& Other Stories Sizing Guide: Does It Run Big or Small?
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
As someone who's spent countless hours in & Other Stories fitting rooms and has a wardrobe bursting with pieces from the Swedish brand, I understand the frustration of online sizing uncertainty. Let me guide you through everything you need to know about navigating their sizing system, so you can shop with confidence.
The Reality of & Other Stories Sizing
The truth is, & Other Stories sizing isn't straightforward because each collection comes from different ateliers, meaning there can be variation between pieces. However, I've found that in recent seasons, they've made significant improvements to consistency. A UK size 10 typically corresponds to their size 36, size 12 to 38, and size 14 to 40.
From my experience, jeans run remarkably true to size - I wear a 30 waist in their jeans just as I do elsewhere. Dresses are generally reliable too, though I always check the specific measurements provided in the product descriptions.
Category-Specific Sizing Advice
Dresses and Jumpsuits
These are your safest bet for true-to-size purchases. I own several dresses from the brand in my regular size 36 (UK 10), and they all fit beautifully. The key is reading the product descriptions carefully - some styles are intentionally oversized.
Tops and Knitwear
Here's where you might want to size up, especially if you're busty. I always take a size S in their jumpers, but if you have a larger bust, I'd recommend going for a medium. Their Oxford shirts and blouses tend to have a relaxed fit already.
Trousers and Skirts
This is where sizing can be most unpredictable. Tailored trousers sometimes run small around the hips and thighs, so if you're curvy, consider sizing up. I've found their sizing has improved in this area recently, but it's still worth being cautious.
Outerwear
Coats generally run true to size, but I always recommend going up one size for outerwear. You'll want room for layering chunky knitwear underneath, especially during British winters.
Where to Find Similar Styles
If & Other Stories sizing doesn't work for you, don't despair. Here are my top recommendations for similar aesthetics across different price points:
High Street Alternatives
Zara offers contemporary European styling with more consistent sizing. COS provides minimalist designs with excellent fit consistency. Mango delivers similar Scandi-inspired pieces with reliable sizing charts. Whistles offers elevated basics with consistent fit. Jigsaw provides sophisticated pieces with detailed size guides. Reiss delivers contemporary styles with excellent tailoring. French Connection offers modern pieces with reliable sizing across their range.
Premium Options
Arket delivers Scandi minimalism with sustainable credentials and excellent sizing consistency. Filippa K offers Swedish design excellence with premium quality and precise sizing.
Luxury Investment Pieces
For special occasion pieces, consider Ganni for playful Scandi prints with detailed fit guides, or Acne Studios for elevated minimalism with consistent luxury sizing.
My Professional Styling Tips
Always check the specific measurements provided on each product page - they're your best friend for online shopping. If you're between sizes, I recommend sizing up for comfort, especially with their more structured pieces. For flowing dresses and oversized knitwear, your usual size should work perfectly.
Pay attention to fabric composition too. Items with stretch will be more forgiving, whilst structured pieces in cotton or wool blends may run smaller. When in doubt, order two sizes and return what doesn't fit - their return policy makes this manageable.
Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar
Tired of sizing roulette? tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that instantly matches your body to over 1500 brands - including & Other Stories. Never look at a size guide again!
How Tellar Works:
- Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements or existing brand size
- Use their tellar.co.uk
- tellar.co.uk
- Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys
The Bottom Line
& Other Stories doesn't run consistently big - it runs true to size with some variation between collections. With a little knowledge about which items might need sizing adjustments and tools like Tellar to ensure perfect fits, you can shop their beautiful pieces with confidence. Remember, the most important thing is finding what fits your unique body shape, regardless of the number on the label.
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