The Kooples Sizing and Stylist Picks: Your Complete Guide to Perfect Fit

The Kooples generally runs small and follows European sizing, particularly in structured pieces like blazers and tailoring—most women need to size up one full size from their usual UK high street fit. As someone who's styled countless clients in this coveted French brand, I can tell you that mastering The Kooples' sizing quirks is essential for achieving that effortlessly cool Parisian aesthetic we all crave.

Founded by the Elicha brothers in 2008, The Kooples has become synonymous with that perfectly imperfect French girl style—think structured blazers thrown over vintage band tees, leather jackets that look lived-in, and tailoring with just enough edge to feel modern. But here's the thing: their sizing can be tricky, and I've seen too many women miss out on pieces they'd love simply because they didn't understand the brand's fit philosophy.

Understanding The Kooples Sizing Structure

Let me break down the reality of The Kooples sizing for you. Their women's ready-to-wear follows French sizing conventions, which translates differently across categories. In blazers and structured coats, expect to go up a full UK size—if you're typically a UK 10, you'll likely need a FR 40 (UK 12 equivalent). Their knitwear is more forgiving, often fitting true to size, whilst dresses can vary dramatically depending on the cut.

The brand's philosophy centres on a slim, European silhouette with tailored shoulders and nipped waists. This means their blazers are cut close through the torso, their trousers sit low on the hip, and their dresses are designed to skim rather than cling. It's sophisticated styling, but you need the right size to pull it off.

My Stylist's Guide to The Kooples Key Pieces

The Iconic Blazer

This is where The Kooples truly shines. Their blazers are investment pieces with sharp shoulders, nipped waists, and that perfectly undone Parisian attitude. Size up for comfort, especially if you plan to layer. The sleeves should hit just at your wrist bone, and you should be able to move your arms freely when buttoned.

Leather Jackets

These are statement pieces that should feel like a second skin—but not restrictive. The Kooples leather runs quite fitted, so if you're between sizes, go up. The jacket should zip easily without pulling, and the hem should hit at your natural waist or just below.

Knits and Casual Pieces

Here's where you can often stick to your usual size. Their cashmere jumpers and cotton tees are more relaxed in fit, designed to layer beautifully under those structured blazers.

High Street Alternatives That Nail The Kooples Aesthetic

Whilst The Kooples sits in the premium category, you can achieve similar styling with clever high street picks:

Zara consistently delivers sharp blazers and leather pieces that echo The Kooples' aesthetic at accessible prices. Their tailoring department is particularly strong for capturing that structured yet edgy vibe.

Mango excels at Parisian-inspired pieces with their Committed line offering sustainable takes on classic French styling. Their blazers and coats are excellent The Kooples alternatives.

COS brings Scandi minimalism to French structure—perfect for those who love The Kooples' tailoring but prefer cleaner lines.

Whistles offers investment-level pieces at more accessible prices, with particularly strong outerwear that channels The Kooples' sophisticated edge.

Jigsaw captures that effortless European aesthetic with well-cut blazers and statement coats that work beautifully for achieving The Kooples-inspired looks.

All Saints brings the leather expertise and rock-chic attitude that complements The Kooples perfectly, with their jackets being particular standouts.

Reiss delivers premium-quality pieces with that polished European cut that mirrors The Kooples' tailoring philosophy.

Premium Brand Alternatives

Sandro is probably The Kooples' closest rival—same Parisian DNA, similar price point, equally covetable pieces with slightly more feminine touches.

Maje offers that French girl aesthetic with a softer approach, perfect if you love The Kooples' style but prefer more romantic details.

Ba&sh brings Bohemian elements to French tailoring, ideal for those wanting The Kooples edge with more texture and print.

Luxury Designer Options

Isabel Marant represents the ultimate in effortless French style—where The Kooples might feel structured, Marant offers that perfectly undone luxury.

Saint Laurent delivers the rock-chic aesthetic that The Kooples references, but with haute couture construction and materials.

Celine under Hedi Slimane captures that Parisian edge with museum-quality tailoring and construction.

My Hidden Gem Recommendations

Ganni brings Danish design sensibilities to French girl styling—expect unexpected details, sustainable practices, and that slightly quirky edge that makes outfits interesting.

Ganni has become the indie darling of European fashion, offering pieces that feel fresh and unexpected whilst maintaining that effortless cool factor.

Stine Goya delivers Scandinavian sophistication with artistic prints and excellent tailoring—perfect for those who appreciate The Kooples' aesthetic but want something more unique.

Styling The Kooples Aesthetic

The key to nailing The Kooples style lies in contrast and proportion. Pair their structured blazers with vintage band tees and well-fitted jeans. Throw their leather jackets over flowing midi dresses. Mix textures—think wool with silk, leather with cashmere.

Accessories should feel effortless: delicate gold jewellery, structured handbags, ankle boots with a subtle heel. The overall effect should be polished but never precious, sophisticated but approachable.

How tellar.co.uk Takes the Guesswork Out of Sizing

After years of helping women navigate tricky sizing like The Kooples, I'm thrilled to introduce you to tellar.co.uk—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more size guide confusion or returns!

Here's How It Works:

Measure Once - Using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool - Get your precise size in any brand, including The Kooples, Sandro, Reiss, and more at tellar.co.uk
Always Free - No downloads needed, works perfectly in your browser

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a comprehensive fashion library with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice covering every fashion query you might have.

Essential Reading from Our Fashion Hub:

With Tellar, you'll never have to guess your size in The Kooples or any other brand again. Create your profile once, and get garment-specific recommendations that take into account your unique proportions and preferences.

Final Styling Thoughts

The Kooples represents accessible luxury with authentic Parisian attitude. Whether you invest in their pieces or recreate the aesthetic through clever high street finds, the key is understanding fit and proportion. Remember: French style is about looking effortlessly put-together, never overdone.

With the right sizing knowledge and a few key pieces, you can master that coveted French girl aesthetic that makes The Kooples such an enduring favourite among stylish women worldwide.