What Is Sizing Like at Loro Piana clothing?

Loro Piana generally runs true to size — but with a catch. The knitwear and outerwear are cut on the generous, relaxed side, while the tailored trousers and slimmer silhouettes sit much closer to the body. So before you commit a small fortune to a cashmere crewneck, it pays to know exactly which part of the wardrobe you’re shopping.

I’ll be honest: the first time I handled a Loro Piana jumper in person, I assumed I’d need to size up, because everything that expensive feels like it should be precious and fitted. Reader, I was wrong. I tried my usual size and it was roomy, soft and gloriously slouchy — the kind of relaxed that looks deliberate rather than borrowed from someone taller. That’s the Loro Piana house style in a nutshell.

So, does Loro Piana run big or small?

For most pieces, your usual size is the right starting point. The brand uses Italian sizing across its clothing and EU sizing on shoes, which trips up a lot of UK shoppers who aren’t used to the proportions. Italian cuts tend to read slightly leaner through the body and a touch longer in the arm, so don’t panic if a number looks unfamiliar — it’s the fit that matters, not the label.

Fit by category — what to actually expect

Here’s how it breaks down, piece by piece:

Knitwear — The famous cashmere crewnecks, baby cashmere V-necks and cardigans run generous and relaxed. If you like a neat fit, consider sizing down; if you love that off-duty slouch, stay true to size.
Outerwear — The Traveller and Storm System jackets are deliberately roomy so you can layer over knits. Stick with your normal size unless you’ll only ever wear them over a shirt.
Tailored trousers — Cut beautifully, but on the slimmer, more precise side. This is the one category where I’d try before you buy, or size up if you’re caught between two.
Open Walk boots — These run slightly large thanks to the soft suede and relaxed structure, so size down half a size.
Summer Walk loafers — True to size for most, though half a size down gives a snugger fit if you’re in between.

The biggest mistake I see is people buying Loro Piana knitwear expecting a sharp, fitted jumper and then feeling swamped. It isn’t a sizing fault — it’s the entire point. That relaxed drape is what makes a serious cashmere jumper look quietly expensive rather than try-hard.

My honest styling take

Loro Piana is the patron saint of quiet luxury, and the fit philosophy follows suit: nothing clings, nothing shouts. If you’re investing, I’d start with the knitwear — it’s the piece that wears beautifully for a decade and genuinely justifies the price. Buy your true size, let it sit relaxed, and balance the volume with something slimmer on the bottom half. A roomy cashmere crew over straight-leg trousers and a loafer is the whole stealth-wealth formula, and it’s honestly foolproof. My one fashion fail to learn from: I once paired an oversized knit with wide trousers and a chunky boot and ended up looking like a very expensive sofa. Keep one half of the silhouette lean and you’ll never go wrong.

Where else to find the Loro Piana look

Not everyone has Loro Piana money — I certainly don’t fund my whole wardrobe on it — so here’s where I’d shop the same understated, elevated mood across every budget.

High street

Uniqlo — The cashmere and premium lambswool crewnecks are the best value in the country, full stop.
Marks & Spencer — The pure cashmere and Autograph lines punch well above their price for soft, neutral knits.
The White Company — Unbeatable for calm, tonal basics in cream, stone and grey.
Massimo Dutti — The closest the high street gets to Italian-leaning tailoring and relaxed knitwear.
Jigsaw — Grown-up, considered pieces in lovely fabrics.
Mint Velvet — Relaxed-luxe knits with that soft, slouchy drape.
Hush — Elevated everyday basics that nail the off-duty look.
Reiss — Sharp tailored trousers and coats when you want a little more structure.
Me&Em — Thoughtful, elevated separates designed to last.

Premium

Brora — Scottish cashmere of genuinely heirloom quality, in gorgeous colours.
Totême — The Swedish label that wrote the modern quiet-luxury playbook.
Joseph — Refined knitwear and tailoring with real fashion credibility.
By Malene Birger — Scandi elegance with a slightly more directional edge.

Luxury & designer

Max Mara — The camel coat and relaxed tailoring are a natural Loro Piana companion.
Brunello Cucinelli — The most direct rival for whisper-quiet Italian cashmere.
The Row — Minimalism at its most rarefied, for the true believers.

Two independents worth seeking out

Navygrey — A small British label built around one perfect navy jumper, made properly and ethically.
Colhay’s — Beautifully made British knitwear inspired by mid-century elegance, with quietly brilliant quality.

Never guess a Loro Piana size again

Italian sizing is a maze — so let Tellar do the maths. We’ve analysed every Loro Piana fit chart and matched it to your real measurements, so you get your exact size in 1,500+ brands, instantly. Measure once using bust, waist, hip, or an existing brand size you already know. Always honest, always unbiased, always free — no downloads, works straight in your browser.

Visit Tellar.co.uk →

Or jump straight to the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more.

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