What Is Sizing Like at David Koma?

David Koma runs broadly true to size in standard UK sizing, but it is one of the least forgiving labels I fit clients into — the dresses are sculpted, frequently corseted, and have almost no give in the fabric, so the cut sits much closer to the body than your usual high-street frock. My honest advice: take your normal UK size, but if you’re between sizes, fuller through the bust or broader across the ribcage, size up one. You can always nip a structured dress in; you cannot magic extra room into boning that simply isn’t there.

A quick word before we get into it

I’ll be straight with you, because I learned this one the hard way. Years ago I squeezed into a David Koma sample in my “usual” size for an event, convinced I’d be fine because the number on the label matched everything else in my wardrobe. I could barely sit down, the corset seam left a crease across my middle, and I spent the whole evening holding my breath for photos. The number was right. The fit philosophy was the thing I’d misjudged. So let me save you that evening.

How David Koma sizing actually works

David Koma is a London-based designer label built on body-conscious, architectural eveningwear — think strong shoulders, cinched waists, exposed structure and that signature sculpted silhouette. Because of that, the sizing behaves very differently to a soft jersey dress. Here’s what you need to know:

It uses UK sizing — collections typically run UK 6 to UK 14, so the range is narrow at both ends. Labels often carry Italian equivalents too (UK 6 reads as IT 38), which can throw you if you’re shopping resale.
The fabrics rarely stretch. Heavyweight crepe, wool, bonded panels and built-in corsetry mean the dress holds its shape rather than moulding to yours. Lovely on. Unforgiving if you’ve guessed wrong.
The bust runs fitted and shallow. The structured, strapless and halter styles suit roughly an A–C cup best, and most are designed to be worn with a strapless bra. Fuller busts often need to size up purely to clear the chest.
The waist is the tightest point. Many styles are engineered to nip dramatically at the waist, so that’s usually where a between-sizes body feels the pinch first.

Where it can catch you out

The single most common fit complaint I hear isn’t the length or the bust — it’s the ribcage. Several of the corseted styles feel snug across the underbust and ribs even when the size is technically correct, because the boning doesn’t move. If you carry any width there, going up one size is almost always the happier choice. A few quick truths:

You can’t comfortably size between — there’s no ease to absorb it, so commit to the size that fits your largest measurement and have the rest taken in.
Mini and corset styles are the strictest. The softer column and draped pieces are far more relaxed if you’re nervous.
Buying pre-loved? Check whether the seller has listed UK, US or Italian sizing, as Koma pieces float between all three online and it’s an easy way to end up two sizes out.

How to get your David Koma fit right

Measure your bust, waist and ribcage before buying — the ribcage is the one people forget and the one that bites.
If two measurements point to different sizes, buy the bigger and tailor the waist. A good seamstress will happily take a Koma dress in; letting one out is far harder.
For strapless and halter styles, plan your underwear first. A proper strapless or longline bra changes the fit entirely.
Wearing it once for an event? Renting or buying resale a size up gives you a far comfier night than a vanity-sized squeeze.

If David Koma isn’t quite right — brands I’d send you to instead

Maybe you love the sculpted, occasion-ready look but want something gentler on the fit, the wallet, or both. Here’s where I’d point you, tier by tier.

High street

Reiss — the closest high-street match for that clean, sharply tailored Koma silhouette, with more wearable ease through the body.
Ted Baker — long the high street’s go-to for structured, body-skimming occasion dresses with built-in support.
Coast — dedicated occasionwear, brilliant for sculpted bodycon and embellished event pieces at a fraction of the price.
Phase Eight — reliable tailored dresses with a flattering, forgiving cut that suits more body shapes.
Hobbs — polished, grown-up structure; their tailored dresses photograph beautifully at weddings and events.
Whistles — sleek, minimal and modern if you want the architectural feel without the corsetry.
Mango — quietly excellent for sculptural party dresses; the design feels far more expensive than the ticket.

Premium

Cefinn — a British label built on sharp, sleek tailoring; ideal if you want Koma’s polish with a more generous, real-world fit.
By Malene Birger — elevated, sculptural eveningwear with beautiful drape and a softer hand.
Ganni — Scandi cool for the statement dress that’s structured but never restrictive.

Luxury & designer

Roland Mouret — the master of architectural, body-conscious tailoring; if you adore Koma’s engineering, this is your natural next stop.
Mugler — sculptural, second-skin glamour with that same sense of drama and precision cut.

Two left-field independents worth knowing

Solace London — a London independent doing sleek, sculpted occasion dresses that feel like Koma’s younger, friendlier cousin.
Taller Marmo — an under-the-radar label for fluid, sculptural statement dressing if you want drama without the boned bodice.

Never guess a designer size again

Here’s the honest truth: labels like David Koma are exactly why I built Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading sizing tool. You measure once — bust, waist, hip, or just enter a brand size you already own — and your body is matched instantly to 1,500-plus brands. No squinting at a size chart, no two-size resale gambles, no breath-holding for photos.

Measure once using bust, waist, hip, or an existing brand size you trust.
Use the Store Size Lookup to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads, works straight in your browser.

And once you’ve nailed your size, the Tellar Fashion Hub is there for everything else — a library stacked with free posts from our stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free: style advice, top picks and the best brands for every body.

Stop guessing. Start knowing.

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Ella Blake – Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder, Tellar.co.uk