What Is Sizing Like at Sarah Hamilton?

Sarah Hamilton runs generous and relaxed: it uses simple lettered sizing — S, M, L and XL — and each letter quietly covers two UK dress sizes (S is roughly UK 8–10, M is 12–14, L is 16–18, XL is 20–22). So for most people the honest advice is to stay in your usual band rather than instinctively sizing up.

I've handled a lot of Sarah Hamilton pieces over the years — partly on the rails, and a fair bit second-hand on Vinted and Preworn, where the label turns up constantly. It's comfort-led womenswear: soft jersey tops, easy blouses, cosy fleeces and relaxed knits. Lovely fabrics, forgiving cuts, nothing that grips. That's exactly why the sizing trips people up.

How the sizing actually works

The thing to understand is that Sarah Hamilton doesn't use numbered UK sizes on most pieces — it uses letters, and those letters are deliberately broad. Here's the practical reality:

One letter = two dress sizes. An M is built to span a UK 12 and a 14, so there's already ease baked in before you've even tried it on.
It runs relaxed, not fitted. Shoulders sit easy, sleeves are roomy and hems skim rather than cling — this is "throw it on and feel comfortable" clothing.
Don't reflexively size up. The most common mistake I see is someone grabbing the next letter because the brand "sounds cosy" — and ending up swamped. Stay true to your size band.
Check measurements on resale. Because so much of it sells second-hand, listings rarely give a numbered size. A quick bust-and-length measurement saves a disappointing parcel.

My honest fit verdict

I once bought a Sarah Hamilton fleece in an L for a dog-walking winter, fully expecting it to be snug — I'm normally a 12–14. It arrived like a small tent. Cosy, yes, but I was lost in it. Swapped to the M and it was spot on with room to layer a jumper underneath. Lesson learned, and one I now give every client: this is a brand where the right size feels relaxed, and the wrong size feels like fancy dress.

If you're between bands, let the piece decide. For a structured blouse or anything you want defined at the waist, go to the lower size. For knitwear, fleeces and anything cosy, your usual band is plenty roomy already.

Who it suits

Anyone who prioritises comfort and easy layering over a sharp, tailored silhouette.
Fuller busts — the relaxed cut means you're not fighting a tight chest in the smaller letter.
Second-hand shoppers happy to check a measurement or two before buying.

If Sarah Hamilton fits you, you'll love these

Because Sarah Hamilton sits in that relaxed, comfortable, casual-classic space, these are the brands I'd point you to next for a similar feel and far easier sizing to predict.

High street:

Seasalt Cornwall — the natural successor for soft, easy, comfortable casuals; relaxed cuts, gorgeous prints and honest, consistent sizing.
White Stuff — characterful jersey tops, tunics and knits with the same forgiving, comfort-first fit.
Fat Face — soft cottons and outdoorsy basics that sit beautifully for relaxed everyday wear.
Boden — colour, generous cuts and a fit that's roomy without being shapeless; brilliant for the same easy-going wardrobe.
M&S — the reliable benchmark; if you want predictable numbered sizing and quality jersey, start here.
Hush — relaxed loungewear-adjacent pieces with that lived-in, off-duty comfort.
Joules — country-casual staples, soft sweatshirts and easy dresses with a familiar, generous fit.

Premium: Mint Velvet nails the elevated-relaxed look — drapey knits and soft tailoring that feel effortless but a step up. Me&Em is worth knowing for clever cuts that flatter without ever feeling tight.

Luxury / designer: Max Mara for cashmere and easy luxe knits that drape rather than cling, and Brora for genuinely beautiful Scottish cashmere with a soft, comfortable hand.

Two to discover (my left-field picks): Lily & Me, a lovely independent Cheltenham label doing joyful prints and comfortable, relaxed everyday pieces — very much the Sarah Hamilton spirit done with more personality. And Sahara London, masters of the relaxed, lagenlook-leaning layering piece in gorgeous natural fabrics — perfect if you've fallen for that easy, unstructured comfort.

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Written by Ella Blake for the Tellar Fashion Hub. Honest. Unbiased. Always free.