What Is Sizing Like at John Lewis’ Own Clothing Brand?

By Ella Blake – Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder | Tellar – Always honest, unbiased, & unsponsored post

The short answer: John Lewis’ own-brand clothing is broadly true to size, but it depends entirely on which of their in-house labels you’re buying. “John Lewis own brand” isn’t one thing – it’s three distinct labels with three very different fits, and that’s exactly where most people come unstuck at the checkout. Get the label right and you’ll rarely need to size up or down. Get it wrong and you’ll be back at the Click & Collect desk with a returns slip and a sigh.

I learnt this the hard way years ago. I ordered a Kin coat in my usual 12 for a client shoot, assuming “John Lewis” meant a safe, standard British fit. It turned up looking like I’d borrowed it from someone two sizes bigger – gorgeous fabric, but swimming on me. Lesson learnt: never treat a department store’s own brands as interchangeable.

The Three John Lewis Own Labels (and How Each One Fits)

Here’s the bit nobody explains clearly on the website. John Lewis runs three separate in-house ranges, and the fit changes the moment you switch between them.

ANYDAY – the affordable, easy-basics line launched in 2021. This is your t-shirts, jersey dresses, leggings and loungewear. It follows a standard UK fit and is mostly true to size, but knitwear, hoodies and relaxed trousers run a touch looser by design. If you like a neat finish on a jumper, take your usual size and expect cosy rather than fitted.
Kin – the Scandi-inspired, minimalist line with boxy, architectural shapes. Kin runs noticeably oversized, especially in coats, shirts and dresses. I’d size down one, sometimes two, if you don’t want the slouchy look. (See: my coat disaster above.)
John Lewis & Partners (the core own-label) – the more grown-up, tailored pieces: smart trousers, structured dresses, classic knits and the genuinely excellent cashmere. This is the most reliable of the three and sits true to size, with a flattering, considered cut. The non-stretch tailoring holds its shape beautifully but leaves little give, so don’t go tighter than your true measurement.

My Quick Fit Rules for John Lewis Own Brand

Buying knitwear or loungewear (ANYDAY)? Stick to your normal size; only drop down if you want it sharp rather than soft.
Buying anything Kin? Assume it’s generous and size down for a tailored silhouette.
Buying tailoring, dresses or cashmere (& Partners)? Take your true size – the fit is dependable and well cut.
Shoes? Their leather flats run true to size but rarely come in half sizes, so size up if you’re a half.

The Honest Verdict on Quality

John Lewis own-brand quality is genuinely good for the price – the cashmere and the & Partners tailoring punch well above their cost-per-wear. ANYDAY is more hit-and-miss; some of the jersey can feel a little synthetic up close, so I’d shop it for staples rather than statement pieces. Kin is where the real magic is for me: properly made, hangs well, and worth every penny if you embrace the relaxed cut.

Where Else to Shop for the Same Look

If you love the John Lewis own-brand aesthetic – clean lines, quality basics, grown-up tailoring – here’s where I’d send my clients, tier by tier.

High Street

COS – the obvious sister to Kin: minimalist, architectural and beautifully cut. Sizing runs slightly generous and relaxed, so size down for a neat fit.
Marks & Spencer – the direct department-store rival, brilliant for true-to-size basics and consistently strong knitwear and tailoring.
White Stuff – lovely for relaxed, casual everyday pieces with a friendly fit; comparable territory to ANYDAY but with more personality in the prints.
Boden – reliable British staples with a generous, comfortable cut; superb for spotty dresses and cords, true to size with the odd roomy waistband.
Seasalt Cornwall – soft, breathable, coastal-casual clothing that fits true and forgivingly; ideal for the relaxed-staples shopper.
Mango – sharp, on-trend tailoring at a brilliant price, though it cuts on the slim side – size up if you’re between sizes.
Whistles – contemporary, fashion-forward pieces with a refined finish; runs slightly small around the bust and waist, so consider sizing up.

Two Independents Worth Knowing

Albaray – a genuinely lovely independent British label with a sustainable, contemporary edge. Think elevated everyday dresses and prints – true to size with a flattering, easy cut.
TOAST – craft-led, quietly beautiful and made to last, this is the one I send anyone who adores the Kin minimalist mood but wants something more soulful. Relaxed, generous fits – consider sizing down.

Premium

Jigsaw – elevated, timeless wardrobe staples with the same grown-up sensibility as John Lewis & Partners, but a notch more polished. True to size with a refined cut.
Mint Velvet – soft, contemporary luxe-casual; gorgeous knits and easy tailoring that fit true with a relaxed drape.
Hobbs – the go-to for classic tailoring and occasionwear; reliably true to UK sizing with a structured, ladylike finish.
Phase Eight – brilliant for occasion dresses and wedding-guest pieces; cuts a little generous, so many of my clients size down by one.

Luxury / Designer

Max Mara – the gold standard for investment coats and tailoring. The famous camel coats are worth saving for; runs true to size with a generous, sculptural cut.
ME+EM – British, beautifully engineered, and obsessed with flattering fit (their “longer length” options are a gift for taller women). True to size with clever, body-aware tailoring.

Stop Guessing Your Size – Let Tellar Do It

Here’s the thing: even within one shop, you might be a 12 in & Partners and a 10 in Kin. That’s exhausting. Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool – it matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you never have to squint at a size guide again. Measure once using your bust, waist and hip (or just your existing brand size), and you’re done.

Match your body to 1,500+ brands in seconds – https://tellar.co.uk/
Use the Store Size Lookup to get your precise size in any brand – COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more: https://tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/
Always free, no downloads – it works straight in your browser.

And once you’ve nailed your size, dive into the Tellar Fashion Hub – a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free. Style advice, top picks and the best brands, all in one place.

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