The Ultimate Guide to Prints: Every Type of Print Explained, What to Buy & Where to Shop (UK & USA)

Prints are a defining feature of fashion. From bold florals to delicate polka dots, prints can shape the entire feel of an outfit. But knowing which prints work best for your body shape, personal style, or even age group can make a huge difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down every major type of print, offer styling tips, explain what to buy and where—from UK high street favourites to US designer labels—and introduce Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading sizing tool that matches your body to every store’s fit in real time.

Every Type of Print, Explained

1. Florals

Types: Ditsy, abstract, oversized, tropical, vintage, photographic
Best for: Spring/summer styling, romantic or feminine looks
Style tip: Petite women should stick to small-scale prints, while taller or plus-size women can embrace bolder patterns for proportion.

2. Stripes

Types: Horizontal, vertical, pinstripe, nautical, rainbow
Best for: Elongating or adding structure
Style tip: Vertical stripes lengthen the body (ideal for petites), while horizontal stripes add volume to the upper or lower half—great for balancing proportions.

3. Polka Dots

Types: Small dots (classic), oversized dots (playful), irregular dots (artsy)
Best for: Timeless, vintage, or officewear looks
Style tip: Stick to monochrome or tonal palettes for elegance. Pair with a solid jacket to tone down large dots.

4. Checks and Plaids

Types: Gingham, tartan, buffalo, Prince of Wales
Best for: Autumn/winter layers, workwear, casual sets
Style tip: Gingham suits summer dresses; tartan works beautifully in skirts, trousers, and blazers.

5. Animal Prints

Types: Leopard, zebra, snake, tiger
Best for: Statement looks, layering, edgy styling
Style tip: Animal prints in neutral tones (beige, grey) are more wearable. Try a printed midi skirt with a black knit for effortless edge.

6. Geometric Prints

Types: Squares, triangles, abstracts, chevrons
Best for: Contemporary wardrobes, bold personalities
Style tip: Match angular shapes to tailored garments like blazers and trousers.

7. Tie-Dye & Watercolour

Types: Swirl, ombré, blurred florals
Best for: Boho and summer wardrobes
Style tip: Look for high-end fabrics or subtle versions of the print to avoid a costume feel.

8. Graphic Prints & Logos

Types: Typography, logos, digital art
Best for: Streetwear, Y2K, Gen-Z trends
Style tip: Pair printed tees or sweatshirts with structured denim to balance proportions.

👗 How to Style Prints for Your Body Shape

Hourglass:

Stick to balanced prints and belted styles to define the waist
Try wrap dresses in floral or polka dot prints

Pear:

Use prints on top to draw attention upward
Choose dark solid colours for bottoms with neutral geometric prints

Apple:

Opt for all-over small-scale prints or vertical stripes to elongate
Avoid prints that cluster around the tummy area

Rectangle:

Use bold prints and structure to create curves
Look for horizontal stripes or ruffles in printed designs

Petite:

Choose smaller, daintier prints in tighter placements
Vertical stripes help elongate your frame

🛍️ Where to Buy Prints – UK & USA High Street & Designer Options

🇬🇧 UK High Street Brands

Whistles – Bold botanical and geometric printed blouses
M&S – Ditsy florals, polka dot jumpsuits, and vintage-inspired prints
Nobody’s Child – Affordable printed dresses with sustainable values
Hobbs & Phase Eight – Abstract and placement floral prints for 40+ shoppers
River Island – Trend-led co-ords and printed trousers

Explore their fits via:

👉 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

👉 Finding Your Clothes Size – The Ultimate Guide

👉 What Size Am I in Next?

🇺🇸 US Retailers

Anthropologie – Painterly watercolour prints and boho maxis
J.Crew – Iconic stripes, ginghams, and abstract prints
Madewell – Earthy-toned prints in breezy fabrics
Tory Burch – Classic florals and logo print dresses
Farm Rio – Vibrant tropical and folkloric prints

Explore international sizing differences:

👉 UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes – The Ultimate Guide

🌍 Designer & Luxury Brands

Zimmermann – Iconic floral prints and intricate detail
Etro – World-famous paisley and bohemian geometry
Versace – Maximalist baroque and animal prints
Diane von Furstenberg – Power prints for power dresses
Dries Van Noten – Abstract layering and deep colour palettes

🧵 Print Styling Tips from Stylists

Mixing Prints: Stay in the same colour family or contrast a bold and a subtle print
Start Small: New to prints? Try a scarf or bag before moving to statement dresses
Print + Solid Rule: Let one printed item shine—balance with neutrals
Shoes & Prints: Keep footwear tonal or neutral to avoid visual overload
Prints at Work: Choose tonal or structured prints (pinstripes, micro florals) in tailored cuts for office-appropriate style

📏 Print Fit & Sizing: The Missing Piece

Prints can add or reduce volume visually, so fit is everything. A too-loose dress may overwhelm your frame in print. Too-tight? The pattern can distort.

Yet every brand cuts differently. A size 10 in Hobbs may not fit the same as a 10 in River Island. That's where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

What is Tellar.co.uk?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool, designed to match your exact measurements to the real fit of over 1,500 brands in real time. Whether you're buying printed dresses, statement shirts or wide-leg patterned trousers, Tellar ensures you shop the right size—no guesswork, no returns.

✅ How it Works:

Measure your bust, waist and hips (or use an existing brand size)
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool
Instantly see your correct size in your chosen brand
No downloads, no gimmicks—just accurate fit in your browser

📌 Get started: /create-profile/

Try the tool: /store-size-lookup/Instruction on Posts

BONUS: Tellar’s Free Fashion Hub

Beyond fit, Tellar.co.uk is also your go-to style advisor. With thousands of free posts written by stylists and fit experts, you’ll get:

Honest, independent brand reviews
Tips on dressing for your shape and age
Style breakdowns for high street and designer fashion
Full-length guides for outerwear, tailoring, denim, and more

📣 Follow Tellar for More Style & Sizing Advice

Connect for daily tips, fit science, trend alerts and wardrobe guides:

Instagram:@Tellarsizing
Twitter/X:@TellarSizing
Facebook:Tellar Sizing
Pinterest:TellarSizing

Final Thought

Prints aren’t just trendy—they’re timeless, expressive, and transformative. Whether you're drawn to romantic florals, clean stripes, or daring graphics, the key is proportion, palette, and perfect fit.

With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll always know which size to buy in any brand. Say goodbye to returns and hello to confident shopping.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”