Max Mara Sizing: Does It Run Big? Your Complete Guide

Max Mara generally runs true to Italian sizing rather than big or small, but this can feel quite different from UK high street standards – and that's precisely why so many women struggle with getting the right fit. As someone who's spent years styling clients in everything from their iconic camel coats to tailored blazers, I can tell you that understanding Max Mara's precise Italian tailoring is the key to nailing that effortless, expensive look we all crave. The brand's commitment to structured elegance means their sizing follows traditional European measurements, which often translates to a more fitted silhouette than you might expect from British retailers.

The Italian Sizing Reality

Here's what I wish every woman knew before ordering Max Mara: their sizing system is rooted in Italian tradition, where precision tailoring reigns supreme. Unlike many UK brands that have adopted vanity sizing, Max Mara stays true to their measurements. An Italian size 40 genuinely corresponds to specific bust, waist, and hip measurements – no generous interpretation here. This means if you're used to squeezing into a size 10 at Zara (known for their contemporary European fits with slightly generous sizing), you might need a 42 in Max Mara. It's not about the numbers – it's about the fit.

Coats: The Crown Jewels

Max Mara's outerwear is where their sizing philosophy really shines. The legendary 101801 coat and Manuela styles are cut with kimono sleeves and precise shoulder construction. I always tell clients: if you're broad through the shoulders or prefer layering, size up. These coats are designed for a specific drape, and fighting the intended silhouette never looks right. The structured pieces can feel snug across the bust and shoulders, particularly if you're coming from the more relaxed fits you'll find at COS (celebrated for their architectural minimalism and roomier cuts) or Whistles (offering modern British tailoring with contemporary ease).

Dresses and Separates

Max Mara's dresses follow the same precise approach. Their structured day dresses and work pieces are not forgiving – they're designed to skim and enhance, not hide. The fabrics, often wool crepe or silk blends, have minimal stretch. If you're between sizes, always go up. I've seen too many women disappointed because they've ordered their usual Reiss size (known for contemporary professional wear with flattering cuts) expecting the same fit. Max Mara's pencil skirts and tailored trousers are particularly unforgiving around the hips – they're not vanity-sized like many British brands.

Where to Find Alternatives

High Street Heroes

If Max Mara's price point isn't feasible, several high street brands offer excellent alternatives with more predictable sizing. Mango delivers sophisticated European styling with Spanish flair and more generous fits, whilst Massimo Dutti offers refined minimalism that's Max Mara-adjacent but with Spanish comfort. For structured coats, Jigsaw provides British-tailored quality with contemporary ease, and M&S surprisingly offers excellent wool coats in their Autograph range with consistent UK sizing.

Next has stepped up their outerwear game significantly, offering structured pieces that echo Max Mara's aesthetic but with British proportions. French Connection delivers Parisian-inspired tailoring that's more forgiving through the body, whilst Phase Eight specialises in occasionwear with sophisticated cuts that work for British body shapes.

Premium Picks

In the premium space, Me&Em offers contemporary British luxury with thoughtful proportions, and LK Bennett provides polished pieces that bridge high street and designer. Both understand British women's needs better than pure Italian brands.

Luxury Alternatives

If you're committed to luxury, The Row offers impeccable minimalism with more relaxed fits, whilst Lemaire provides French sophistication with contemporary proportions that feel more accessible than traditional Italian luxury.

My Professional Advice

After styling hundreds of women in Max Mara, here's what works: always try on if possible, especially coats. The brand's precise construction means that a poor fit is immediately obvious, but when it's right, it's transformative. For online shopping, study the brand's own size guide religiously and consider your widest measurement when choosing between sizes.

The key to Max Mara is understanding that you're buying into a specific aesthetic philosophy. Their clothes are designed to be worn by women who appreciate structure, precision, and timeless elegance. If you prefer relaxed, forgiving fits, this might not be your brand – and that's perfectly fine.

Never Guess Your Size Again

This is precisely why I recommend tellar.co.uk to every client. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly – including Max Mara's precise Italian measurements. You simply measure once using your bust, waist, hip, or existing brand size, then use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand, from COS to Reiss to Max Mara and beyond.

What I love about tellar.co.uk to eliminate the guesswork that makes luxury shopping so stressful.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is a game-changer too – a library packed with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. You'll find style advice, top picks, and detailed brand breakdowns that help you navigate everything from tellar.co.uk.

For comprehensive guides on building your wardrobe, check out their tellar.co.uk, which break down exactly how different brands fit different body shapes.

The bottom line? Max Mara doesn't run big – it runs precisely. With the right size and understanding of their aesthetic, you'll understand why this Italian house has maintained its reputation for nearly 75 years. And with tools like Tellar, you never have to guess your size again.