Poetry Sizing: Does It Run Big? Your Complete Styling Guide

Yes, Poetry definitely runs big – most customers need to size down by 1-2 sizes from their usual fit. After styling hundreds of women over the years, I've seen this question come up time and again, and honestly, it's one of the most important things to know before hitting 'add to basket' on this beloved British brand. Poetry's relaxed, artistic aesthetic translates into genuinely generous proportions that can catch even seasoned shoppers off guard.

The Poetry Sizing Reality Check

Let me be completely honest with you – Poetry's sizing is notoriously generous, and I always warn my clients about this before they shop. The brand favours an effortlessly loose, artistic silhouette that's absolutely gorgeous when you get the sizing right, but can look overwhelming if you stick to your usual size. From my experience working with this brand, a size 12 dress from Poetry can easily feel like a 16 from other retailers. The difference isn't subtle – we're talking about genuinely oversized proportions that are intentional but require careful consideration. This is particularly true for their flowing dresses, wide-leg trousers, and relaxed blazers. The brand's linen pieces, which make up a huge part of their collection, are cut with extra ease for that lived-in, bohemian feel that Poetry does so well. However, this means their size 14 might be perfect for someone who usually wears an 18, whilst someone who's typically a 10 might find their 8 or even 6 fits better.

My Professional Sizing Strategy

Here's what I always tell my clients: start by measuring yourself properly (bust, waist, hips) and compare these to Poetry's detailed garment measurements online. They're brilliant at providing finished measurements for each piece, which is far more reliable than going by size labels alone. For Poetry specifically, I recommend ordering one size down as your starting point, but don't be surprised if you need to go down two sizes, especially if you prefer a more tailored fit. Their customer service is excellent, and they offer easy returns, so I often suggest ordering two sizes if you're unsure. The length is another consideration – Poetry designs for taller figures, so if you're under 5'6", you might find sleeves and hemlines need adjusting.

High Street Alternatives That Fit True to Size

If Poetry's sizing puts you off, there are fantastic alternatives that offer similar relaxed elegance with more predictable sizing.COSdelivers minimalist designs with consistent, architectural cuts that run true to size.& Other Storiesoffers bohemian pieces with reliable European sizing that's perfect for achieving that effortless Poetry-esque look.Mangohas beautiful flowing pieces that capture Poetry's artistic spirit but with Spanish precision in their size charts.Whistlesis brilliant for investment pieces with Poetry's sophisticated aesthetic but British high street reliability.White Stuffoffers similar natural fabrics and relaxed fits but with more conventional sizing. For those gorgeous linen pieces Poetry's famous for,Seasalt Cornwallproduces beautiful coastal-inspired clothing that's cut more traditionally, whilstBodenoffers quirky, artistic prints with dependable sizing that won't surprise you.

Premium and Luxury Alternatives

At the premium level,Eileen Fishercreates beautiful, sculptural pieces with the same sophisticated ease as Poetry but with American sizing consistency. This New York-based brand specialises in sustainable, artistic clothing that drapes beautifully without the sizing guesswork. For a true luxury experience,Lemaireoffers exquisite minimalist designs with French precision. This Parisian house creates the kind of effortless elegance Poetry aspires to, but with couture-level attention to fit and proportion.

Making Poetry Work for Your Wardrobe

Despite the sizing challenges, Poetry creates some truly beautiful pieces that can anchor a sophisticated wardrobe. Their linen blazers are particularly gorgeous when you get the fit right – they should feel relaxed but not overwhelming. Their signature wide-leg trousers need careful consideration; ensure the waistband sits comfortably without gaping, and the length works with your preferred shoe height. I always tell clients to think of Poetry pieces as investment buys that need time and patience to get right. Once you crack their sizing code for your body, you'll find pieces that work season after season.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

This is exactly why I recommend tellar.co.uk to all my clients. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly – including Poetry's tricky sizing. You simply measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, then use their tellar.co.uk is also packed with free styling posts from top stylists, covering everything from tellar.co.uk. You'll find comprehensive guides on tellar.co.uk that take the mystery out of finding your perfect fit across every brand.

Final Thoughts

Poetry's generous sizing doesn't have to be a barrier to enjoying their beautiful, artistic designs. Armed with proper measurements and realistic expectations, you can find pieces that will become wardrobe staples. Just remember: size down, check those garment measurements, and don't be afraid to return and try again. The effort is worth it for those gorgeous linen pieces that truly are unmatched on the British high street. Trust me, once you crack Poetry's sizing code, you'll understand why their loyal customers keep coming back season after season.