What Is Sizing Like at Maine?

Maine sizing runs true to size on most pieces, with a deliberately forgiving cut through the bust, waist and hip — meaning your usual UK size will almost always be the right starting point, and you very rarely need to size up. Maine is the Debenhams-owned classic British womenswear label that landed back on debenhams.com after the Boohoo (now Frasers) takeover, and it has carved out a loyal following for one very simple reason: the fit is reliable, generous in the right places, and built for real bodies that don't fancy holding their breath all day.

The Maine fit, in a nutshell

I've styled enough fittings over the years to know that "true to size" can mean wildly different things depending on the brand — Zara's true-to-size and Boden's true-to-size are not living in the same postcode. Maine sits firmly at the relaxed end. Think of it as a softer Hobbs, or a less structured Jigsaw. Designed primarily with the 35-plus customer in mind, the cuts skim rather than cling, the waistbands have a little give, and the shoulders sit where they should — not three inches down your arm like some of the trend-led high street labels.

UK size range: typically 8 to 22, with some pieces going to 24
Fit character: classic, slightly generous, never bodycon
Best for: a softer silhouette, fuller bust, defined waist, or anyone who just wants room to breathe
Worth knowing: petite-friendly proportions on selected styles, but no dedicated petite line

Category by category – where the fit lands

Knitwear and jumpers

This is where Maine really shines. Jumpers run true to size with a slightly dropped shoulder and a relaxed body — flattering if you carry weight on the tummy or bust. I always tell clients to stick with their usual size unless they want that oversized-blanket-jumper energy, in which case go up one. Sleeves can run a touch long on petites, but nothing a quick wrist-push doesn't fix.

Trousers and jeans

Trousers sit at the natural waist (hallelujah) rather than the awkward mid-rise no-man's-land. Hip room is generous, leg shape tends towards straight or slim-straight rather than skinny. If you're between sizes on the waist, take the smaller — the waistband has stretch and they soften with wear. Maine jean inseams typically come in around 30–31 inches, so anyone over 5'8" may want to try them on before committing.

Dresses

Dress cuts are softer and more forgiving than most high street offerings. Waist seams sit at the natural waist, sleeves are usually a flattering three-quarter or full length, and necklines err on the side of modest. My one styling note: the shift dresses can sometimes look like a sack on a petite frame — belt them, always.

Blouses and shirts

Bust fit is the kindest on the high street, full stop. If you're a D-cup-plus and you've been size-tetris-ing your way through Zara button-downs, Maine will be a revelation. Sleeves run slightly longer than average. Shoulders are well-placed.

Real talk: a styling story

A client of mine — a barrister, properly busy, properly fed up with shopping — came to me last year because she couldn't find a navy work trouser that fit her hips without gaping at the waist. We tried six brands. Maine's slim-leg tailored trousers in her usual UK 14 fit on the first go, and she ordered four pairs in different colours that evening. That's the Maine effect. It's not exciting, it's not trend-led, but the fit just works.

Where else to shop if you love Maine's fit

High street alternatives

M&S – the closest sister-shop in terms of fit philosophy and price; their Per Una and Autograph lines mirror Maine's relaxed-classic feel.
Phase Eight – excellent for occasion dresses with the same forgiving waistlines and grown-up necklines.
Hobbs – go here for sharper tailoring when you want a more structured Maine equivalent.
Jigsaw – quietly elevated everyday pieces, particularly knitwear, in a similar slightly-relaxed cut.
Mint Velvet – relaxed luxe with a softer, drapier silhouette; great for casual Maine fans.
Joules – the country-classic cousin; brilliant for prints, jersey dresses and weekend pieces.
Seasalt Cornwall – relaxed, characterful basics with the same generous fit through the body.
Crew Clothing – preppy, classic, similar price point — strong on shirts and chinos.

Premium step-up

Boden – classic British with a bit more colour and personality; the natural premium upgrade.
Me&Em – contemporary classics with seriously clever tailoring and a fit-flattering approach.
LK Bennett – polished, ladylike, ideal for occasion and work wardrobes.

Luxury/designer

Max Mara – the gold standard for classic, beautifully cut investment pieces in the Maine spirit.

Two independents worth knowing

Sosandar – a brilliantly cult direct-to-customer British brand designed specifically for women over 35; fits, fabrics and finish punch well above the price tag.
Aspiga – the independent British label for relaxed, sustainable wardrobe staples with a slightly bohemian edge; ideal for holiday and weekend pieces.

Final fit tips from me

Take your usual UK size — sizing up is almost never needed.
If you're between sizes on trousers, size down.
Belt the shift dresses.
If you're petite, check sleeve and inseam lengths.

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