What is Hobbs Clothing Sizing Like? Does it Run Big?

Understanding Hobbs' Tailored Approach

What sets Hobbs apart from your typical high street brand is their commitment to that smart, professional aesthetic. Think Duchess of Cambridge rather than festival fashion. Their pieces are cut to enhance your silhouette with tailored darts, structured shoulders, and fitted waists. This means while their sizing aligns with standard UK measurements, the actual fit feels more precise and less forgiving than, say, a flowing COS jumper or relaxed Mango blouse.

I always tell my clients that Hobbs designs for women who want to look polished and put-together. Their size 12 will fit like a proper 12, but it's designed to show your shape rather than skim over it. If you're used to brands that offer a more relaxed fit, Hobbs might initially feel snug.

The Hobbs Sizing Breakdown by Item

Dresses

Hobbs dresses are where the brand truly shines, but they require careful sizing. Their shift dresses run true to size but fitted - perfect if you want that sharp, professional line. However, if you carry weight around your middle or prefer a looser fit through the bust, I'd recommend sizing up. The ponte jersey dresses offer more give, whilst their wool blends can feel quite rigid.

Blazers and Jackets

This is where you'll most likely need to size up. Hobbs blazers are cut close to the body with fitted shoulders and a nipped-in waist. If you plan to layer underneath or have broader shoulders, go up a size. I've had countless clients who needed a 14 in Hobbs blazers when they're typically a 12 elsewhere.

Coats

Hobbs coats are investment pieces that tend to run small. Their wool coats particularly assume you're wearing minimal layers underneath. For a proper winter coat that accommodates jumpers, I'd strongly recommend sizing up.

Knitwear

Surprisingly, this is where Hobbs can be more generous. Their cardigans and jumpers often have a slightly more relaxed fit, though still tailored. Stick to your usual size here.

High Street Alternatives That Offer Better Fit Flexibility

If you love Hobbs' aesthetic but find the sizing challenging, several high street brands offer similar looks with more forgiving fits:

Zara - Their tailored pieces have a more contemporary, relaxed approach to workwear whilst maintaining that smart edge. Perfect for those who want structure without the rigid fit.

Reiss - Actually runs smaller than Hobbs in my experience, but offers beautiful tailoring with slightly more stretch in their fabrics. Excellent for investment blazers.

Jigsaw - Offers that same sophisticated aesthetic but with more relaxed fits. Their workwear collection is particularly good for curvier figures.

Whistles - Perfect middle ground between Hobbs' structure and contemporary comfort. Their sizing runs true but with more ease built in.

Phase Eight - Specialises in occasion and workwear with a slightly more generous fit. Excellent for those who need tailored looks but want more comfort.

COS - For architectural shapes with a more relaxed approach. Their minimalist pieces work beautifully for modern professional dressing.

Mango - Offers excellent tailored pieces with Spanish flair. Their suits and blazers have more stretch and forgiveness than traditional British brands.

Massimo Dutti - Premium high street option with beautiful tailoring that's less rigid than Hobbs. Their workwear collection is particularly strong.

Premium Alternatives

If budget allows, ME+EM offers exceptional tailoring with modern comfort built in. Their pieces feel luxurious whilst being far more wearable for everyday life.

Joseph provides timeless tailoring with contemporary fits, whilst LK Bennett offers that same British aesthetic with slightly more relaxed proportions.

Discover Independent Brands

Two independent brands worth exploring for similar aesthetics are Albaray - founded by ex-Warehouse executives with beautiful sustainable tailoring that's more size-inclusive than traditional British brands. Their structured pieces feel contemporary whilst maintaining professional polish.

With Nothing Underneath specialises in perfectly tailored shirts inspired by men's cuts but designed for women. Their organic cotton shirts are oversized by design, offering that crisp professional look without the restrictive fit.

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Essential Reads from Tellar

• tellar.co.uk - The definitive guide to next year's denim
• tellar.co.uk - Everything about finding your perfect jacket fit

My Styling Verdict

Hobbs remains one of my go-to recommendations for women who want that polished, professional aesthetic. Their quality is excellent, their design ethos timeless, and their pieces genuinely last years. However, understanding their sizing is crucial for a successful purchase.

Remember: Hobbs is designed to fit precisely, not loosely. If you're between sizes, always go up. If you prefer comfort over structure, explore the alternatives I've mentioned. And most importantly, use tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out of sizing entirely.

Your professional wardrobe deserves pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. With the right sizing knowledge and tools like Tellar, you'll never have to worry about online shopping disasters again.