What Is Sizing Like at Sandro? The Honest Answer

By Ella Blake — Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder | TellarAlways honest, unbiased, & unsponsored

Sandro runs small — typically one to two sizes smaller than your usual UK size, and if you don't know that going in, you will spend an embarrassing amount of time in a changing room convincing yourself it's your fault. It's not. It's Parisian sizing, and once you know the code, it's genuinely one of the most beautiful brands to shop.

I've been dressing clients in Sandro for years — it's one of those brands that looks effortlessly expensive on the right frame and in the right size. But I've also seen the frustration when someone buys their usual 12 online and receives something that barely gets past the hips. So let me break this down properly, garment by garment, so you can shop with confidence.

The Sandro Sizing Story: French Roots, French Logic

Sandro is a Parisian brand, founded in 1984, and it sizes like one. The label uses French (FR) sizing, which runs roughly two sizes up from UK. So a FR 36 is approximately a UK 8, FR 38 is a UK 10, FR 40 is a UK 12, and FR 42 is a UK 14. Most of their pieces go up to FR 44 (UK 16), though the range at the larger end can be more limited — it's one of the brand's genuine shortcomings.

The cut is slim and structured, designed with a narrow-shouldered, straight-through-the-hip Parisian silhouette in mind. If you carry weight on your hips or bust, always size up — and sometimes up again. For clients who are a UK 10 on top but a UK 12 on the hip, I always recommend going by the hips and tailoring the waist if needed. Much easier than forcing it.

Ella's rule of thumb: When in doubt at Sandro, go one size up from your usual UK size. If you're between sizes, always go up — their pieces are designed to skim, not squeeze.

Tops, Blouses & Shirts

Sandro tops tend to be cut close to the body with narrow shoulders and a cropped or just-at-hip length. If you have broader shoulders or a fuller bust, size up without hesitation. Their silk blouses in particular can feel tight across the chest at your usual size — I've seen this catch out clients who are normally a consistent UK 10 across high street brands. The fabric is often beautiful (a lot of silk, viscose, and fine-knit cotton), so the fit really does show. A size up in a silk blouse will still look elegant; a size too small will pull at every button and ruin the whole look.

Knitwear

This is actually one area where Sandro is more generous. Their knitwear — particularly the chunky knits and relaxed-fit jumpers — often comes up true to size or even slightly oversized, which is by design. If you want that relaxed, thrown-on Parisian feel, stick to your converted FR size. If you like a more fitted knit, you could even size down here. Their merino and cashmere-blend pieces are some of their strongest, most wearable items.

Dresses

Sandro dresses are where the sizing conversation gets most important. Their mini and midi dresses are often cut narrow through the waist and hips — flattering if you're petite or slim-framed, but a genuine challenge if you're curvier. I once helped a client dress for a Paris trip and she'd bought a Sandro dress online in her usual size. Arrived, couldn't get it over her hips. She was a UK 12 with curves and had ordered a FR 40. She needed a FR 42. The lesson: for dresses, go by your widest point and don't compromise. Their wrap and A-line styles are more forgiving, but bodycon and shift shapes will absolutely show up any size miscalculation.

Trousers & Jeans

Sandro trousers and jeans run slim. The leg cut is typically straight or tapered, low-to-mid rise, and the waistband can feel snug. If you have a fuller seat or thighs, go up a size. Their jeans in particular tend to be cut with very little ease — gorgeous on a lean frame, but unforgiving otherwise. I'd always recommend trying these in-store before buying online if you're new to the brand.

Outerwear — Coats & Jackets

Their coats and structured blazers are cut to be worn over fine knitwear, not chunky layers. If you're buying a Sandro coat for winter wear over thick jumpers, size up. Otherwise, their coats tend to sit beautifully at true-to-converted-size — the tailoring is one of their real strengths and the quality of fabric is genuinely excellent. A Sandro coat is an investment buy and it will last if you get the fit right.

High Street Alternatives With Similar French Minimalist Vibes

Love the Sandro look but not quite ready to commit at that price point — or want more accessible sizing options? These high street brands genuinely capture that clean, European aesthetic:

COS — Clean architectural cuts, similar European sizing logic, and that same understated elegance at a fraction of the price.

Mango — Brilliant for Sandro-esque tailored pieces, particularly their blazers and fluid midi dresses.

Whistles — A reliable British equivalent for that polished, minimal aesthetic. Sizing is more straightforward too.

Jigsaw — Beautifully made, quietly sophisticated. Their knitwear in particular is comparable quality at a lower price.

Massimo Dutti — Probably the closest in feel to Sandro — structured, elegant, and just refined enough to feel expensive.

Me&Em — Excellent quality British brand with a similar grown-up, pared-back sensibility. Sizes more generously than Sandro.

Reiss — For Sandro-style tailoring (especially trousers and blazers), Reiss delivers without the French sizing headache.

Claudie Pierlot — Another Parisian brand, and effectively Sandro's sister label (they share a parent company). Very similar sizing, equally beautiful.

Premium & Designer Alternatives

If your budget stretches further and you're looking for that same considered, effortless French femininity:

Ba&sh — Playful, French, and beautifully made. Slightly more forgiving sizing than Sandro and an equally strong aesthetic.
A.P.C. — The benchmark for Parisian minimalism. Sizing is similar (go up), but the quality and longevity are exceptional.
Isabel Marant Étoile — For a more bohemian, relaxed version of that French sensibility. Sizing runs similarly slim but the cuts tend to be less structured and more fluid.

Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

Rouje — Jeanne Damas' Paris-based brand is the independent Sandro equivalent you didn't know you needed. Feminine, romantic, deeply French. Sizes very small — treat it like Sandro sizing and go up. Available online and worth every penny for a treat-yourself piece.
Les Coyotes de Paris — A small French independent brand that flies under the radar in the UK but shouldn't. Beautiful knitwear and feminine separates with that same refined Parisian quality. Genuinely niche and all the better for it.

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