What Is Sizing Like at Obey Clothing?

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

Obey Clothing runs in US sizing and generally comes up true to size — but because it's a streetwear brand built around relaxed, boxy silhouettes, the fit often skews roomier than you'd expect. If you're used to fitted or tailored styles, you'll likely want to size down. If you're after that classic oversized streetwear look, stick to your usual size and you'll nail it.

I'll be honest — I came to Obey slightly late. I remember being slightly dismissive of it years ago (it felt very much like a brand for teenage boys in skate parks, which — no offence — is not my usual client base). Then a friend turned up in the most incredible graphic hoodie and suddenly I was all ears. Since then I've recommended pieces from Obey to clients who want that cool, effortless urban edge — and the sizing story is actually pretty straightforward once you know what you're working with.

The Basics: How Does Obey Clothing Size Women?

Obey Clothing is an American brand — founded in Los Angeles by artist Shepard Fairey, if you want a bit of background — and like most US streetwear labels, sizing runs in US standard. For UK shoppers, this means you'll generally find the following:

A UK 8 typically aligns with a US XS or US Small depending on the garment
A UK 10–12 usually sits comfortably in a US Small or Medium
A UK 14 tends to fit a US Medium to Large
A UK 16 is usually a US Large or XL

The women's range at Obey isn't enormous — it's not trying to be your go-to for workwear or occasion dressing — but what they do, they do well. Think graphic tees, relaxed hoodies, baseball caps, oversized jackets, and some really solid denim pieces. The fits are intentionally relaxed and often unisex in spirit, which is why sizing down is a tip I give almost every client who asks.

Tops & T-Shirts: The Oversized Reality

Obey's graphic tees are the brand's bread and butter — and honestly, the whole appeal of them is in the loose, slightly boxy cut. These aren't meant to be fitted. The fabric is typically mid-weight cotton and it holds its shape well after washing, which I always appreciate. I've had graphic tees from other streetwear brands practically disintegrate after three washes. Not ideal.

My advice for tees:

If you want a relaxed, streetwear-style fit, go true to your usual size
If you prefer a more fitted or semi-fitted look, drop down one size
The chest and shoulder measurements are your best guide — Obey's arm lengths can feel long on shorter frames

Hoodies & Sweatshirts: Go True to Size (and Enjoy It)

This is where Obey genuinely shines for women, in my opinion. The hoodies have this brilliant weight to them — not the cheap, thin stuff you find in fast fashion. I styled a client in their Jumble Pullover Hoodie last winter and she's worn it non-stop since. The sizing is generous through the body and sleeve, which works perfectly for that pulled-together layered look over high-waisted jeans and chunky trainers.

For hoodies, I'd say go true to size unless you have a very petite frame — in which case, drop to an XS or size down one. The hoods are nicely proportioned and don't look ridiculous, which I cannot say for all hoodies, believe me.

Jackets & Outerwear: Pay Attention to the Shoulders

Obey does some brilliant utility jackets and vintage-feel bombers. These pieces tend to run slightly large — intentionally so, to allow for layering. But the shoulder seam placement is the thing to watch. If the shoulders are sitting too far down your arm, the whole jacket looks shapeless in a not-cool way. A good rule of thumb: if you're between sizes in Obey outerwear, size down.

Denim: Closer to Standard US Sizing

Obey's denim tends to run slightly closer to standard sizing compared to their jersey pieces — so you're less likely to need to size down here. That said, the cuts are relaxed and straight-leg rather than slim or skinny, which reflects the brand's aesthetic perfectly. If you love a wide-leg or straight-leg denim moment, Obey delivers it really well. Check the waist measurement carefully rather than relying on the number label alone — this is something I always say to clients regardless of the brand they're shopping.

For more denim insight, have a read of our Jeans Trends 2026 guide — it covers fit, cut and the brands doing it best right now.

My Sizing Verdict: Who Is Obey Best For?

Obey works brilliantly for women who love a relaxed, unstructured aesthetic. It's not for everyone — if you live in tailored pieces and never reach for a hoodie, this probably isn't your brand. But if you love the crossover between fashion and streetwear, Obey hits a sweet spot. The graphic artwork is genuinely striking (Fairey's influence is all over it), the quality is solid for the price point, and pieces have real longevity in the wardrobe.

Best for: UK 8–16 | Relaxed streetwear fits | Graphic-led wardrobe builders

Sizing note: Size down one if you prefer a less oversized look. True to size if you want the full streetwear silhouette.

If You Love Obey's Vibe: High Street Alternatives Worth Knowing

Obey isn't always the easiest to get hold of on the UK high street, so here are brands I'd confidently point clients towards for a similar energy:

Urban Outfitters — The spiritual home of US-influenced streetwear on the British high street. Their graphic tees and hoodies are consistently on-trend and well-priced. Sizing tends to run US standard, similar to Obey.
ASOS — Brilliant for finding Obey-adjacent pieces without the price tag. Their own-brand and curated streetwear edits cover the relaxed graphic aesthetic really well, and sizing filters make it easy to shop.
Topshop — A classic for a reason. Their relaxed tees and utilitarian jackets hit a similar note at accessible prices.
All Saints — For women who want the streetwear-meets-edge aesthetic with a more elevated finish. The leather and utility jackets in particular are outstanding quality.
Levi's — An absolute must for the denim component of this look. Their relaxed and straight-leg jeans are exactly the right complement to an Obey-style top. Sizing is consistent and reliable.
H&M — Often overlooked, but genuinely good for basics that work in a streetwear-inspired wardrobe. Their divided/collab pieces can be genuinely brilliant.
Abercrombie & Fitch — Has completely reinvented itself in recent years and now does relaxed, well-cut casualwear that works perfectly alongside statement streetwear pieces. Their hoodies are excellent quality.

Premium Picks

Carhartt WIP — The premium choice for streetwear-adjacent wardrobe building. Incredibly well-made, iconic workwear-meets-street aesthetic. Sizing runs in European sizing but tends to be roomy — same rule applies: check the measurements.
Stüssy — A genuine icon of the streetwear world and Obey's closest premium spiritual sibling. Quality is excellent and the pieces have serious longevity. A worthy investment if you're fully committing to the aesthetic.

Luxury / Designer Option

Off-White — If budget allows and you want to take the streetwear aesthetic to its absolute luxury peak, Off-White is the destination. The graphic elements are stunning and the quality is exceptional. An investment, but a statement.

Two Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Hikerdelic — A brilliant UK independent label out of Manchester blending outdoor heritage with streetwear. Genuinely cool, genuinely independent, and doing something totally unique. Well worth a look if you love the Obey aesthetic but want something you won't see everywhere.
Wasted Paris — A French independent streetwear brand with gorgeous graphic work and a cult following. Sizes run in French/EU sizing but the fits are relaxed — similar advice applies as with Obey: check the chest measurement and consider sizing down for a less oversized look.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar.co.uk

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