What Is Sizing Like at La DoubleJ?

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

La DoubleJ sizing is inconsistent depending on the style — the floaty, voluminous pieces (think the iconic Swing dress and kaftans) run generous and often large, while structured or fitted styles can catch you out by running small, particularly across the bust and shoulders. In short: you genuinely need to check each piece individually before buying, rather than trusting your usual size across the board.

I'll be honest — I came to La DoubleJ late. A friend turned up to a dinner wearing a swirl of Italian print silk and I spent most of the evening asking where it was from. Once I looked the brand up, I understood the hype entirely. Founded in Milan in 2015 by J.J. Martin, La DoubleJ is a celebration of maximalism — bold archival prints, luxurious fabrics, and silhouettes that feel genuinely joyful to wear. But when you're spending upwards of £800 on a dress, getting the size wrong is not an option. So here's what you actually need to know.

The Overall Sizing Picture

La DoubleJ uses Italian sizing on some styles and international S/M/L sizing on others — occasionally you'll see both on the same product page, which doesn't help. The brand ranges from XXS through to XXL or XXXL on most styles, though the size run varies by garment. Here's the pattern I've noticed:

Voluminous, flowing styles (the Swing dress, kaftans, the Hendrix) — these are deliberately oversized and designed to billow and drape. They run large. If you want a slightly less voluminous look, size down. If you love the drama, go true to size.
Fitted or structured styles (anything with darts, waistbands, or a close-cut bodice) — these tend to run small, especially if you're fuller in the bust, arms, or shoulders. Size up here without hesitation.
Skirts and trousers — elastic waistbands are fairly forgiving, but be aware that high-waisted cuts and rigid fabrics like faille or silk offer zero stretch. If you're in between sizes, go up.
One-size or S/M and M/L styles — quite a few pieces come in just two size brackets. These suit a range of proportions but aren't truly universal. Petites may find them overwhelming; taller or curvier frames often wear them brilliantly.

The Fabric Factor — and Why It Matters So Much Here

La DoubleJ uses genuinely luxurious materials — silk, taffeta, jacquard, crepe, faille — and most of them contain no stretch whatsoever. This is important because it means there's no give to accommodate a slightly snug fit. I've read countless reviews from women saying the waist or hips were perfect but the shoulders or arms felt tight and restricting. That's the nature of structured silk: once it's snug, it's snug.

My rule of thumb: if a style is structured and made from a stiff or rigid fabric, go up a size — particularly if you're broader in the shoulder, larger in the bust, or carry more volume in the upper arm. The silhouettes are so beautifully designed that a slightly roomier fit will still look intentional and chic.

The Iconic Swing Dress — Getting It Right

If you're new to the brand, the Swing dress is almost certainly what first caught your eye. It's a full-length flared dress that falls from the bust with no waist definition — which is part of its genius, because it suits virtually every body shape. It's designed to be voluminous and free-moving, and it genuinely is. Most retailers describe it as true to size, but because it's so generous in the body, petite women may find it a little overwhelming. If that's you, consider sizing down one. For everyone else: go true to size and enjoy the drama.

Italian vs International Sizing: How to Convert

When you see Italian sizing on a La DoubleJ product, here's a rough guide to help you cross-reference:

IT 38 ≈ UK 6 / XS
IT 40 ≈ UK 8 / XS–S
IT 42 ≈ UK 10 / S
IT 44 ≈ UK 12 / M
IT 46 ≈ UK 14 / L
IT 48 ≈ UK 16 / XL
IT 50 ≈ UK 18 / XXL

These are approximate — and as we've established, the actual fit depends heavily on the style and fabric. Always check the individual product description before ordering, and note that the La DoubleJ website does flag when a particular piece runs small or large. Pay attention to those notes; they're there for a reason.

My Honest Advice Before You Buy

Know your exact bust, waist, and hip measurements before shopping — not just your usual dress size.
Read the product description carefully — the brand is reasonably transparent about fit.
If you're between sizes, size up — especially on anything with no stretch or a fitted bodice.
Busty or broad-shouldered? Always size up on structured styles. The flowing pieces will likely work at your usual size.
Petite? La DoubleJ's longer hems and voluminous cuts can be generous — consider sizing down or opting for the midi and mini lengths where available.
If in doubt, use Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool to match your exact measurements to the right La DoubleJ size — far more reliable than guessing from a number on a label.

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Love the La DoubleJ Aesthetic? Here's Where Else to Shop

La DoubleJ pieces start at around £500 and climb steeply from there. If you're drawn to the bold print, Italian-inspired, joyful-dressing spirit of the brand but want to explore other options — or build up to the investment — here's where I'd look:

High Street & Accessible

Anthropologie — without question the closest high street spirit to La DoubleJ. Bold florals, feminine silhouettes, and a real commitment to interesting print and colour. The maxi dresses in particular are brilliant. Sizing tends to run true to size on relaxed styles.
Ted Baker — known for its British take on bold floral and botanical prints. Excellent occasion dresses, great quality for the price, and the brand's signature feminine detailing makes it feel a step above the typical high street.
Monsoon — a longstanding favourite for bold prints, embroidery, and occasion-worthy dresses at accessible prices. Particularly strong on midi and maxi silhouettes that echo La DoubleJ's love of volume and pattern.
Phase Eight — the go-to for beautifully made occasionwear in the UK. Their printed maxi dresses and tiered styles are consistently excellent, and the fit tends to be flattering across a range of body shapes.
Jigsaw — understated and Italian-influenced, with a commitment to quality fabrics and interesting print. Less maximalist than La DoubleJ, but a great option if you love the ethos of Italian craft without the full-volume drama.
Whistles — reliable, beautifully cut, and consistently strong on feminine occasionwear. A great place to find bold silk-look pieces at a fraction of the La DoubleJ price point.
Me+Em — a premium British brand beloved by stylists for its quality and fit. Particularly strong on elegant dresses with interesting print and a polished feel. Sizing is consistent and reliable.

Premium & Designer Alternatives

Max Mara — Italian luxury at its most refined. Where La DoubleJ is joyfully maximalist, Max Mara is quietly impeccable. If you love Italian craftsmanship but prefer a more minimal approach to print, this is where you go next.
Claudie Pierlot — French femininity with a bold streak. Their printed silk dresses and blouses are genuinely beautiful, and the brand sits in a sweet spot between accessible luxury and designer. A favourite of mine for exactly the kind of joyful dressing that La DoubleJ celebrates.

Two Independent Brands Worth Discovering

RIXO — a London-based independent that has built its entire identity on exactly what La DoubleJ fans love: vintage-inspired prints, silk-feel fabrics, and silhouettes that feel genuinely special. Their sizing is consistent and their prints are extraordinary. If you haven't discovered RIXO yet, this is your moment.
Borgo de Nor — a small London label producing beautifully crafted, bold-print dresses with a strong Italian and Mediterranean influence. The aesthetic sits directly alongside La DoubleJ, but at a slightly lower price point and with a lovely sense of independence. A genuine hidden gem.