What Is Sizing Like at Nasty Gal?

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

Nasty Gal runs true to size on the whole, but there are a few important caveats — particularly with their bodycon and going-out styles, which can come up noticeably smaller than their casual and denim pieces. I've been caught out by this more than once, so let me walk you through exactly what to expect before you hit that checkout button.

I remember ordering a going-out mini dress from Nasty Gal a few years back, absolutely convinced I was a confident size 10. It arrived and I could barely get it over my hips. Meanwhile, a pair of their wide-leg trousers I grabbed at the same time fit like a dream first try. That inconsistency? Still very much part of the Nasty Gal experience — though they have improved considerably since the brand was taken over and relaunched.

A Bit About Nasty Gal

Originally founded in the US in 2006 as a vintage eBay store by Sophia Amoruso (the woman behind #GIRLBOSS), Nasty Gal has gone through quite the journey. After filing for bankruptcy in 2016, it was acquired by the Boohoo Group and relaunched as a purely online retailer. Today it targets the young, trend-led woman with a love of bold prints, going-out glam, denim, and festival vibes — at genuinely accessible prices.

Sizing now follows standard UK sizing conventions, which is great if you're shopping from the UK. But the range of styles is broad, and fit really does vary by garment category.

Nasty Gal Size Guide — UK, US & EU Conversions

UKUSEUITBust (in)Waist (in)Hips (in)62343832"24.5"35"84364033.5"26"36.5"106384235"27.5"38"128404436.5"29"39.5"1410424638"30.5"41"1612444840"32"43"1814465042"34"45"

My advice: always cross-reference with Nasty Gal's own measurements before purchasing, as the cut of individual pieces can vary quite a lot even within the same size label. Their product pages usually include model height and the size she's wearing — use that.

How Sizing Works — Garment by Garment

Dresses & Bodycon Styles

This is where Nasty Gal is most likely to catch you out. Their bodycon going-out dresses, mini dresses, and anything with stretch lace or slinky fabric tend to run at least half a size, sometimes a full size, small. If you're between sizes, size up. If you have curves — a fuller hip or bust — definitely size up. Their longer, floatier styles (think satin slip dresses or smock dresses) are more forgiving and generally true to size.

Tops & Blouses

Generally true to size here, though cropped tops can be cut quite short — even if the bust and shoulder fit perfectly, the hem might not land where you expect. I'd always check the measurements on these. Their oversized and boxy styles tend to be cut generously, so you could size down if you're wanting a more fitted look.

Jeans & Trousers

This is arguably where Nasty Gal performs best from a fit perspective. Their denim is surprisingly well-fitted, particularly the straight-leg and wide-leg styles, which have become something of a signature. Sizing here is consistent and runs true to size. The stretch in their skinny jean styles means they accommodate curves well — though again, sizing up a touch if you're fuller in the thigh won't hurt.

Outerwear & Jackets

Coats and jackets from Nasty Gal tend to run true to size, but if you plan to layer underneath — a chunky jumper, a hoodie — I'd size up. Their faux leather jackets in particular are cut quite close to the body and won't have much give, so bear that in mind.

Knitwear

Their knitwear is mostly oversized by design, so sizing down is often fine. If you want an oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys feel, go with your usual size. If you prefer it slightly more fitted, size down one. The quality of their knitwear has improved over the last couple of years — it's still not premium, but it's much better than it used to be.

My Honest Take on Nasty Gal Quality

Let's be straight: Nasty Gal is fast fashion at accessible price points. You're not buying heirloom pieces. But the aesthetic is genuinely great — they have a real knack for trend-led fashion that doesn't look cheap on, and their photography and styling is aspirational in a way that actually reflects how the clothes wear. The quality has improved since the Boohoo acquisition, though I'd still be selective about what I buy from them. Denim and outerwear are good buys. Occasion mini dresses? Lovely for one big night, not necessarily built to last years.

If You Love the Nasty Gal Aesthetic, Also Try These

Whether you can't find your size on the site, want to compare a specific piece, or just want to explore a similar vibe at a different price point, here are my picks:

High Street Alternatives:

ASOS — The closest like-for-like match. Vast range of going-out, denim, and festival styles, with detailed size guides and a decent returns policy. Essential for sizing comparisons.
Topshop — Now online-only but still delivering the bold, trend-led pieces that put it on the map. Strong on dresses and denim.
River Island — Brilliant for going-out dresses and statement pieces at a similar price point. Their fit tends to be slightly more consistent than Nasty Gal.
Urban Outfitters — If you love the indie-edgy side of Nasty Gal, Urban Outfitters is essential. Great for vintage-inspired pieces, prints, and denim.
All Saints — A step up in price but with that same rock-edged, effortlessly cool aesthetic. Their leather jackets are genuinely worth the investment.
New Look — Underrated for occasion wear and bold trend pieces at very accessible prices. Consistent sizing and great returns.
Mango — For a slightly more polished take on the same trend-led approach. Their Mediterranean flair translates beautifully into the kind of summer dresses and evening styles Nasty Gal fans love.
Zara — If you want the Nasty Gal aesthetic with slightly higher quality execution, Zara is the natural upgrade. Strong on slinky going-out styles and elevated basics.

Premium Alternatives:

Ted Baker — For special occasions where you want the statement look but with noticeably better quality. Their bodycon dresses are exceptional.
Reiss — A natural step-up brand for the Nasty Gal fan who's maturing her wardrobe. Timeless with an edge.

Two Independent Picks You Might Not Know:

Motel Rocks — A British brand that absolutely nails the retro-print, going-out aesthetic. Very similar energy to Nasty Gal but with a slightly more distinctive, less mass-market feel. Worth bookmarking.
I Saw It First — Another UK-based online brand with a great range of bodycon, festival, and party styles at similar price points. Often overlooked, but genuinely good for occasion pieces.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

Nasty Gal's inconsistent sizing is exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists. It's the UK's leading free sizing tool — and it takes the guesswork out of shopping online completely.

📏 Measure once — just your bust, waist, and hips (or use an existing brand size you already trust)
🔍 Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise recommended size in Nasty Gal, ASOS, River Island, Zara, and 1,500+ other brands instantly
✅ Always free — no app download, no login, works in your browser

It's built for exactly this situation — when sizing is inconsistent and you need a reliable answer fast.

Find My Size at Nasty Gal →

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub

The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide — everything you need to know about how brands size, and how to measure yourself accurately
Jeans Trends 2026 — the cuts, washes, and styles our stylists are recommending right now
Ultimate Guide to Dresses & Best Buys — from bodycon to midi, the definitive dress guide by body shape
Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys — leather, denim, blazers and more, matched to your shape

All posts on Tellar Fashion Hub are written independently by our stylists. We are not sponsored by any brand featured in this article. If we recommend it, it's because we genuinely think it's worth your attention.