What Is Sizing Like at Nackiyé?

Nackiyé runs true to size, but with a deliberately relaxed, oversized cut — and the catch most people miss is that everything is listed in French sizing. So a French 36 is roughly a UK 10, a 38 is a UK 12, and so on. Get your head around that one detail and the rest falls into place beautifully. I've styled enough of these kaftans now to tell you exactly where the fit can trip you up, and how to land your perfect size first time.

Nackiyé (you'll sometimes see it searched as "Nackaye") is the Istanbul-based artisanal label known for its hand-finished kaftans, delicate embroidery and those joyfully vibrant Eastern Mediterranean prints. It's the kind of brand you buy for a wedding abroad, a milestone birthday in Mykonos, or honestly just to feel wonderful pottering around at home. The pieces are designed to drape rather than cling, which is exactly why the sizing conversation matters.

First things first: French sizing

This is the bit that catches everyone out. Nackiyé sizes its garments the French way, so the numbers on the label sit two below what you might expect from a UK tag. As a rough guide:

FR 34 ≈ UK 6
FR 36 ≈ UK 8–10
FR 38 ≈ UK 12
FR 40 ≈ UK 14

I'll be honest — the first time I ordered, I nearly clicked a 40 out of habit because I'm "usually a 12 to 14." Stop and convert before you check out. It's the single most common returns mistake I see with this brand.

How the fit actually wears

The silhouettes are intentionally generous. Many of the kaftans and dresses are cut oversized, often with an optional corded belt so you can cinch the waist and create shape on your own terms. That belt is your best friend — it's the difference between "elegant" and "is she wearing a tent."

Kaftans & dresses: True to size with an oversized, fluid drape. If you're between two sizes and want a cleaner, less voluminous line, size down. If you love a billowy resort look, stay true.
Cotton poplin pieces: Crisp and structured with very little give, so go by your true French size rather than hoping a smaller one will "stretch in." It won't.
Viscose, jersey and softer blends: Forgiving and lovely on the body — these are where you can confidently size up if you prefer extra ease.
Trousers & separates: Generally accurate but cut long, which is a gift if you're tall or planning to tuck and belt.

One genuine styling win from my own wardrobe: I bought a Nackiyé kaftan a half-size "too big" on purpose, then wore it belted with flat tan sandals to a summer lunch. Three people asked where it was from. Conversely — and I'll own this — I once ordered a poplin shirt-dress without converting the size, sized down twice over, and ended up gifting it to my much smaller sister. Lesson learned, twice over.

A quick note before you buy

Nackiyé ships from Istanbul, so UK shoppers should factor in potential import duties, and returns sit on a tighter window than your usual high-street order. Check measurements against the product page (most list the model's height and the size she's wearing) before committing — it's the surest way to get it right.

Where to shop a similar look

If you adore the Nackiyé mood — relaxed, embroidered, resort-elegant — but want options across different budgets, here's where I'd actually send you. These are my picks based on each shop's real strengths for this exact aesthetic.

High street

Mango — consistently the best high-street source for embroidered kaftans and breezy resort dresses that punch well above their price.
Monsoon — the embellishment specialist; their beaded and embroidered kaftans are made for poolside-to-dinner.
Anthropologie — print-rich, bohemian and beautifully detailed; closest in spirit to Nackiyé's artisanal feel.
Massimo Dutti — for the elevated, fluid Mediterranean look in calmer, neutral tones.
COS — minimalist drape if you want the relaxed silhouette without the pattern.
Whistles — strong on contemporary printed dresses with a grown-up edge.
Seasalt Cornwall — easy, breathable coastal pieces that wear like a holiday.
Boden — bold, joyful prints and reliably forgiving cuts for everyday wear.

Premium & contemporary

Toast — the natural choice here: artisanal fabrics, considered cuts and a quiet, hand-made sensibility that mirrors Nackiyé closely.
Sézane — Parisian romance with gorgeous embroidery and that effortless French-girl ease.
Hush — genuinely excellent for relaxed kaftans and resort-leaning pieces at a kinder price than designer.

Luxury & designer

By Malene Birger — Scandinavian-meets-Mediterranean elegance; fluid, statement pieces with real presence.
Max Mara — for relaxed luxe in beautiful fabrics that will outlast every trend.

Two independents worth knowing

Pippa Holt — the cult name in handwoven Mexican kaftans; collectible, vibrant and very much in Nackiyé territory.
Kalita — Greek-inspired silk resortwear with that same sun-soaked, drape-everything glamour.

How Tellar takes the guesswork out of it

Honestly, the easiest way to never fret over French sizing again is Tellar.co.uk — the UK's leading sizing tool. We match your body to 1,500+ brands instantly, so you never have to squint at a size guide again.

Measure once — using your bust, waist, hip, or even just a brand size you already own.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads — it works straight in your browser.

There's also the Tellar Fashion Hub: a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free — style advice, top picks and the best brands, all in one place.

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Written by Ella Blake, Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder of Tellar. Independent, honest and always free.