What Is Sizing Like at Roberto Collina?

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

Roberto Collina runs small — typically one to two sizes smaller than UK high street sizing — so as a general rule, I'd recommend sizing up at least one size, and always cross-referencing the brand's Italian size chart against your measurements before you buy.

I discovered this the hard way, as one does. I spotted a beautifully textured Roberto Collina knit at a boutique in London a couple of winters ago — deep burgundy, bouclé-ish, absolutely dreamy. I ordered my usual European 42 (UK 10) and it arrived looking more like a second skin than a slouchy knit. Back it went. Sized up to a 44, and honestly, it was perfect. That's Roberto Collina for you: exquisite in quality, unforgiving in sizing if you don't do your homework first.

About Roberto Collina

Founded in Bologna in 1955, Roberto Collina is one of Italy's most respected knitwear houses. The brand specialises in luxurious, refined knitwear — think whisper-light merino, cashmere blends, and technical yarns with a distinctly modern edge. It's not flashy; it's understated in the very best Italian way. The silhouettes tend to be slim and close-fitting, which is part of why sizing up matters here. They're cut to flatter, not to float, and there's very little ease built in.

Roberto Collina Size Guide

Roberto Collina uses Italian (IT) sizing, which runs noticeably smaller than UK sizing. Here's how it generally maps across:

IT SizeUK SizeUS SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)386280628740848466914210688709544128927499461410967810348161210082107

My advice: always measure your bust in particular, as Roberto Collina knitwear is cut close across the shoulders and chest. If you're between sizes, size up — you'll get a much more wearable fit.

How Do Roberto Collina Garments Fit?

The cut varies by garment type, so it's worth breaking this down a little:

Knitwear & Jumpers: The core of the brand. These are designed with a slim, body-conscious silhouette — not oversized or relaxed. Expect a close fit across the shoulders and chest. Size up if you prefer a more relaxed drape, or if you're busty.
Cardigans: Slightly more generous than the jumpers in my experience, but still on the fitted side. Go for your usual size if you like a sleek layering piece, or up if you plan to wear thick layers underneath.
Trousers & Bottoms: Roberto Collina occasionally produces trousers and knitted skirts. These tend to follow the same slim Italian cut — narrow through the hip and thigh. Again, size up if you're a curvier shape.
Outerwear & Knitted Coats: These tend to be slightly more generous, but I'd still err toward sizing up one for layering room and comfort.

My Styling Tips for Roberto Collina

Once you've got the sizing right, this is genuinely one of the most rewarding brands to wear. Here's how I like to work with it:

Lean into the Italian minimalism — a slim Roberto Collina knit with wide-leg tailored trousers and a pointed mule is effortlessly chic and doesn't need much more.
The brand's palette tends toward muted, earthy tones and classic neutrals — camel, ivory, sage, chocolate. These mix brilliantly with the rest of your wardrobe.
Don't overaccessorise. Let the quality of the knit speak for itself. A simple gold earring or a fine chain is all you need.
For colder months, their fine-gauge knits layer beautifully under a long coat without adding bulk.

High Street Alternatives to Roberto Collina

Roberto Collina sits at the luxury end of the knitwear market, which means the price tags reflect that. If you love the aesthetic but want to shop a similar vibe at a lower price point, these are the brands I genuinely reach for:

Cos — My go-to for understated, architectural knitwear at a far more accessible price. The quality is consistent and the silhouettes echo that same quiet Italian minimalism beautifully.
Jigsaw — One of the most underrated knitwear brands on the British high street. Their merino and cashmere-blend jumpers are genuinely lovely, and the fit is more generous than most Italian brands.
Me&Em — British brand doing thoughtful, quality knitwear that holds its shape. Great for polished, grown-up styling without the designer price tag.
Whistles — A reliable source of well-cut, wearable knitwear in classic tones. The kind of pieces you'll still be reaching for three winters from now.
The White Company — If it's fine-gauge or cashmere-feel knits you're after, The White Company is excellent. Beautiful neutrals and great quality for the price.
Massimo Dutti — Probably the closest in aesthetic to Roberto Collina on the high street. Spanish brand with an Italian sensibility — slim cuts, beautiful yarns, understated style. Often my first recommendation.
Reiss — For a slightly more polished, occasion-ready knitwear option. Their merino pieces in particular punch well above their price point.
Hush — Brilliant for relaxed yet refined knitwear, especially if you prefer a slightly easier fit. Their fabric quality is consistently good and the styling is very easy to wear.

Premium & Designer Alternatives

If you're already shopping at Roberto Collina's level or thereabouts, these are worth exploring too:

Extreme Cashmere — A Belgian-founded label that's become something of a cult buy among fashion editors. Their oversized, textured cashmere knits are extraordinary — and they run generously, which is a welcome change. A brilliant independent brand that deserves far more attention.
Auralee — A quietly exceptional Japanese label with an almost reverent approach to fabric and cut. Their knitwear is subtle, exquisitely made, and has the same kind of slow-fashion quality as Roberto Collina. If you don't know them, you're in for a treat.

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