What Is Mango Sizing Like, Does It Run Big? The Complete Guide
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
Let me be brutally honest with you—Mango's sizing is a bit of a minefield. One day you're swimming in a size M dress, the next you can't squeeze into their size L jeans. But don't let this put you off this Spanish powerhouse, because once you crack their sizing code, you'll discover some of the best quality pieces on the high street.
The Truth About Mango's Sizing Inconsistencies
After years of personal shopping and countless fitting sessions, I've discovered that Mango's sizing varies dramatically by category. Their European heritage means they tend to cut more generously than British brands, but this doesn't apply across the board.
Most Mango pieces—particularly dresses, trousers, and tops—actually run on the roomier side. I regularly advise clients to size down, especially if they want a more tailored fit. However, their jeans are the absolute exception to this rule and run incredibly small.
Category-by-Category Sizing Breakdown
Dresses: Size Down for Best Fit
Mango dresses consistently run large. I've fitted hundreds of women in Mango pieces, and 9 times out of 10, we go down a size from their usual. The Spanish relaxed-fit philosophy really shows here—perfect if you want that effortless, lived-in look, but size down if you prefer structure.
Jeans: Always Size Up (Sometimes Twice!)
This is where Mango completely flips the script. Their jeans run so small it's almost comical. I tell all my clients to go up at least one size, sometimes two if they're curvier. The waistbands are particularly unforgiving, and if you're over 5'6", you'll likely find them too short as well.
Tops and Knitwear: Generally Generous
Most Mango tops err on the side of generosity, but watch out for their fitted styles—some can be surprisingly snug whilst others are oversized. Always check the product images carefully and read any available reviews.
Outerwear: True to Size
Coats and jackets tend to fit as expected, with enough room for layering. Stick to your usual size here unless you want an oversized look.
Brand Alternatives: High Street Heroes
If Mango's sizing inconsistencies drive you mad, here are my go-to alternatives that offer more reliable sizing:
Zara - Fellow Spanish brand with more consistent sizing, though runs smaller overall. COS - Minimalist designs with excellent sizing consistency and quality. Reiss - Premium high street with reliable fit and sophisticated cuts. Whistles - Contemporary brand offering consistent sizing across their range. & Other Stories - Swedish brand with creative designs and reliable European sizing. Jigsaw - Classic British brand with excellent fit consistency. French Connection - Dependable sizing with modern, wearable designs.
For those unique finds, I'm obsessed with Ganni - this Danish brand offers playful designs with consistent European sizing, and Sézane - a Parisian favourite with beautiful quality and reliable fit.
Premium and Luxury Alternatives
Premium Options
If you're willing to invest more for consistent sizing, Me+Em offers sophisticated pieces with excellent fit consistency. LK Bennett provides timeless designs with reliable British sizing.
Luxury Investment Pieces
For those special purchases, Max Mara delivers impeccable Italian tailoring with consistent luxury sizing, whilst Totême offers Scandinavian minimalism with reliable fit.
My Professional Styling Tips
Here's what I tell every client shopping Mango:
- Order two sizes online - especially for jeans and fitted pieces
- Check the fabric content - stretchy materials will be more forgiving
- Read the product descriptions - they often mention if something runs large or small
- Consider your body shape - their European cuts suit different figures than British brands
Never Guess Your Size Again with tellar.co.uk
As a professional stylist, I can't recommend tellar.co.uk highly enough—it's genuinely revolutionised how I shop for clients. The UK's leading sizing tool matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly, so you'll never need to look at another confusing size guide again.
How Tellar Works
- Measure once using bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
- Use their tellar.co.uk to get started.
Tellar Fashion Hub: Your Style Library
Beyond sizing, Tellar's Fashion Hub offers a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free—covering style advice, top picks, and best brand recommendations.
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The Bottom Line
Mango doesn't run big—it's actually quite generous in most categories except jeans, where it runs frustratingly small. The key is understanding that European brands have a different fit philosophy than British ones. Once you master their quirks, you'll discover some genuinely beautiful pieces that rival much more expensive brands.
My advice? Start with tellar.co.uk to get your exact Mango size, then branch out confidently. And remember—when in doubt with Mango jeans, always size up. Your future self will thank you!
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