What Is Sizing Like at Next?

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

Next sizing runs broadly true to UK standard sizing, though it leans slightly generous in some categories — particularly knitwear and tailoring — so if you're between sizes, sizing down is often the smarter move. That said, it varies noticeably by garment type, which is exactly what I'm going to break down for you here, because "it depends" is the honest answer that most sizing guides won't give you.

I've been styling clients through high street wardrobes for years, and Next is one of those brands that comes up constantly — partly because the range is enormous, and partly because the quality-to-price ratio is genuinely hard to beat right now. But I've also had more than one client ring me in despair from a changing room because a Next dress that looked great online was gaping at the shoulders or pulling across the hips. So let's get into the detail.

How Does Next Sizing Compare to UK Standard?

Next uses standard UK women's sizing, running from a size 6 through to a 26, with extended sizing available across most categories. They also offer Petite (designed for heights 5'3" and under) and Tall (5'8" and above) ranges, which is genuinely useful. The Petite range in particular is well-done — not just a shortened hem, but actually re-proportioned.

In terms of measurements, here's how Next's women's sizing roughly maps to standard UK and international sizes:

Next UK SizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)Hips (inches)EU SizeUS Size631.52433.5342832.52534.5364103426.5363861235.52837.54081437.53039.542101639.53241.544121841.53443.546142043.53645.54816

The Garment-by-Garment Breakdown

This is where it gets real. Next is not a one-size-fits-all sizing story.

Dresses: Generally reliable and true to size, especially the wrap and shirt-dress styles. If you're fuller on the bust, size up one — the bodices can be a touch narrow. Midi lengths are a particular strength right now and the fit is usually excellent.
Knitwear & Jumpers: These run generous. I almost always recommend sizing down by one in Next knitwear, unless you're going for an oversized look deliberately. The chunky knits especially — they come up big.
Jeans & Trousers: This is where Next gets a little unpredictable. The straight-leg and wide-leg trousers tend to be generous in the waist, while some of the skinny and slim-fit jeans can run slightly small through the thigh. Check the rise carefully — Next does a range of rises and it's not always obvious from the listing.
Tailoring & Blazers: Cuts slightly boxy, which some women love and some don't. If you prefer a fitted look, size down. If you're broad-shouldered, you might actually find the cut more flattering than the average high street blazer.
Coats: Outerwear is generally true to size or slightly on the generous side — good news because you want room for layers. The longline coats are a particular win; the proportions are excellent and they photograph beautifully.
Swimwear: Runs true to size but check the cup sizing if you're buying a bikini top. The built-in support can be a little limited for larger busts — look for the underwired styles specifically.
Occasion & Formal Wear: This is an area where Next has really stepped up. The fit on structured occasion dresses is generally excellent — true to size with a nicely fitted bodice.

My Honest Verdict on Next Sizing

Next is one of the more consistent high street brands when it comes to sizing — which is why I genuinely recommend it to clients who find online shopping stressful. The return policy is straightforward, the click-and-collect is brilliant, and the sheer breadth of the range means there's something for almost everyone. But — and this is important — always check the reviews on the individual product page. Next's customer reviews are unusually detailed and helpful, and other shoppers will tell you if a particular style is running small, large, or oddly proportioned.

My personal experience? I once ordered a Next blazer thinking I was being clever by sticking to my usual size 12, and it swamped me. Classic knitwear error. Now I size down automatically in anything that isn't a structured dress or a coat. Lesson learned — and now you don't have to make the same mistake.

Alternatives to Next Worth Knowing About

If Next's style or sizing doesn't quite work for you, here are brands I'd point clients towards — chosen for their similar sizing logic, quality, and aesthetic:

High Street Picks:

M&S (Marks & Spencer) — Consistently reliable sizing with similar fit logic to Next. Brilliant for workwear, knitwear and occasion dressing. One of my go-to recommendations for clients who want zero fuss.
White Stuff — A lovely step up in print and fabric quality. Slightly more relaxed fit than Next, great for weekend dressing. Runs true to size.
Fat Face — Brilliant casualwear and knitwear with a similar sizing scale. Particularly good for relaxed, everyday pieces — and the quality is excellent for the price.
Joules — A great alternative for print-lovers and the outdoorsy-chic customer. Runs true to size and the quality feels a notch above Next across most categories.
Seasalt Cornwall — Relaxed, ethical, and incredibly well-made. Their sizing is slightly relaxed but consistent. A brilliant find for anyone who finds high street fits too rigid.
Phase Eight — A step up in occasion and smart-casual dressing. Sizing is consistent and flattering, particularly for dresses. A reliable choice for anyone dressing for events.
Hobbs — Smart, classic British brand with reliable UK sizing. A natural progression if you love Next's tailoring but want something a little more elevated.
Boden — Brilliant prints, good Petite and Tall ranges, and sizing that mirrors Next's logic very closely. A fantastic option for colourful, quality dressing.

Premium Options:

Me&Em — One of those brands that makes you feel expensive without a designer price tag. Sizing is consistent and precise; runs true to size with a slightly more refined cut.
Mint Velvet — A firm favourite with clients in the 35–55 bracket. Brilliant for easy-to-wear smart-casual pieces with flattering cuts. Sizing is reliable and true.
Reiss — For when you want something sharper and more architectural. Excellent tailoring. Runs true to size but cut close to the body — allow for that if you're between sizes.

Independent Finds Worth Bookmarking:

Brora — A Scottish cashmere brand doing quietly exceptional things. If you love Next's knitwear but want a serious upgrade, Brora is your answer. Sizing is true and the quality is heirloom-level.
Finisterre — A sustainable British brand with beautiful, considered design. Great for outdoor-meets-everyday styling. Sizing is clear and consistent; their fit guides are genuinely helpful.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

If Next sizing has ever caught you out — or any brand, for that matter — Tellar is the tool you need in your life. It's the UK's leading clothing sizing platform, and it matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more squinting at confusing size guides or ordering two sizes just to return one.

Here's how it works:

✦ Measure once — just your bust, waist and hips (or input your size in a brand you already know)
✦ Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — Next, M&S, Reiss, Arket, COS and 1,500+ more
✦ Always free — no downloads, no subscriptions, works straight from your browser

Plus, there's the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of honest, unsponsored style posts from our stylists covering sizing, brand guides, trend advice and more. Always independent. Always free.