What is Sizing Like at New Look?

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

New Look generally runs true to size across its mainline womenswear, but a handful of categories — particularly jersey dresses, denim, and occasionwear — can come up smaller than you'd expect, so it's always worth knowing which ranges to size up in before you click add to basket.

I'll be honest: I have a bit of a complicated relationship with New Look. I've had brilliant wins in there — a ruched midi dress a few years back that I've worn to death — and I've also stood in a changing room genuinely baffled by a pair of jeans that apparently shared my size number but bore absolutely no resemblance to my actual hips. Sound familiar? The good news is that once you understand how the brand sizes by category, it becomes much easier to shop it with confidence.

New Look Size Guide: The Basics

New Look uses standard UK sizing and runs from a size 6 up to a size 22 across most of its mainline range. They also offer dedicated Petite, Tall, and Curves ranges, which is brilliant — and the Curves range in particular has a well-deserved reputation for actually fitting bodies proportionally rather than just scaling up a straight-size pattern.

UK SizeEU SizeUS SizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)Hips (inches)634231.52433.583643325.5351038634.52736.5124083628.5381442103830.5401644124032.5421846144235442048164437.54622501846.54048.5

How New Look Sizing Works by Category

This is where it gets interesting — and where most of the "it came up tiny!" returns happen. New Look is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to how individual categories are cut.

Tops & T-shirts: Generally true to size, sometimes slightly generous. If you're between sizes, stay in your usual one — or even size down in boxy fits.
Denim & Jeans: This is the tricky one. New Look denim has historically come up on the smaller side. I'd strongly suggest sizing up by one, especially if you have curves through the thigh and seat. The Lift & Shape range is cut more generously and is worth seeking out specifically.
Dresses: Bodycon and jersey styles come up small — size up. Woven midi and maxi dresses tend to be more generous and usually fit true to size. If you're bigger on the bust, always check the garment fabric — structured wovens allow far less give than jersey.
Knitwear: Mostly oversized in cut, so your usual size is fine. If you prefer a fitted knit, you could even go down a size.
Occasionwear & tailoring: Varies hugely by style. Check the fabric content — anything without stretch should be sized up if you're between sizes. Their blazers in particular can come up narrow in the shoulder.
Petite range: True to size in terms of the number, but proportioned for a 5'3" and under frame. The leg lengths are noticeably shorter, which is exactly the point — no more cropping your own hems.
Curves range: Their most consistently well-cut range, in my opinion. Sizes 18–28. Tends to run true to size.

My Personal New Look Sizing Verdict

If I had to give a one-line rule: buy your usual UK size in New Look tops, knitwear and woven dresses — and size up in denim, bodycon dresses, and anything with a fitted waistband. That single adjustment will save you a significant number of returns.

The brand has genuinely improved its fit consistency in the last couple of years. It's nowhere near as hit-and-miss as it once was. And for the price point, the range of styles is genuinely impressive — particularly their denim, which always seems to track the current silhouette well, whether it's barrel leg, wide-leg, or straight.

If You Like New Look, You Might Also Love These…

New Look hits a sweet spot for trend-forward, affordable womenswear — and there are some brilliant alternatives depending on your budget and what you're after:

🛍️ HIGH STREET PICKS

River Island — Very similar demographic and price point to New Look. Known for strong denim and occasion dressing. Sizing is also slightly small in jeans — same rule applies.
Topshop (via ASOS) — The spiritual home of trend-led high street fashion. Similar sizing profile, excellent for going-out styles and denim.
ASOS — Brilliant for the sheer volume of styles. Their own-brand ASOS Design runs similarly to New Look sizing. Petite and Curve ranges are also strong.
H&M — Particularly strong for basics, knitwear and seasonal trend pieces. Generally true to size, with a very generous returns policy.
Zara — If you want to step up slightly in quality and trend-accuracy. Zara sizing runs small — always size up by one here.
Mango — Excellent for polished, European-influenced style at a mid-range price. Sizing is European and runs smaller — check their conversion guide carefully.
Warehouse — Underrated for workwear and occasionwear at a similar price point to New Look. Sizing tends to be very consistent and true to size.
Urban Outfitters — A step up in coolness factor. Great for vintage-inspired and relaxed fits. Their sizing varies by brand but their own-label runs true to UK sizing.

✨ PREMIUM STEP-UP

Reiss — If you want that polished, grown-up version of high street style with better fabric quality and longevity. Sizing runs slightly small, especially in tailoring — size up by one.
Whistles — A brilliant next step for classic womenswear with real longevity. Sizing is fairly consistent and true to UK standard.
Me&Em — The cult British brand for intelligent, versatile dressing. Cut for real women, and their sizing is reliably true to size. Absolutely worth the investment.

🌟 INDEPENDENT PICKS WORTH KNOWING

Never Fully Dressed — A London-based independent brand beloved for bold prints, wrap dresses and inclusive sizing. A genuine cult favourite with great fit through the bust and waist. Sizing is true to UK size.
Damson Madder — A wonderful small independent known for beautiful prints, relaxed silhouettes and sustainable production. Runs slightly oversized — a size down is often recommended. If you haven't discovered them yet, you're in for a treat.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

If New Look sizing has ever caught you out — or any brand for that matter — this is exactly what Tellar.co.uk was built to solve.

Tellar is the UK's leading clothing sizing tool. It matches your measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you know your exact size before you buy — no guesswork, no wasted returns.

Measure once — just your bust, waist and hips (or use your existing size in a brand you know fits)
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in New Look, River Island, Zara, Reiss and 1,500+ other brands
Always free — no app download, no subscription, works straight in your browser

Plus there's the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of free, unbiased posts from our stylists covering everything from brand sizing breakdowns to trend guides and body-shape advice. Honest. Independent. Always free.

Find Your New Look Size → Tellar