed fits.
Stretch fabrics: High street brands often incorporate stretch to accommodate a wider range of body types.
Vanity sizing: Some brands deliberately label items smaller than they actually are to make shoppers feel good.
On the high street, you might find that you fit your "true" size—or even go down a size, depending on the brand.
So… How Do You Find the Right Fit?
It’s easy to feel lost when your size jumps around depending on the label. That’s why tellar.co.uk exists!
Tellar.co.uk matches your real body measurements to the sizing charts of over 1,500 brands, from luxury icons to everyday high street favourites.
Whether you’re shopping Louis Vuitton or Levi’s, Tellar will show you your best size based on actual brand data—not random guesswork.
Reduce returns
Shop with confidence
Get it right first time
Free and easy to use!
Download the Tellar app now or visit tellar.co.uk to find your perfect fit—wherever you shop.Luxury vs High Street (Post)