Ted Baker Sizing Guide: Does It Run Big? Your Complete Fit Guide
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
Understanding Ted Baker's Unique Sizing System
First things first – Ted Baker marches to the beat of their own drum with sizing. Forget your usual UK 8, 10, 12 – they use a numerical system that converts like this:
- Size 0 = UK 6
- Size 1 = UK 8
- Size 2 = UK 10
- Size 3 = UK 12
- Size 4 = UK 14
- Size 5 = UK 16
Now here's where it gets interesting – these sizes actually run generous across most categories, which is brilliant news for those of us tired of squeezing into increasingly smaller 'size 12s' elsewhere!
How Ted Baker Fits Across Different Categories
Tops and Knitwear: Generously Cut
Ted Baker's jumpers and tops are beautifully generous. If you're typically a UK 12-14, their size 3 will likely fit you perfectly, sometimes even feeling more like a 14. I've had clients who usually need a 14 in Zara or Mango comfortably fit a Ted Baker size 3. Their blouses can be particularly roomy – I've seen size 2s work brilliantly for UK 10-12 figures, especially if you prefer a more tailored fit.
Dresses: True to Generous
Their dress sizing leans generous but varies by style. A structured pencil dress might fit more true to size, whilst their flowy midi dresses run large. Generally, if you're a UK 12, start with size 3, but don't be surprised if you need a 2 in some flowing styles.
Bottoms: The Trickiest Category
This is where Ted Baker gets interesting. Their tailored trousers and skirts definitely run large – if you're a UK 14 on the bottom, size 4 is your sweet spot. However, their jeans can be inconsistent. Some follow inch measurements more closely, others follow their size chart. Always check the specific measurements listed on each product.
Outerwear: Generally True to Size
Ted Baker coats and jackets tend to run true to their size chart, though with enough room for layering. Perfect for our British weather!
My Professional Sizing Recommendations
Start with your usual UK size converted to their numbering system, but be prepared to size down in many items. Here's my foolproof approach:
If you're usually a UK 10: Try size 2, potentially size 1 in very flowy piecesIf you're usually a UK 12: Try size 3, but have size 2 as backupIf you're usually a UK 14: Try size 4, particularly for bottoms, size 3 for most tops
Best High Street Alternatives for Similar Generous Fits
If you love Ted Baker's generous sizing philosophy, these high street brands offer similarly comfortable fits:
COS – Minimalist designs with relaxed, comfortable fits that don't compromise on styleWhistles – Contemporary pieces with thoughtful sizing, particularly good for workwearJigsaw – British brand with similarly generous cuts, especially in knitwearMassimo Dutti – Spanish elegance with roomy fits, particularly in their tailored piecesReiss – Premium high street with consistent, generous sizing across categoriesMe&Em – Luxury high street focusing on flattering fits for real women's bodiesLK Bennett – Classic British tailoring with comfortable, wearable proportions
For unique finds, I absolutely adore Ganni – their Scandinavian approach to fit is refreshingly realistic, and Arket for their sustainable, well-proportioned basics that actually fit real bodies.
Premium and Luxury Alternatives
If Ted Baker's aesthetic appeals but you want to explore similar sizing approaches:Premium: Max Mara, Isabel Marant ÉtoileLuxury: Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham
Never Guess Your Size Again
Here's where I introduce you to a complete game-changer – tellar.co.uk, the UK's leading sizing tool that takes all the guesswork out of online shopping. Instead of playing sizing roulette with every brand, you simply:
1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uk – everything you need to know about getting the right fit
Final Styling Advice
Ted Baker's generous sizing is actually a blessing – it allows for comfortable movement and proper layering. Don't feel you need to size down dramatically; embrace pieces that fit your body properly rather than clinging uncomfortably. Their quality is exceptional, so getting the sizing right means you'll have pieces that last for years.
Remember, good fit isn't about the number on the label – it's about how confident and comfortable you feel wearing it. Ted Baker's approach to sizing reflects their understanding that women want clothes that actually fit real bodies, not arbitrary size standards.
Trust the process, use the tools available (like Tellar's sizing system), and enjoy the luxury of clothing that's designed to make you look and feel fantastic. After all, isn't that what great fashion should do?
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