What Is Sizing Like at Pringle?

Pringle of Scotland runs true to size but is cut on the trim, European side. Most men should take their usual size for a neat, close fit. If you're between sizes, carry a bit through the chest, or like to layer a shirt underneath, size up.

What Pringle sizing actually feels like

Pringle has been knitting since 1815, and that heritage shows in the cut. This is fine-gauge, considered knitwear designed to sit close to the body rather than drape loose like a chunky fisherman's jumper. A few things worth knowing before you buy:

Sizing runs S to XXL (and up to XXXL on some knits), mapped to European measurements. A Medium lands around a 98cm chest, a Large around 102cm.
The fit is slim but not restrictive. These jumpers are built to layer under a jacket, so the body and sleeves are tailored rather than boxy.
Cashmere and lambswool relax slightly with wear. A crew that feels snug on day one usually settles after a couple of wears, so resist the urge to size up on the softest fibres.
Check the specific style. Argyle knits and heavier cable pieces wear a touch roomier than the featherweight merino, so the range isn't uniform.

I learned the settling point the hard way. Years back I sized up on a navy lambswool crew because it felt close in the changing room. Three wears later it was hanging off me and I looked like I'd borrowed my dad's jumper. Now I take my true size in Pringle every time and trust the yarn to give.

How to style Pringle knitwear

Pringle is at its best doing quiet, grown-up smart-casual. Keep it simple and let the quality of the knit carry the outfit:

A fine-gauge crew over an Oxford shirt, collar out, with flat-front chinos. The reliable off-duty uniform.
A V-neck under an unstructured blazer for the office, letting a bit of shirt collar show at the top.
The argyle as your one statement piece. Keep everything else plain so the pattern does the talking.

Brands to know if you love Pringle

If Pringle's heritage-knit lane is your thing, here's where else I'd send you across the price ladder.

High street

Marks & Spencer — the Autograph pure-cashmere jumpers are the best-value knitwear on the high street, full stop. True to size and a safe first buy.
COS — clean, minimal merino and lambswool with a slightly more relaxed modern cut if you find Pringle too trim.
Uniqlo — the extra-fine merino crews are ridiculously good for the money, true to size, and perfect for building a base layer wardrobe.

Independent / boutique

John Smedley — Derbyshire-made fine-gauge merino, the closest thing to Pringle's precision and arguably a step up on finish. Runs slim, so mind the fit.
Sunspel — understated British knitwear with a lovely modern cut, brilliant for elevated everyday basics.
Community Clothing — honest, UK-made lambswool at fair prices, with none of the markup theatre.

Designer / luxury

Johnstons of Elgin — Scottish cashmere royalty and a direct heritage peer of Pringle, with sublime weight and drape.
Loro Piana — the pinnacle of cashmere if budget is no object. Buttery, featherlight, and built to last decades.

Nail your size before you buy — with Tellar

Knitwear is exactly where online returns pile up, and that's precisely what Tellar.co.uk fixes. Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool. It matches your body to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you never squint at a size guide again.

Measure once — chest, waist, or simply tell it your size in a brand you already own.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in Pringle, COS, Reiss, Arket and hundreds more.
Shop with confidence — fewer returns, better-fitting buys, no guesswork.
Always free, no downloads, works straight in your browser.

New to measuring up? Start with the quick how-to-measure guide for men and you'll have your numbers sorted in a couple of minutes.

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of free posts from our top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free.