What Is Sizing Like at Michael Lo Sordo?

The short answer: Michael Lo Sordo runs true to size on your body measurements, but it leaves you almost no margin for error. The silk satins don't stretch, the cut is precise, and the brand sizes on Australian/UK numbering — so a "2" on the label is a UK 2, not a US 2. Take it true to your measurements for the slip dresses and gowns, and size down on the tailoring, which is deliberately cut oversized.

Now let me actually be useful about it, because "true to size" is doing a lot of heavy lifting with a label like this one.

First, who is Michael Lo Sordo?

Michael Lo Sordo is the Australian designer behind some of the most quietly devastating slip dresses in the business. He launched his label back in 2008 and built it on what the industry likes to call "romantic minimalism" — sculptural ruching, bias-cut silk, fluid columns and structured tailoring, all in fabrics that cost a small fortune to mill. It's red-carpet and bridal territory, the sort of thing that turns up in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and on the back of someone far more glamorous than the rest of us at a wedding.

That matters for sizing, because a brand built on draped silk and fitted bodices has nowhere to hide a fit mistake.

So, does it run true to size?

Broadly, yes — if you match the garment to your actual bust and waist measurements rather than your "usual" size, you'll be right. But there are three things I'd genuinely flag before you click buy:

It's AU/UK numbering, not US. A Lo Sordo 8 is a UK 8. American shoppers who see a "2" or a "4" and panic — don't. Check the body measurements, not the number on the tab.
The silk has no give. Knits forgive a rushed size choice; heavy silk satin and taffeta absolutely do not. If you're between sizes on a fitted style, the larger size is the kinder bet — you can always have it nipped in.
Returns are straightforward, which is a relief at this price point, so there's no shame in ordering two sizes and sending one back.

A small confession: years ago I talked a client into her "normal" 10 in a bias slip exactly like these, on the basis that she's always a 10. She is — in jersey. In unforgiving silk the bodice pulled across the bust and we spent the morning before her event with a seamstress and a glass of something. Lesson learnt. With Lo Sordo, measure first and have an honest conversation with the tape measure.

The slip dresses and gowns

These are the heroes — the ruched silk gowns and halter-neck columns. They're cut close and they sit on the bias, which means they skim the body and show every line. My stylist's notes:

Size to your bust first. The low, open backs and slim straps mean a too-tight bodice is the most common regret.
Fuller bust? Go up and tailor the waist down — far easier than trying to let out a silk bodice.
Check the length. These run long for the floor-sweeping look, so factor in your heel height before hemming.

The tailoring

The blazers and "boy" pants are a different conversation. The brand cuts its tailoring oversized on purpose, and even tells you to size down if you want a sharper, true-to-size fit. So if you're after a relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boyfriend line, take your usual size; if you want it neat, drop one.

Where to shop the Lo Sordo look

If you love the silhouette but you're not quite ready to spend designer money, here's where I'd send you — picked for who genuinely does this slinky, occasion-led look well.

High street

Reiss — the most grown-up high street for occasion slips and column dresses; the fabrics feel a cut above.
Whistles — masters of the modern, pared-back bias slip in proper satin.
Mango — punches well above its price on satin slip dresses; the best budget entry to this look.
COS — for the sculptural, minimalist column lines, where the cut does all the talking.
Massimo Dutti — quietly luxe slip dresses and the closest high street tailoring to that relaxed Lo Sordo line.
Jigsaw — refined, understated occasionwear that never tries too hard.
Hush — easy, drapey satin slips for a low-key version of the look.

Premium

Ghost — the original bias-cut slip dress specialists; the satin recovery and drape are the nearest thing on the market.
Cefinn — for the sharp, structured tailoring side of Lo Sordo's world.
By Malene Birger — Scandi-luxe occasion pieces with real fabric integrity.

Luxury / designer

Galvan London — if Lo Sordo is your taste, this is your spiritual home; liquid silk slip gowns, red-carpet pedigree.
Max Mara — for the polished column dress and impeccable fabric weight.
Roland Mouret — the master of the sculptural, body-skimming gown if you want drama with structure.

And two off-radar picks I'd quietly recommend

Asceno — a London label obsessed with silk; their slip dresses are gloriously simple and wear like a second skin.
Aje — fellow Australians working the same romantic, structured-yet-fluid territory; an under-the-radar gem in the UK.

Stop guessing your size — let Tellar do it

Here's where I'll happily plug my own thing, because it solves exactly this problem. Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool — you measure once (bust, waist, hip, or just give it a brand size you already own) and it matches your body to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more squinting at a size guide, no more ordering three sizes on a hunch.

Measure once and you're set for life.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads, works straight in your browser.

And then there's the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library stacked with free posts from our stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free. Style advice, top picks and the best brands for whatever you're hunting down.

While you're here, a few of my favourites:

Never look at a size guide again.

Match your body to 1,500+ brands in seconds — free, honest and built by stylists who actually care about the fit.

Find My Size on Tellar →

Words by Ella Blake — Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder, Tellar.