What Is My Size at Jarlo?

By Ella Blake — Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub — Always honest, unbiased, & unsponsored post

Jarlo London runs true to standard UK sizing on the whole — but because they specialise in body-skimming occasion wear with structured boning, stretch fabrics, and fitted silhouettes, understanding how a particular style is designed to fit makes all the difference between a dress that looks incredible and one you're tugging at all evening.

I've been styling clients for occasion wear for years, and Jarlo is one of those brands that comes up constantly — especially for weddings, black-tie events, and cocktail parties. The quality is brilliant for the price point, and they do a remarkable job of creating dresses that genuinely flatter. But I've also seen more than a few sizing headaches when people order without knowing what to expect. So let's get into it properly.

How Jarlo Sizing Actually Works

Jarlo offers UK sizes 6 through 18, with many styles also available in a Petite range — which, if you're under 5'4", is absolutely worth exploring before you go near the regular fit. The petite versions are proportioned through the torso as well as hemline, so you won't end up swimming in fabric around the waist or bust.

For standard sizing, here's what I'd say based on how their cuts actually behave:

Bodycon and stretch jersey styles — these tend to be forgiving and fit true to size, but they are designed to be close to the body. If you're between sizes, size up. You want the dress to hold you, not restrict you.
Structured corset-style or boned bodice dresses — these can run slightly smaller through the chest. If you're fuller-busted (a D cup or above), I'd always recommend going up a size or choosing a style with more generous construction through the top half.
Midi and maxi occasion dresses — generally the most accommodating for sizing. These are usually cut with a bit more ease, especially through the hip and thigh.
Wrap and bardot styles — wrap ties allow some adjustment, but bardot necklines can be tricky if you have broader shoulders. Size up if in doubt.

A Quick Note on Fabric

The fabric used has a huge impact on fit. Jarlo uses a lot of stretch satin, mesh overlays, and bonded lace — all of which have different levels of give. Stretch satin is forgiving and moulds to the body beautifully. Mesh overlays and structured lace have far less elasticity, so the sizing is more precise. Always check the fabric composition on the product page before ordering — it genuinely changes my advice.

I once ordered a Jarlo bridesmaid dress (for a client, not for me — though I won't lie, I was tempted) in bonded lace in my usual size and it was noticeably tighter through the ribcage than I expected. We sized up and it was perfect. Small lesson, but one worth sharing.

Petite vs Regular — Which Should You Choose?

This is honestly the question I get asked most with Jarlo. My rule of thumb: if you're 5'3" or under, always try the Petite version first, particularly in midi or knee-length styles. The regular length often hits at an unflattering point on shorter frames — mid-calf on a mini dress, or just below the ankle on a midi, neither of which tends to be the most elegant outcome.

If you're between 5'3" and 5'5", it genuinely depends on the silhouette and your proportions. Maxi dresses in the regular range can usually be hemmed if needed, but for fitted styles the Petite proportioning through the body will often serve you better.

Shopping the High Street for Occasion Wear

Jarlo is a brilliant choice, but if you want a few alternatives in that same occasion-wear lane — or you're building a wider wardrobe of event dressing — here's where I'd point you:

Coast — consistently one of the best on the high street for occasion wear. Beautifully constructed, runs slightly larger than average, very flattering through the waist.
Phase Eight — brilliant for weddings and formal events. Tends to be generous through the bust and hip, excellent for curvier figures.
Hobbs — more of a classic, tailored aesthetic rather than bodycon. Sizing is very consistent and true to UK standard. A reliable choice for something understated and polished.
Ted Baker — slightly smaller cut than average, so I'd size up here. Stunning fabrication and detailing though — really beautiful dresses for events.
LK Bennett — iconic for special occasions. True to size, elegant, and genuinely holds its shape beautifully on the body.
Reiss — sleek, modern occasion dressing at its best. Their stretch jersey and satin styles fit very close to standard UK sizing. Great for contemporary styling with a premium feel.
Whistles — slightly more relaxed in its occasion approach, but the fabrics are gorgeous and sizing is consistent. Worth a look for something a little less overtly "party dress".

Premium & Designer Picks for Special Occasions

If you're dressing for something truly special and want to invest a little more, these are the names I'd turn to:

Self-Portrait — the queen of occasion dressing at the premium level. Structured, intricate, and genuinely show-stopping. Sizing runs small, so go up one size as standard.
Needle & Thread — ethereal, embellished, and truly beautiful for black-tie or summer weddings. True to size with a floatier fit, so more forgiving than bodycon alternatives.
Rixo — vintage-inspired occasion dressing with brilliant sizing consistency. If you want something that feels special without screaming "event dress", Rixo is always my go-to independent recommendation.
Rotate Birger Christensen — if you want something fashion-forward and a little unexpected for a formal occasion. Copenhagen cool meets occasion wear. Runs true to size but with a more relaxed, editorial silhouette.
At the luxury end, Zimmermann, Galvan London, and Roland Mouret deliver unparalleled construction and fit — but the investment is serious. Zimmermann in particular has very precise sizing, and I'd always recommend checking their specific size guides.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

Jarlo, Self-Portrait, Phase Eight, Reiss — every brand fits differently, and that's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists. It's the UK's leading sizing tool: measure once (bust, waist, hips, or use a size you already know), and get your exact size across 1,500+ brands instantly. No more size guides. No more guessing.

🔍 Use the Store Size Lookup Tool — get your precise size at Jarlo, Coast, Ted Baker, Reiss, Self-Portrait and hundreds more, all in one place.
📚 Visit the Tellar Fashion Hub — a free library of honest, unsponsored style guides from our team of stylists. Always free, no downloads, works in-browser.

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