Target Sizing Guide: Understanding the Differences Between Clothing Brands

Target's clothing brands can vary by up to two full sizes within the same numerical label, making it one of the most inconsistent sizing experiences in American retail. As someone who's navigated countless fitting room disasters and sizing mishaps, I can tell you that understanding these differences is absolutely crucial for successful Target shopping, whether you're visiting the States or ordering online to the UK.

The Main Target Brand Breakdown

Target houses multiple clothing lines under one roof, each with distinct sizing standards that can leave you utterly bewildered. Here's what I've discovered after years of styling clients and personal trial and error:

A New Day - The Safe Bet

A New Day is Target's primary women's workwear and basics line, and thankfully runs the most true-to-size. Their blouses, trousers, and blazers offer a classic American fit that's neither too generous nor too snug. If you're a UK size 12, you'll likely find their medium or size 10 works perfectly.

Wild Fable - Size Up Without Question

Wild Fable targets the younger demographic and runs notoriously small. Their crop tops, mini skirts, and trendy pieces are cut for a very slim, youthful figure. I always advise clients to size up by at least one, sometimes two sizes. Their medium fits more like a UK size 8 when you'd expect a 10-12.

Universal Thread - The Denim Dilemma

Universal Thread handles Target's denim and casual basics. While their tops run fairly standard, their jeans can be tricky - they tend to run small in the waist but long in the leg. Perfect if you're tall, frustrating if you're petite like many of my clients.

Why This Matters for UK Shoppers

Understanding Target's sizing becomes crucial when you're shopping without the luxury of trying on. Many of my clients love Target's affordable, on-trend pieces but get caught out by the sizing inconsistencies. The key is knowing which brands to size up or down in.

Style Advice: Making Target Work for You

Here's my professional advice for navigating Target's sizing maze: always check the specific brand within Target, not just the size label. I recommend ordering multiple sizes online if possible, or if shopping in-store, grabbing a few different sizes to try on.

The British Alternative: High Street Winners

While Target offers great value, us Brits have incredible high street options with much more consistent sizing. Zara offers trend-led pieces similar to Wild Fable but with European sizing standards. COS provides minimalist basics comparable to A New Day's aesthetic but with Scandinavian precision in their fits.

Mango delivers contemporary workwear that rivals Target's A New Day line, whilst H&M covers the youthful, trend-driven pieces you'd find in Wild Fable. For premium denim that's more reliable than Universal Thread, I always recommend Whistles for their superior quality and consistent sizing.

ASOS offers the variety of a Target superstore but with detailed size guides and easy returns. Reiss provides sophisticated workwear that outshines A New Day's offerings, whilst French Connection delivers both casual and smart pieces with reliable British sizing.

Premium and Luxury Alternatives

For those seeking elevated basics beyond Target's range, Me&Em offers impeccable knitwear and contemporary pieces with consistent sizing. LK Bennett provides work-appropriate clothing with British tailoring standards.

At the luxury level, Max Mara delivers timeless pieces with Italian precision, whilst brands like Ganni and Stine Goya offer unique, high-quality alternatives to Target's trend-led pieces.

Target vs UK High Street: The Verdict

Whilst Target offers incredible value and trend-forward pieces, the sizing inconsistency can be genuinely frustrating. The British high street, with brands like & Other Stories and Arket, provides similar aesthetic appeal with much more reliable sizing standards.

The Sizing Solution: tellar.co.uk

This is precisely why I always recommend tellar.co.uk to my styling clients. It's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly, so you never need to look at a size guide again.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uk
3. tellar.co.uk
4. Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys

Final Styling Thoughts

While Target's multi-brand approach creates sizing chaos, understanding each line's characteristics helps you shop smarter. However, with the incredible range and consistency of British high street fashion, plus tools like Tellar to ensure perfect sizing, there's rarely a need to navigate Target's sizing lottery. Invest in brands that respect your time and deliver consistent quality - your wardrobe will thank you for it.