What is Sizing Like at Elsie & Fred?

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

Elsie & Fred runs true to standard UK sizing — but the brand designs for a deliberately close, body-skimming fit, so if you're used to a looser silhouette or you fall between sizes, you'll want to know the nuances before you hit buy.

I remember the first time a client brought an Elsie & Fred sequin mini dress into a fitting and announced it didn't fit. She'd ordered her usual size 10. It zipped up. It looked absolutely stunning. The issue was she'd never worn something cut that close to the body before, and honestly? The dress was doing exactly what it was designed to do. That's the thing with Elsie & Fred — the fit isn't a flaw, it's the entire point.

The Brand in Brief

Elsie & Fred is a UK-born indie label created by three siblings — Natalie, Leanne and Ryan Haynes. Their whole world is bold colour, metallic finishes, sequins, vegan fur, and pieces that make you feel genuinely spectacular at a festival, a party, or anywhere you want to be noticed. It's festival-cool meets going-out glamour, with a joyful irreverence that the high street rarely captures. Prices sit in the accessible-to-mid range, and the brand has built a devoted following largely through social media and word of mouth.

Does Elsie & Fred Run True to Size?

Yes — the sizing itself is consistent and aligns with standard UK sizing. A UK 10 at Elsie & Fred is genuinely a UK 10. What catches people off guard isn't the sizing; it's the fit philosophy. Everything is cut to sit close to the body. Bodycon dresses, cropped halters, lace-up bodysuits, co-ords with stretch fabric — these are all made to show off your shape. There's very little ease built in, and that's by design.

The golden rules: order your true size if you want the intended look. Go up one size if you prefer a less body-hugging feel, if you carry more volume in the bust or hips, or if you're between sizes. The pieces are bold enough that sizing up doesn't dilute the impact — you'll still look brilliant.

Fit by Garment — What You Actually Need to Know

Dresses

Mini and bodycon dresses are the brand's heartland. They hug, and they're meant to. True to size works for most body types, but if your hips or bust are on the larger side within your usual size bracket, go up.
Cut-out styles and lace-up details are particularly unforgiving around the midriff. Always check the product measurements rather than relying solely on the label.
Longer lengths — where the brand does offer them — tend to have a slightly more relaxed construction. True to size is generally comfortable here.

Tops, Crop Tops & Bodysuits

Crop tops are cropped quite short — if you're longer in the body than average, be aware of this before ordering.
"One size" items have generated the most sizing complaints in customer reviews. These aren't genuinely one-size-fits-all — they tend to work best on a UK 6–10. If you're above that, size up or skip the one-size pieces entirely.
If you have a larger bust, go up a size. The stretch in the fabric will accommodate, but in your usual size things will feel very tight across the chest.

Co-ords & Two-Pieces

Co-ords are sold as sets, which can be tricky if you're a split size. If your top and bottom sizes differ, buying separates from different pieces in the range will serve you much better.
Sequin and metallic two-pieces have enough stretch to be forgiving. If you're on the cusp between sizes, go up — you'll find the fit more comfortable without losing any of the drama.

Outerwear

The vegan fur coats are a genuine cult piece and generally well-sized, though some customers with narrower frames have flagged that the arm openings on XS can be tight. If you have broader shoulders or a fuller chest, size up.
For structured jackets and coats, shoulder fit is everything — and shoulders are the one thing you can't easily alter. If you're unsure, go up and have it taken in elsewhere if needed.

Playsuits & Jumpsuits

Taller women actually fare well here — Elsie & Fred cuts with a generous leg length, which is genuinely refreshing for anyone 5'8" and above who usually battles short-rise jumpsuits.
If you're under 5'4", check the body length measurements before ordering — you may find the rise sits a little long.

Plus Sizing at Elsie & Fred

Most Elsie & Fred styles currently run to a UK 16, with select pieces reaching an 18 or 20. The extended size range isn't comprehensive, which feels at odds with the brand's body-positive messaging. If you're shopping above a UK 16, I'd suggest using Tellar's Store Size Lookup to find brands with a similar bold aesthetic that carry a fuller size range — there are brilliant options out there.

Ella's Honest Verdict

Elsie & Fred sizing is consistent and true to UK standard — but the fit is intentionally close to the body throughout. Order your true size for the look as intended. Go up if you're between sizes, carry more volume in the bust or hips, or simply prefer a less bodycon silhouette. Always check the individual product measurements, especially on one-size pieces and anything with cut-outs or lace-up detailing. Don't let a snug try-on put you off — these pieces are designed to be worn with confidence.

Where Else to Shop the Same Energy

If you love the Elsie & Fred world — the colour, the boldness, the unapologetic glamour — here's where I'd send you at every price point.

High Street

River Island — One of the best high street sources for bold going-out dresses and co-ords with genuine colour and embellishment. Their sizing is true to UK standard with slightly more ease than Elsie & Fred — a good option if you want similar drama with a little more breathing room.
Urban Outfitters — The closest aesthetic match on the high street for Y2K, indie-cool energy. Their sequin and metallic pieces are excellent quality and sell out fast in festival season, so shop early.
Warehouse — Seriously underrated for party dressing. Their occasion pieces have strong colour stories each season and the quality is consistently good for the price point. Sizing runs true to UK standard.
Anthropologie — For the eclectic, print-forward customer who wants bold colour with a little more texture and quirkiness. Sizing runs true with a relaxed, generous fit — a real contrast to the Elsie & Fred body-close cut.
ASOS — The safe all-rounder for festival and party pieces, with a size range that Elsie & Fred can't yet compete with. Their own-brand going-out range is solid value, and the returns policy makes sizing experiments low-risk.
All Saints — For the edgier, rock-meets-bohemian customer who loves Elsie & Fred's bolder statement pieces but wants something slightly less maximalist. Sizing is generous and reassuringly consistent.
Topshop (via ASOS) — Still delivering on bodycon dresses and sequin pieces. True to UK standard sizing, and the range available through ASOS is impressively deep.
Phase Eight — Worth a mention for anyone who wants Elsie & Fred's love of colour and print in a smarter, more structured occasion silhouette. True to size with a relaxed, wearable fit.

Independent Picks

House of CB — A fellow UK indie label with a near-identical fit philosophy: bodycon, stretch-led, designed to show off your shape. The same sizing rules apply — true to size but close-fitting by design. Their construction quality is excellent and the range of occasion dresses is vast.
Never Fully Dressed — A brilliant find for anyone who wants bold print and colour without the bodycon cut. Their wrap dresses and midi skirts are inclusive, joyful and genuinely distinctive. True to size with a flattering, more forgiving fit than Elsie & Fred — a great option if you love the colour story but want a softer silhouette.

Premium & Designer

Rotate Birger Christensen — The elevated choice for sequin and statement dressing with serious construction quality. Sizing runs true to EU standard — worth checking the conversion if you're ordering for the first time.
Self-Portrait — For the same maximalist spirit with a luxury-level finish. Their lace and embellished pieces are stunning for occasions. Cut quite structured — size up if you're between sizes.

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