What Is Sizing Like at Narrated?

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

Narrated runs true to size across most of its collection — but there are a few garment-specific quirks worth knowing before you click buy. This British brand has quietly become one of those labels you end up reaching for again and again, and I've seen it pop up on ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Glamorous over the past couple of years. It's feminine, fresh, and genuinely flattering — but like pretty much every brand out there, sizing varies depending on what you're buying. Here's exactly what I've found.

A Bit About the Brand

Narrated is a contemporary British womenswear label that sits comfortably in the mid-market sweet spot — think River Island or Warehouse in price point, but with a slightly more considered, tailored edge. Their aesthetic leans into feminine silhouettes: ruched midi dresses, sleeveless blazers, peplum tops, slim-fit trousers, and shift dresses with a really clean, modern finish. Pieces tend to be structured and figure-conscious — which is brilliant when the fit is right, and worth paying attention to when it isn't. Their size range typically runs from XS to XL (approximately a UK 6 to 18), though availability varies by style.

Narrated Dresses — How Do They Fit?

Dresses are arguably what Narrated does best, so let's start here. In my experience (and based on consistent customer feedback), the sizing breaks down like this:

Tailored and structured dresses (like their mini and midi tailored styles) run true to size but are cut close to the body. If you're between sizes or carry more of your weight on the hip, I'd size up. There's very little ease built in.
Shirred and elasticated-bodice dresses are wonderfully forgiving — the elastication does a lot of the work, so true to size or even a size down works brilliantly on these if you're fuller on the bust.
Bandeau and strapless styles — these can run slightly small across the bust. If you're a C cup or above, honestly, size up without a second thought. I've been caught out by this more times than I'd like to admit.
Wrap-inspired styles (like their tea dresses) are more relaxed in fit and generally fine at your usual size.

My overall verdict on dresses: go true to size as your starting point, but factor in your proportions. If you're curvier through the hip and thigh, size up on fitted styles — you can always belt a looser dress at the waist to bring shape back in.

Narrated Tops & Blouses — Sizing Advice

Their tops are where I'd pay the closest attention. Narrated tends to cut their tops with a slightly narrow shoulder and a defined fit through the torso — which looks incredible on the hanger but can feel snug in real life if you're wider across the shoulders or carry weight across the back.

Peplum tops and structured sleeveless styles: go true to size if your bust and waist are in proportion. Size up if you're larger on the bust.
Knit tops: these tend to have a little more give. True to size works well here — they're not oversized, but the fabric moves with you.
Square and V-neck styles: can feel tight across a larger bust. Definitely size up if you're a D cup or above — no point in spending the day adjusting your neckline.

Narrated Trousers & Shorts — What to Know

Their tailored trousers and shorts are, genuinely, some of my favourite pieces from the brand — but they do come up on the slim side. The slim-fit cropped trousers in particular have a narrower leg and a fitted waist that doesn't have a lot of wiggle room. Here's how I'd approach it:

Tailored trousers: size up one if you're between sizes, or if your hips are noticeably wider than your waist. These are designed to skim, not slouch.
Tailored shorts: a fixed waistband with belt loops means there's very limited stretch — stick to true to size if you're a standard fit, or size up for comfort through the thigh.
The cropped length works beautifully with heels or mules — great for showing off a nice ankle and elongating the leg.

My Styling Tips for Narrated

Having styled plenty of clients in this kind of contemporary tailored aesthetic, here's what I always say:

Narrated's structured pieces are brilliant for work-to-evening dressing — a sleeveless blazer with tailored trousers in a tonal sand or cream palette is genuinely chic and not trying too hard.
Pair their midi dresses with white trainers for an effortless daytime look, or low heeled mules for something a bit more polished.
If you're petite, their cropped trousers and mini dresses work especially well — the proportions play nicely on a smaller frame.
Their spot and stripe prints are a lovely print-shy person's introduction to pattern — understated enough to feel safe, interesting enough to feel intentional.

Brands to Try If You Love Narrated's Vibe

If Narrated is your kind of brand, you'll likely love these too. I've broken them down by budget:

High Street & Mid-Market

Mango — brilliant tailoring at accessible prices; their blazers and trousers are particularly strong and sizing is very similar to Narrated (size up on fitted pieces).
Whistles — a more pared-back, minimalist edge but the same appreciation for clean lines and quality fabric. Runs true to size.
French Connection — great for structured dresses and occasion-ready midi styles; cuts tend to be slightly more generous through the body than Narrated.
Warehouse — trend-led and regularly delivers excellent tailored dresses at brilliant prices; tends to run true to size.
Oasis — lovely feminine prints and relaxed tailoring; a good shout if Narrated's structured pieces feel too fitted for you.
Phase Eight — a step up in price but exceptional quality and sizing that's consistent and easy to shop. Great for fuller busts.
Hobbs — considered, classic British tailoring; runs true to size and tends to suit a slightly more mature aesthetic.

Premium

Reiss — structured, polished, and very Narrated-adjacent in aesthetic. Worth noting that Reiss typically runs small — size up from your usual.
Ted Baker — luxe-feeling fabrics and beautifully cut dresses; tends to run slightly small on the bust.

Independent Picks

Kitri Studio — a London-based independent brand with a similar feminine-but-structured energy. Their dresses are exceptional quality and sizing is consistent. A brilliant discovery if you haven't come across them yet.
Omnes — a conscious UK independent with a great range of midi dresses and tailored separates in beautiful prints. Refreshingly honest about sizing on their website, and pieces tend to be slightly more generous in cut than Narrated — great if you want a little more ease.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

This is exactly why I love sending people to Tellar.co.uk — the UK's leading free clothing sizing tool. It matches your body measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you always know your size before you shop. No more buying two sizes just in case.

Measure once — bust, waist, hip — or use your known size in any brand.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand including Narrated, Reiss, COS, Mango and more.
Always free — no downloads, no sign-up required. Works in-browser.

Plus, head to the Tellar Fashion Hub for a free library of honest, unsponsored styling posts from our team of stylists. Style advice. Top picks. Best brands. Always independent. Always free.