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Understanding Acne Studios: A Brand Known for Minimalism and Edge

Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025

Acne Studios is a Stockholm-based fashion house renowned for its clean tailoring, artistic flair, and elevated basics. Since its founding in 1996, the brand has cultivated a cult following, particularly among fans of Scandinavian minimalism and androgynous design. With sleek silhouettes and oversized cuts forming the core of its collections, Acne Studios often blurs the line between gendered fashion, focusing instead on expression through form and fabric.

But while the aesthetic is universally appreciated, sizing can be anything but. Acne Studios, like many high-end European brands, doesn’t always stick to standardised sizing conventions. And for shoppers navigating international conversions, oversized fits, or different collections (like unisex vs. womenswear), it’s easy to wonder:

Does Acne Studios run big or small?


General Sizing Overview: Does Acne Run True to Size?

Acne Studios is generally true to size in its core ready-to-wear collections—but with caveats. The brand intentionally plays with shape and proportion, especially in their outerwear, trousers, and oversized tops, which are designed to fit loosely or with extra volume. For fitted garments like tailored trousers or structured dresses, sizes tend to align more closely with standard EU sizing.

Key Notes on Acne Studios Sizing:

  • Outerwear and Tops: Often designed with a boxy or oversized silhouette. Shoppers may prefer to size down if they want a more fitted look.

  • Trousers and Jeans: True to size, with accurate waist and hip measurements. Unisex styles may feel roomier in the hips.

  • T-Shirts and Knitwear: These often feature dropped shoulders and relaxed fits. Again, size down for a closer fit.

  • Footwear: Acne’s boots and shoes tend to run slightly large; many customers recommend going half a size down.


How Acne Studios Sizes Compare by Region

Acne Studios uses European sizing (EU) by default. If you're shopping from the UK or US, you'll need to convert your size accordingly. But beware—brand-specific cuts mean conversions aren’t always exact.

EU Size

UK Size (Women)

UK Size (Men)

US Size (Women)

US Size (Men)

34

6

XS

2

XS

36

8

S

4

S

38

10

M

6

M

40

12

L

8

L

42

14

XL

10

XL

Due to Acne’s tendency to design with relaxed tailoring or intentional volume, many shoppers find their actual fit is looser than their expected size, particularly in jackets, coats, and oversized tees.


Acne Studios Fit by Garment Type

1. Outerwear

Acne’s coats and jackets are fashion-forward and frequently oversized. The Canada Coat and Dramatic Wool Coats, for example, are meant to drape. Recommendation: size down if you’re between sizes or want a neater silhouette.

2. Denim

As a brand that originated with jeans, Acne Studios pays close attention to denim cuts. Their popular 1996 and Mece jeans are true to waist size but can vary in rise and taper. Stick with your regular waist size, but check the cut description—some styles are baggier or high-rise by design.

3. Knitwear & Shirts

Knitwear is cut roomy for layering, especially in winter pieces. Turtlenecks and button-downs often feature drop shoulders and longer hems. Expect a relaxed fit—size down for a slimmer look.

4. Footwear

Acne boots (like the iconic Jensen and Perey styles) often fit slightly large, particularly in length. Go down half a size for a snugger fit or if you have narrow feet.


Real Customer Feedback: What Shoppers Say

Hundreds of reviews across Reddit, Trustpilot, and fashion forums mention one consistent theme: Acne Studios sizing is hard to pin down without trying it on first.

“The shirt fit like a tent. I ordered a small and probably should’ve gone XS.” – UK Customer, Womenswear

“Boots run big! I’m a UK 9 and had to exchange for an 8.5. Otherwise love the quality.” – Trustpilot Reviewer

“Jeans were spot on. I'm a 28 in Levi’s and the 28 in Acne fit the same.” – Reddit Thread, r/femalefashionadvice

The takeaway? Read the fit descriptions carefully and account for oversized design.


Why Consistent Sizing Still Feels So Hard

Post Image

Despite size charts, conversions, and fit descriptions, the experience of finding the right size across brands like Acne Studios remains inconsistent. This is where Tellar.co.uk comes in.


Tellar.co.uk: Your Personal Sizing Assistant

At Tellar.co.uk, we make shopping easier by removing the guesswork around fashion sizing. Our free tool matches your body measurements to your best size in 1,500+ brands, including Acne Studios.

Whether Acne runs big in coats or small in shoes, we already know—because we track real brand fit, not just what the tag says.

Why Use Tellar.co.uk?

  • It’s completely free

  • Quick 1-time setup

  • Matches your size in seconds

  • Access your sizes anytime

  • Comes with a free measuring tape

Set up your profile once, and you’re ready to find your size every time you shop. You can even update your profile with known sizes from your favourite brands (like Acne), and we’ll estimate your full measurements for you.


Example: Finding Your Size in Acne Studios Using Tellar

Let’s say you input your actual measurements into Tellar or simply enter that you wear a size Small in COS or UK 10 in Reiss. Tellar will:

  • Compare those sizes to Acne’s cuts

  • Analyse whether Acne’s outerwear runs larger or slimmer than average

  • Recommend the exact Acne size for you in tops, trousers, and footwear

And if Acne Studios isn’t yet listed? Our system will tell you—and offer to add it. We even send updates when it’s ready.

Explore the brand lookup tool here:

🔗 Store Size Lookup


Final Verdict: Does Acne Studios Run Big or Small?

Here’s the simplified breakdown:

Item Type

Fit Tendency

Size Advice

Coats & Jackets

Runs big

Size down if between sizes

Knitwear

Relaxed fit

Size down for tailored look

Trousers & Denim

True to size

Order regular waist size

Shirts & Tops

Oversized

Size down unless layering

Footwear

Slightly large

Go down 0.5 size if in doubt

In summary: Acne Studios leans towards oversized, relaxed fashion—but sticks to accurate sizing in structured pieces like denim or trousers. Always check the fit notes, and when in doubt, let Tellar.co.uk calculate it for you.


Try It Free Today – and Never Guess Your Size Again

✅ Sign up at Tellar.co.uk

✅ Take 1 minute to enter your measurements

✅ Get your exact size recommendation for Acne Studios and 1,500+ brands

✅ Use it every time you shop—forever free

Follow us for real sizing tips and fashion insights:


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Understanding Acne Studios: A Brand Known for Minimalism and Edge