What is Sizing Like at Frame Jeans?

Frame jeans tend to run slightly large and generous in the waist, which often means sizing down is the move – particularly in their stretch denim styles. But there's more nuance to it than that, and getting Frame sizing right can be the difference between finding your perfect jean or endless frustration with gaping waistbands.

The Honest Truth About Frame Sizing

I'll never forget the first time I tried Frame jeans. I ordered my usual size 28 in the Le High Skinny, feeling quite confident because they're premium denim and surely they'd fit true to size, right? Wrong. They were genuinely loose around the waist from the first wear, and after a few hours they'd stretched even more. I had that annoying gap at the back where you could fit your hand between the waistband and your body. Classic Frame sizing moment.

Here's what I've learned since then, both personally and from fitting countless clients: Frame jeans are designed with a California-cool, slightly relaxed aesthetic in mind. Even their "skinny" jeans have a more forgiving fit than many European brands.

How Frame Sizing Actually Works

The Waist Situation

Stretch denim styles – Almost always size down one full size. They'll feel snug initially but within an hour or two they relax perfectly
Rigid denim – Stick to your true size, maybe even size up if you're between sizes. These barely stretch
High-rise styles – Can run even more generous in the waist. I'd still recommend sizing down

Rise and Length Quirks

Frame's rise measurements are quite generous across their range. Their "high-rise" sits higher than many other brands' high-rise styles, which is brilliant if you love that vintage feel but can be surprising if you're not expecting it. The Le High style, for instance, sits properly high – we're talking properly vintage 70s high.

Length-wise, Frame offers multiple inseam options, but here's the thing: their standard inseams tend to run long. I'm 5'6" and their 28" inseam hits me at the ankle rather than cropping neatly at the shin like it does in other brands. Something to factor in when choosing your length.

The Stretch Factor: Your Guide

This is crucial with Frame because they use quite a lot of stretch in many of their styles. I've had jeans stretch up to a full size over a day's wear, which is honestly quite extreme for premium denim.

What to Expect:

First wear – Should feel properly snug if you've sized down. You might even think "these are too small"
After 2-3 hours – They'll relax significantly, especially around the waist and thighs
End of day – The waist will have stretched noticeably. This is normal
After washing – They'll shrink back close to original size but not completely. Each wash cycle you'll go through this process again

Different Styles, Different Fits

Not all Frame jeans fit the same way. Here's what I've noticed:

Le High Skinny

Their bestseller and honestly quite generous. Size down one full size. The waist stretches considerably but the legs stay relatively fitted.

Le Sylvie Slender Straight

More true to size than the Le High, but still runs slightly large. If you're between sizes, go smaller.

Le Palazzo

Wide-leg styles are more forgiving overall. These you can take your true size or even size up if you want a really relaxed, slouchy fit.

Le Boy

Boyfriend fit that's meant to be loose, but even these run generous. True size usually works unless you want them properly baggy.

My Professional Styling Advice

I've learnt to approach Frame sizing with a completely different mindset than other premium denim brands. Whilst with Citizens of Humanity or Agolde you might debate going up a size, with Frame it's almost always about sizing down.

The best approach? If you're ordering online, order two sizes – your usual size and one size down. Try the smaller size first thing in the morning when they'll be at their snuggest, wear them for a few hours around the house, and see how they feel. If they're comfortable after 2-3 hours, you've found your Frame size. Return the larger pair.

Getting Your Perfect Frame Size

Since Frame jeans retail between £200-£280, getting the size right first time really matters. Rather than the guessing game of "should I size down or not?", you could use Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise Frame size based on your actual measurements.

Why Tellar Makes Sense

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool – your body exactly matched to 1,500+ brands instantly. You measure once using your bust, waist, hip, or your existing brand size, then use their Store Size Lookup to get your precise size in Frame, Paige, Citizens of Humanity, Mother Denim and over 1,500 other brands. It's completely free, no downloads needed, and works straight in your browser.

Visit Tellar.co.uk to match your measurements to Frame and avoid the size confusion entirely.

Other Brilliant Denim Brands to Consider

If you love the idea of premium denim but want to explore beyond Frame, here are my top recommendations:

High Street Winners

Mango – Their premium denim line is excellent. True to size, great washes, and about £60. The quality has genuinely surprised me
Zara – Hit and miss with sizing consistency, but when you find a good pair they're brilliant. Look for their Studio collection for better quality
H&M – Their conscious denim range is improving. Very affordable at £35-45. Size up as they run quite small
COS – Excellent for minimalist, straight-leg cuts. Sizing is European so goes smaller. Their organic cotton denim is particularly good
Whistles – Consistent sizing, excellent quality for around £120. Their barrel leg jean is fantastic
All Saints – Brilliant for edgier washes and cuts. True to size. Their cigarette leg is a classic
Reiss – More fashion-forward styles. Good for trend-led pieces that still feel elevated

Premium Alternatives

Paige – More true to size than Frame. Excellent stretch retention. Their Hoxton ankle is incredibly flattering
Citizens of Humanity – True to size, minimal stretch. Premium quality that ages beautifully
Mother Denim – Fun, vintage-inspired. Slightly more generous than Citizens but not as stretchy as Frame

Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Khaite – If you love Frame's aesthetic but want something more structured, Khaite delivers. Size true and expect a higher price point (£350+) but the quality is exceptional
Slvrlake – LA-based brand with beautiful vintage-inspired fits. True to size with minimal stretch. Their London jean is brilliant for a straight leg

The Bottom Line on Frame Sizing

Frame jeans are genuinely lovely – the denim is soft, the washes are beautiful, and they've got that effortless California cool down pat. But you absolutely must size down in their stretch styles. I can't stress this enough. Every single client I've fitted in Frame has needed to size down from their usual size, without exception.

Don't let the generous sizing put you off. Once you know your Frame size, you'll understand why they're such a cult favourite. The fit is comfortable, never restrictive, and they genuinely do look good with everything from trainers to heels.

Quick Reference Guide

Stretch denim – Size down one full size
Rigid denim – True to size or size up between sizes
High-rise styles – Size down, especially in the waist
Wide-leg styles – True to size works
Length – Runs long, consider petite sizing if under 5'5"

More Denim & Sizing Guides

For more comprehensive sizing advice and style guides, check out the Tellar Fashion Hub:

About Tellar Fashion Hub: A library stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query. Honest, unbiased, independent advice – always free. Style guidance, top picks, and brand recommendations all available at Tellar.co.uk.