What Is Sizing Like at Tala? A Stylist's Honest Breakdown

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

Tala runs true to size across most of its core range — but there are a few key exceptions, particularly in sports bras and sculpting pieces, where fit can vary depending on your body shape and bust size.

I'll be honest — I came to Tala later than most. Grace Beverley had built what felt like a whole movement around the brand before I finally got my hands on the Define leggings, and I remember thinking: right, let's see what all the fuss is about. Reader, the fuss was warranted. But the sizing? That took me a little longer to figure out — and I've since heard the same from a lot of clients. So here is the full, no-fluff breakdown of how Tala fits, what to watch out for, and how to get it right first time.

The Basics: How Does Tala Size Up?

Tala uses standard UK sizing and offers an impressively inclusive range, from XS right through to 3XL. For a brand that leans into sustainability and body positivity, this isn't just marketing — the size range genuinely holds up, and the proportions across the range are well-thought-out.

As a general rule, go for your usual UK size in Tala. The brand doesn't run vanity-sized, and the fits are honest. If you're a UK 12, order a UK 12 — you won't be disappointed. That said, there are nuances depending on which piece you're shopping, so read on before you hit buy.

Tala Leggings: The Fit Lowdown

This is where most people start with Tala — and rightly so. The leggings are the brand's hero product and honestly, some of the best-fitting I've tried at the price point.

Define Leggings — these are the ones everyone knows. They fit true to size and the high waistband is genuinely supportive without cutting in. If you're between sizes, I'd size down — the fabric has enough stretch to accommodate, and you want that compressive feel to work properly.
Effortless Collection — these have a softer, more relaxed construction. True to size, but if you prefer a more sculpted look rather than a casual feel, size down here too.
Sculpt Leggings — these run slightly smaller due to the denser, more compressive fabric. Going up a size is worth considering if you're on the cusp or have fuller hips and thighs. I ordered my usual size and found them just a little snug at the hip — my fault for not reading the reviews first!

Sports Bras: The Trickiest Category

I'll say it plainly: Tala sports bras can be tricky, and this is where I see the most confusion from clients. The cups tend to run small, and if you are anything above a C cup, you should absolutely size up from your usual. The band sizing is accurate, but the cup depth is where the fit can fall short for fuller busts.

A or B cup: order your usual size — you'll be fine.
C or D cup: consider sizing up one, or look for styles labelled as medium or high support, which are cut with more coverage in mind.
DD and above: size up, and check the specific bra's reviews before ordering. Tala has improved here, but it's not universally consistent across all styles.

One thing I genuinely appreciate is that Tala has expanded its sports bra offering to include more structured, underwired styles in recent seasons — a sign that the brand is listening to customers with more support needs.

Tops, Hoodies & Oversized Pieces

The loungewear and casual pieces at Tala are designed with an intentionally relaxed silhouette — think oversized hoodies, boxy sweatshirts, and wide-leg joggers. These are cut to be roomy, so don't panic if the size chart looks generous. I wear a UK 10 and take a size Small in pretty much everything in this category without issue. If you're between sizes, size down rather than up on the oversized pieces — you'll still get that relaxed feel without being swamped in fabric.

Tala's Inclusive Sizing: Worth Talking About

One thing I really do rate Tala for is how consistently the sizing holds up across the extended range. Brands often get this wrong — garments in a 1XL or 2XL can feel like an afterthought, with proportions that don't reflect how real bodies are shaped. Tala puts genuine effort into this, and customer reviews across the larger sizes are notably more positive than you'd typically see elsewhere. The rise heights, waistband widths, and seam placements all scale properly. That matters.

High Street Alternatives to Tala

If Tala's price point doesn't work right now, or you want to compare fit before committing, here are my top high street picks for comparable activewear:

Gymshark — a perennial high street activewear favourite. Their Flex and Vital seamless ranges are consistently well-reviewed for fit and compression. True to size on the whole.
ASOS — an excellent source for activewear across a huge size range. The own-brand 4505 range offers good quality at accessible prices, and sizing is generally accurate.
H&M — the Move collection has genuinely improved. The seamless leggings are worth a look; they run true to size and the quality for the price is hard to fault.
M&S — the Good Move range is excellent and consistently underrated. Great for women who want covered, longer-line tops and properly supportive sports bras. Sizing is reliable and accurate.
Next — solid, practical activewear with good coverage. Sizing comes up true, and the range includes good options for petite and tall fits too.
Urban Outfitters — better than it used to be for activewear. Their own-label sportswear has a trend-led edge that suits the aesthetic of Tala fans. Check the iets franz and BDG Sport lines specifically.
Anthropologie — carries several activewear brands alongside its own pieces, and is worth checking for seamless sets and yoga-focused pieces. Sizing is generally US-influenced so check the guide, but quality is good.

Premium Alternatives

If you're happy to invest a little more for elevated fabric and fit:

Sweaty Betty — arguably the benchmark for premium UK activewear. Their Power leggings are exceptional for fit and hold. Sizing runs true, though some styles can be generous through the waist, so check individual product notes.
Lululemon — the brand that redefined what activewear could look like. Their Align leggings are almost universally loved. Sizing runs true to UK, but the waistband can be generous so try both your size and a size down if you're unsure.

Luxury & Designer Picks

For truly elevated workout kit — or activewear you'd wear as a style piece beyond the gym:

Adidas by Stella McCartney — beautifully constructed and genuinely functional. Sizing runs slightly continental European so go up if you're between sizes.
Varley — a premium, design-led activewear brand with a strong following among style-conscious women. Fits true to size and bridges the gap between gym-wear and everyday dressing impeccably.

Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

These two are genuinely brilliant and not yet on everyone's radar — which is exactly why I'm including them:

Adanola — a UK-founded independent brand with a quietly cool aesthetic that has earned a loyal following without the noise of bigger names. Their Ultimate leggings are exceptional. Sizing runs true to UK; the seamless styles can feel slightly snug so size up if between.
Girlfriend Collective — a US-founded but widely available independent brand that does sustainability as well as Tala, arguably better. Their Compressive leggings are outstanding for fit and coverage. Sizing is true to size and the extended range is excellent.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool — match your measurements to 1,500+ brands instantly and get your precise size in any store, every time.

Measure once using bust, waist, hip, or an existing brand size
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your size in Tala, Sweaty Betty, Gymshark & more
Free to use, no download needed — works in-browser
Plus: the Tellar Fashion Hub — a free library of honest, unbiased style guides from our top stylists

VISIT TELLAR.CO.UKUSE THE SIZE LOOKUP TOOL