What Is Sizing Like at Band of Stars?

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

Band of Stars runs true to size — but the key is understanding what kind of dress you're buying. This is a bandage-specialist brand built around stretch fabrication, so the rules are slightly different from your average high street pick.

I'll be honest — I first came across Band of Stars after spending a mildly embarrassing amount of time on ASOS at midnight searching for something to wear to a friend's 30th. I needed something body-hugging but not terrifying to get into. I clicked on a Band of Stars ruched midi, ordered my usual size 10, and it arrived absolutely perfect — no gaping, no pinching, no drama. That's the joy of bandage fabric done right.

So, How Does Band of Stars Size Up?

The short answer: order your normal size. Band of Stars uses standard UK sizing (4 through to 16 and beyond) and the stretch-rich bandage fabric does a lot of the work for you. Because the material has genuine give in it, it accommodates curves beautifully — which is quite different from, say, a rigid woven dress where every centimetre matters.

True to size overall — stick with your usual UK size and you'll be absolutely fine in most pieces
If you're between sizes — size down. The bandage fabric stretches to meet you, so going slightly smaller gives a more sculpted, polished look
If you prefer a looser, more relaxed fit — stay in your usual size or go up one. Some of their two-piece sets and crop top styles work well with a little breathing room
Bust fit — if you're larger-busted, I'd recommend sizing up. Bandage fabric stretches well but doesn't always allow for extra cup volume — go up and the fit through the waist and hips will still look excellent
Petite wearers — the midi lengths can run quite long. If you're under 5'4", a mini or knee-length style will sit much better proportionally

What Is the Brand Actually Known For?

Band of Stars is an ASOS-exclusive label that has made its name doing one thing exceptionally well: bandage dresses. Think body-skimming midi dresses, strappy one-shoulder styles, corset-detail minis, and two-piece bandage co-ords. Everything in the range is designed with evening and party wear in mind — this isn't your lunchtime-casual label. It's genuinely brilliant for weddings, birthday parties, nights out, and festive events.

The fabrication is the real selling point. Their signature stretch rayon-blend bandage material holds its shape, creates a smoothing effect, and moves with you — so the fit looks intentional rather than uncomfortable. Models on site wear UK 8, so if you're going by the product imagery, that's your reference point.

A Sizing Note on Different Styles

Not all Band of Stars pieces behave the same, and this is where I'd urge a bit of care:

Classic bandage midi and mini dresses — most forgiving in the range; true to size is spot-on here
Corset-detail styles — these have a structured boning element. If you're in between sizes, I'd go for the larger of the two; the boning doesn't stretch the same way the fabric does
Two-piece sets — you can mix sizes if needed. Many women find they need a different size for the top and the skirt, which is one of the genuine perks of a co-ord
Catsuits and jumpsuits — pay close attention to the length. If you're taller, check the inseam guidance; if shorter, the torso length can run a little long
Embellished and trim styles — these often have a slightly more rigid structure at the embellished sections; true to size or a touch up is sensible

How Does Band of Stars Compare to Similar Brands?

If you're a fan of the bandage silhouette, you've likely also browsed around a bit. Here's my honest take on how similar brands compare in terms of sizing and style, depending on your budget:

HIGH STREET ALTERNATIVES

River Island — brilliant for body-con and party dresses; sizing is consistent and generally runs true to size with a similar stretch fabrication approach to Band of Stars
ASOS — where Band of Stars is stocked; the ASOS own-label occasion range has similar silhouettes and very detailed fit guides for each garment
Coast — a step up in occasion-wear polish; sizing tends to be generous so you may want to size down one if you like a closer fit
Phase Eight — superb for structured evening looks; sizing is fairly standard UK but cuts are a little more conservative through the chest
Warehouse — a good high street option for party dresses at a lower price point; slightly more relaxed in cut than Band of Stars so size down if you want a sculpted look
New Look — great value for bandage-style mini dresses; sizing can run a touch large so check reviews per garment
All Saints — edgier going-out aesthetic; their bodycon styles run true to size but the brand skews slightly towards a straighter silhouette
Topshop — now available through ASOS; their party pieces sit well alongside Band of Stars and sizing is consistent UK standard

PREMIUM ALTERNATIVES

Reiss — elevated occasion wear with impeccable tailoring; sizing is precise and runs fairly true, but their woven styles have zero stretch so measure carefully
Ted Baker — consistently flattering cuts and gorgeous embellished styles; sizing tends to run small so going up one is often wise
LK Bennett — a favourite for smart occasions and weddings; true to size but designed with a slightly more relaxed, polished fit rather than a bandage-close silhouette

INDEPENDENT / NICHE PICKS

Oh Polly — a UK independent label and honestly Band of Stars' closest rival in the bandage dress space. Very similar fabrication, excellent sizing consistency; true to size is the call here too. Their range is huge and the quality is genuinely impressive for the price
Winona Forever — a smaller independent brand making waves in the occasion-wear space; beautifully crafted dresses with a slightly more artisan feel than your standard party-wear label. Limited runs so snap things up when you spot your size

LUXURY / DESIGNER

Hervé Léger — the original bandage dress house; sizing runs small and is very precise, so check their specific size guide carefully. Worth every penny for special occasions
Self-Portrait — stunning for weddings and black-tie; cuts are designed to flatter and sizing is generally consistent UK standard with a premium finish

My Final Sizing Verdict on Band of Stars

Go true to size — that really is the answer for most women. The bandage fabric has enough stretch to accommodate slight variations in shape, and the brand's range is consistently sized across styles. The one exception is if you're between sizes and want that properly sculpted look; in that case, size down one and the fabric will hold you brilliantly.

And if you're still not sure? That's exactly what Tellar was built for.

Stop Guessing. Let Tellar Find Your Size Instantly.

I use Tellar.co.uk — the UK's leading clothing sizing tool — and genuinely, it has saved me from a huge number of returns. You measure once (bust, waist, hips, or use an existing brand size you trust), and Tellar matches your body precisely to over 1,500 brands. That includes Band of Stars, and hundreds of similar occasion-wear labels.

Measure once — using bust, waist, hip, or an existing brand size you know fits
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your exact size in any brand — from Band of Stars and ASOS to Reiss, Coast, Self-Portrait & more
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There's also the Tellar Fashion Hub — a free library of honest, unsponsored style guides from our team of stylists. Whether you need outfit inspiration, brand comparisons, or fit advice, it's all there and always free. Visit tellar.co.uk and never buy the wrong size again.

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