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The Zara Bible: What to Buy, What to Avoid & How to Get Your Perfect Fit

Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025

Zara is one of the world’s most influential fashion brands. Loved for its runway-inspired looks at high street prices, it’s a go-to for everyone from students to stylists. But as anyone who’s shopped there knows—Zara sizing is famously inconsistent and not all pieces are created equal.

So what’s actually worth buying from Zara? What do they do exceptionally well? And how do you avoid the frustration of sizing issues or throwaway fashion?

Welcome to The Zara Bible—a definitive guide to Zara’s best investments, how the brand works, and how to get your correct size every time using Tellar.co.uk.


Why Zara? What Makes the Brand Stand Out

Zara, owned by Spanish fashion giant Inditex, has carved a niche between fast fashion and premium ready-to-wear. It’s known for:

  • Rapid runway-to-retail delivery (as fast as 2 weeks)

  • Elevated styling at accessible prices

  • Clean, contemporary European tailoring

  • Frequent new drops and limited runs

Zara is not just about affordability—it’s about delivering trend-led style with surprisingly strong tailoring and material quality in key categories.


The Best Zara Pieces to Invest In

Not everything at Zara is built to last. But certain pieces—especially those with clean lines, timeless silhouettes, or premium fabrics—are consistently excellent.

1. Tailored Blazers

Zara’s blazers are iconic. The structured shoulder, strong lapel, and neutral tones rival those of brands three times the price. A well-cut Zara blazer in black, navy or cream will serve you for seasons.

Investment tip: Choose structured wool-blend or heavyweight crepe fabrics. Avoid thin poly blends.

2. Trousers and Wide-Leg Pants

Their tailored trousers, especially high-waisted wide-leg styles, consistently deliver great shape and hold. These are ideal for workwear, dinner outfits or elevated casual looks.

Best fabrics include stretch ponte, twill, or structured poly-viscose blends.

3. Coats & Outerwear

Each winter, Zara releases coats that look designer—double-breasted military cuts, oversized wrap coats, and cocoon silhouettes. You’ll find styles comparable to Max Mara and COS for a fraction of the price.

Tip: Look for items with wool content and fully lined interiors. Belted or dropped shoulder coats are especially flattering.

4. Knitwear

Their minimalist knits (ribbed polo necks, cropped cardigans, sleeveless vests) are perfect layering pieces. Choose neutral colours like black, camel, grey and off-white for longevity.

Avoid: Lightweight knits with mixed synthetic fibres—these may bobble quickly.

5. Statement Shoes & Accessories

Zara excels at high-impact shoes—bold boots, sculptural heels, or on-trend loafers that look far more expensive than they are. Bags, belts, and earrings often mimic designer trends from brands like Bottega Veneta or Jacquemus.


What to Be Cautious With at Zara

Not everything’s an investment.

Category

Reason to Be Cautious

Fitted dresses

Often run very small, especially on bust/hips

Jeans

Inconsistent sizing, especially in cropped styles

Tops & Shirts

Beautiful but can be short in length

Occasionwear

Stunning visuals but may lack structure/support

Synthetics

Some items feel plasticky or have poor longevity


Zara Sizing – What You Need to Know

Zara is notorious for running small and inconsistent across styles. A Medium in one piece might feel like a Small in another. Their European fit is often narrow through the shoulders, bust and hips.

🔍 Problem:

Even shoppers familiar with Zara don’t always know their correct size from season to season.

✅ Solution:

Use Tellar.co.uk — the UK’s leading free sizing tool — to get your correct Zara size based on your exact body measurements.


How to Get Your Perfect Zara Fit with Tellar.co.uk

  1. Go to Tellar.co.uk

  2. Create your free profile: Click here

  3. Enter your measurements in inches or CM (or use a known size in another brand)

  4. Get your exact Zara size instantly — based on your body, not the label

Want to compare your Zara size to Reiss, COS or Mango?

Use the Store Size Lookup Tool and see how sizing translates across 1,500+ brands.

Don’t own a tape measure? Print one for free here


Zara Sizing Quick Reference (Women’s)

Zara Size (EU)

UK Equivalent

Bust (cm)

Waist (cm)

Hips (cm)

XS (34)

UK 6

82

62

90

S (36)

UK 8

86

66

94

M (38)

UK 10

90

70

98

L (40)

UK 12

96

76

104

XL (42)

UK 14

102

82

110

But remember: Zara cuts can vary significantly depending on fabric, design and region. Always use your measurements as the reference point.


Sustainable Shopping at Zara

If you're investing in Zara pieces, here’s how to make sure you’re shopping consciously:

  • Look for their “Join Life” label—Zara’s initiative for lower-impact materials

  • Buy fewer, better-made pieces: structured tailoring, classic coats, neutral knits

  • Always check your size first with Tellar.co.uk to avoid unnecessary returns


Final Thoughts: Is Zara Worth It?

Yes—Zara is absolutely worth investing in if you know what to buy. Their tailoring, coats, and shoes are strong. Their visual identity is clean, modern, and on-trend. But their sizing is difficult, and some items are better left on the rail.

To get the most out of your Zara purchases:

  • ✔️ Stick to their strongest categories (blazers, coats, trousers)

  • ✔️ Use Tellar.co.uk to check your exact fit before you buy

  • ✔️ Avoid returns, delays, and disappointment

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

Start here: www.Tellar.co.uk


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