What Is Sizing Like at Simkhai?

Here's the honest answer up front: Simkhai runs true to size for its softer, jersey and relaxed pieces, but its signature structured styles — the boned bustiers, the corset bodices, the sculpted mini dresses — run noticeably small, especially through the chest. My rule of thumb? Take your usual size in the floaty stuff, and size up by one for anything with structure.

I've styled a lot of clients into Simkhai over the years, and it's one of those labels that rewards a bit of insider knowledge. Get the size right and the pieces are genuinely transformative — that contoured, slightly architectural cut does flattering things to a waistline. Get it wrong and you'll spend the evening unable to breathe, which I learned the hard way pulling a bustier dress for a client's engagement shoot, ordering my "usual" size, and watching her not quite zip it up two hours before the photographer arrived. Lesson firmly learned.

How Simkhai sizing actually works

Simkhai is an American luxury house (founded by Jonathan Simkhai in New York back in 2010), so it sizes in US numerics — roughly 00 to 14 — with an alpha XS–XL guide running alongside. Here's how it breaks down in real-life terms:

Jersey, knits and relaxed silhouettes — these are reliably true to size. Take your normal size and you'll be fine.
Bustier, corset and boned styles — these run small in the bust. Multiple fit reviews flag the same thing, and Simkhai itself notes "runs small in chest" on several of its structured dresses. Size up one, more if you're a fuller cup.
Straps — frequently run long. If a strap is sliding off your shoulder, a stitch or a bit of fashion tape sorts it instantly. Don't let it put you off the dress.
Length — tends to run long. Brilliant if you're tall; if you're petite, a midi can read closer to maxi, so factor in heels or a hem tweak.
Denim — sized by waist measurement in inches (around 24–34), so it's refreshingly straightforward. Go by your waist and trust it.

My styling tips for getting Simkhai right

The whole appeal of Simkhai is that built-in structure — many dresses have internal stays that hold their shape even when you sit down, which is why they photograph so beautifully. Work with it, not against it:

If you're between sizes, go up. You can always nip a waist in; you can't add room to a boned bodice.
Fuller bust? Size up and check the neckline. The sweetheart and bustier necklines are gorgeous but unforgiving — give yourself room.
Lean into the drama. Those sculptural shoulders and statement sleeves are the point. Keep accessories minimal and let the silhouette do the talking.
Buy from a returns-friendly stockist first. Net-a-Porter, Shopbop and Nordstrom all carry it — order two sizes, keep the one that fits, send the other back.

Where to shop if you love the Simkhai look

Simkhai sits firmly in occasionwear territory — structured, sensual, event-ready. If you want that look across different budgets, here's where I'd send my clients.

High street

Reiss — the closest high street match for that clean, tailored, grown-up occasion feel.
Coast — a dedicated event-dress specialist, strong on bustier and corset-style bodices.
Phase Eight — beautifully made occasion dresses with proper structure and lining.
Whistles — for a more minimal, modern take on the sculpted silhouette.
Ted Baker — feminine, structured eveningwear with a bit of flourish.
Oliver Bonas — playful, well-priced occasion pieces with interesting shapes.
River Island — your most affordable shout for on-trend bustier and going-out styles.

Premium

Sandro — Parisian tailoring with that same structured-but-sensual handwriting.
Maje — romantic, party-ready dresses with lovely detailing.
Ghost — for the softer, bias-cut, slip-dress end of the occasion spectrum.

Luxury / designer

Cefinn — British, polished, and brilliant at structured occasion and workwear crossover.
By Malene Birger — Scandi-luxe occasion dressing with elevated fabrics.
Max Mara — the gold standard for luxury tailoring and timeless eveningwear.

Two to discover (my left-field picks)

Aje — an Australian label doing structured, romantic occasion dresses that feel very Simkhai-adjacent.
Acler — also Australian, more architectural, with the kind of sculpted shoulders and clean lines that scratch exactly the same itch.

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Written by Ella Blake, Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder of Tellar. Honest, unbiased and never sponsored.