What Is Sizing Like at Deus Ex Machina?

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

Deus Ex Machina runs slightly larger than standard UK sizing, so as a general rule you'll want to size down one — and if you're eyeing one of their oversized pieces, size down by two.

I'll be honest, the first time I bought from Deus I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I'd fallen hard for their surf-meets-moto aesthetic — all sun-bleached tees, boxy workshirts and that unmistakable "I ride motorcycles and I also surf and I'm very cool about both" energy. I ordered my usual size in a graphic tee and it was enormous on me. Not cute-oversized. Just... big. The second time I got it right, and I haven't looked back. It's genuinely one of those brands where knowing the fit rules makes all the difference.

The Brand in Brief

Deus Ex Machina started in Sydney in 2006 as a custom motorcycle shop that happened to sell brilliant T-shirts. Fast forward to now and it has grown into a full lifestyle brand with cult status globally — think surf, skate, moto and a whole lot of vintage-inspired Americana woven in. Their women's range has expanded significantly in recent years, covering everything from relaxed denim and swim to fleece, knitwear and outerwear. It's not a brand with a massive women's-specific sizing system — a lot of pieces are relaxed fits or unisex cuts — which is part of why understanding how they fit is so essential before you buy.

How Does Deus Ex Machina Sizing Work?

The brand officially advises sizing down from your usual size, as their garments are cut slightly generously. Their oversized styles (which are clearly labelled) run a full two sizes bigger than a standard fit — so if you're an XS in most things and you buy an oversized tee, expect it to be much roomier than you're picturing. That can be brilliant if you're going for that drop-shoulder, vintage-sleeve look — less so if you want it to actually fit your shoulders.

Here's a quick breakdown by garment type:

T-shirts & Graphic Tees: Size down one for a relaxed-but-fitted look, or go true to size if you love a boxy silhouette. Their tees are cut with a slightly wider chest, so petite frames especially should drop a size.
Denim: Runs fairly true to size in the waist, but the leg openings and thigh area can be on the roomier side depending on the cut. If in doubt, go by your waist measurement rather than your usual dress size.
Jackets & Outerwear: Their canvas jackets and moto-style coats are intentionally substantial — expect a relaxed, structured fit. True to size works well here, especially if you want to layer a chunky knit underneath.
Swim & Boardshorts: Go true to size. Swim tends to follow waist measurements quite accurately and the fit here is more straightforward than their casualwear.
Fleece & Knitwear: Size down one. These come up roomy and the fabric has a fair amount of weight to it, so going smaller gives you a much more flattering shape.

A Note on Unisex Styles

Quite a few Deus pieces are designed as unisex — particularly tees, hoodies and some outerwear. If you're shopping a unisex style, definitely size down at least one, sometimes two if you're on the smaller side. I made the mistake of assuming "unisex M" would be fine once (narrator: it was not fine). The chest on unisex Deus hoodies is wide enough to comfortably fit a man with broad shoulders. As a woman, I now size down two and wear it as an oversized layer over a sports bra in summer. Genuinely one of my favourite warm-weather looks.

How Deus Sizing Compares to UK Brands

As an Australian brand with a strong UK presence, Deus uses Australian sizing conventions which do broadly align with UK sizing numerically — but the actual garment dimensions run bigger than most UK high street equivalents. Where you might wear a UK 10/12 in a brand like M&S or Next, you'd often find yourself in a Deus XS or S. The labelling can throw you off if you're not expecting it.

The Best High Street Alternatives for That Deus Aesthetic

Not everyone wants to pay premium prices for that relaxed, sun-washed surf-and-moto vibe — and honestly, the high street has got better at nailing it. Here are my top picks if you love the look but want to shop around:

All Saints — For the moto-influenced edge: leather-ish jackets, relaxed denim and worn-in graphic tees with real attitude. Sizing tends to be true to size and the cuts are genuinely flattering.
Urban Outfitters — Nails the vintage Americana aesthetic with oversized tees, boxy flannels and easy denim. Great for recreating that Deus off-duty energy on a budget.
Levi's — For denim especially, Levi's is the logical comparison. Classic cuts, reliable sizing (true to size by waist measurement) and a heritage feel that sits comfortably in the same world as Deus.
ASOS — Brilliant for surf-adjacent casualwear: wide-leg trousers, boxy tees, graphic hoodies and swim. Vast size range and easy returns make it a safe bet when you're experimenting with oversized silhouettes.
Seasalt Cornwall — For the more coastal, laid-back side of the Deus wardrobe. Beautiful fabrics, relaxed cuts and a genuinely outdoorsy sensibility. Runs true to size.
Fat Face — A solid UK option for the relaxed weekend-casual look. Reliable sizing, great knitwear, and a no-fuss approach to casualwear that sits well alongside the Deus philosophy.
Superdry — Japanese-Americana heritage branding meets British sizing — oddly close to Deus in concept. Great for graphic tees and outerwear. Note: Superdry does run small, so size up here.
Hollister — Good surf-inspired casual basics — tees, hoodies, easy denim — at accessible prices. More California beach than Sydney moto, but the relaxed spirit is similar.

Premium & Designer Alternatives

If you're looking to invest further up the price ladder, Gant offers beautifully made casualwear with that same American-heritage sensibility — sizing is true to size and the quality is excellent. Tommy Hilfiger delivers similar coastal-American energy with impeccable finishing. For designer, Isabel Marant captures that effortless, slightly undone aesthetic that Deus is built on — and if you know how to style it, it translates brilliantly.

Two Independent Picks Worth Knowing

For something a bit more niche, I love Finisterre — a Cornish surf brand with serious ethical credentials, beautiful outerwear and a relaxed aesthetic that feels genuinely close to Deus in spirit. Sizing is true to UK, and the quality is outstanding. And if you've not heard of Passenger Clothing, it's time to fix that — a UK outdoor and surf lifestyle brand with stunning prints, relaxed fits and a loyal following. Both are brilliant independent alternatives to have on your radar.

My Final Verdict on Deus Sizing

Size down one as a starting point — it's pretty much universal advice for this brand and it holds up. For oversized pieces, size down two. If you're buying unisex, do the same. Once you find your Deus size, it stays consistent across most of the range, which makes repeat shopping much more straightforward. It's a brilliant brand if you love that lived-in, sun-bleached, too-cool-for-a-logo-tee vibe — just go in informed.

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