What Is Sizing Like at Ted Baker?

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

Ted Baker runs small — sometimes noticeably so — and if you're not prepared for that, it can feel like a frustrating brand to shop. As a general rule, I'd recommend going up one size from your usual UK size, particularly in tailored pieces, dresses and fitted tops. That said, the brand has made some quiet adjustments to its sizing in recent years, so it's worth knowing the nuances before you buy.

I've had a complicated relationship with Ted Baker over the years, and I say that with affection. I've styled dozens of clients in the brand, and without fail, at least one of them comes back muttering that the dress they loved online refused to zip up in their normal size. I've been there myself — a stunning emerald wrap dress at a press event that I squeezed into, convincing myself it fit fine right up until I sat down at dinner and realised it absolutely did not. The moral of the story: know the sizing, and buy accordingly.

Ted Baker: The Brand at a Glance

Ted Baker is a British fashion brand founded in Glasgow in 1988 by Ray Kelvin, originally as a shirt specialist before expanding into a full lifestyle brand. It's known for its bold prints, intricate detailing, and a slightly tongue-in-cheek British quirkiness that's genuinely hard to replicate. The womenswear range covers everything from occasion dresses and tailored suits to knitwear, outerwear and accessories — and it does occasion wear particularly well.

The brand went through a turbulent few years, including administration in 2023, before being acquired and relaunched. It's currently rebuilding its identity, and the product quality is worth revisiting if you've not looked recently. The core aesthetic — those incredible floral prints, the structured midi dresses, the playful embellishments — remains intact.

Ted Baker Size Guide: UK Conversions

Ted Baker uses its own numbered sizing system (0–5) rather than standard UK sizing, which trips people up constantly. Here's how it maps across:

Ted Baker SizeUK SizeUS SizeEU SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)0623480–8262–6486–881843684–8666–6890–9221063888–9070–7294–9631284092–9474–7698–100414104296–9878–80102–1045161244100–10282–84106–108

Important: Ted Baker's numbered sizing (0–5) does not align to standard UK sizes in the way you'd expect. A Ted Baker 2 is a UK 10, not a UK 12. Many people catch themselves out on this — double-check every time.

How Does Sizing Vary Across Styles?

Ted Baker isn't a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to the cut — different categories behave quite differently, and understanding that is half the battle:

Occasion & Midi Dresses: This is where the brand really shines — and where the sizing is tightest. The fitted midi and wrap styles are cut close to the body, particularly through the waist and bust. Always size up one here, especially if you're fuller in the chest. The structured boning on some styles gives little room for manoeuvre.
Tailored Blazers & Suits: The blazers tend to be cut slim through the shoulders and slightly boxy at the hip, which is a great shape on most women but does mean the shoulders need to fit correctly. Go up a size if you have broader shoulders or a fuller bust — you can always have the waist taken in.
Knitwear: Ted Baker knitwear tends to have a relaxed, slightly oversized cut compared to its tailoring. These are much more forgiving. Your true size or even sizing down a touch will work for most styles.
Trousers & Skirts: The waistbands run small — I'd say consistently about half a size smaller than their dress sizing. If you usually need a size up in the dresses, you'll almost certainly need one in the trousers too. Wide-leg and pleated styles are slightly more generous.
Outerwear & Coats: These are cut with layering in mind and tend to be the most true-to-size category in the range. Your standard size should work, though the shoulder seam placement is key — make sure it sits properly before buying.
Tops & Blouses: The flowy, printed blouses are relatively relaxed and true to size. Button-through styles can pull across the bust if you're a D cup or above — size up and have the waist altered if needed.

My Fit Tips for Shopping Ted Baker Successfully

Always remember the numbered sizing — a Ted Baker 2 = UK 10. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of an online shopping session, it's easy to automatically pick a size 12 when you should be picking a 3.
If you're buying a fitted dress or structured piece, measure your bust and check it against the specific product's measurements. Ted Baker lists garment measurements on most product pages — use them.
For occasion wear, I always tell clients: if you're between sizes, size up. You can get things taken in; you cannot breathe life into a zip that won't close.
The brand is particularly generous in length — most dresses and skirts are cut for around a 5'7"–5'9" frame. If you're petite, factor in alterations to the hem, or look for their petite edits.
Ted Baker's prints can make garments look slightly smaller than they are in photos. Trust the measurements over the image.

Love Ted Baker's Aesthetic? Here Are My Best Alternatives

Whether the price point isn't quite right, or you just want to explore a similar aesthetic elsewhere, here are my picks across the full budget range — all chosen for sharing that same mix of polish, print and femininity:

High Street Picks:

Phase Eight: The closest high street equivalent to Ted Baker's occasion wear DNA — beautifully structured dresses, great prints and consistently flattering cuts. A genuine go-to for weddings and smart events.
Hobbs: Elegant, British, and enduringly well-made. Particularly strong on tailoring and smart separates. The fit is slightly more generous than Ted Baker, which many women prefer.
Anthropologie: For the print-lovers — Anthropologie does beautifully eclectic, feminine dressing with a similar love of bold florals and intricate detail. The sizing is more generous and consistent.
Coast: A brilliant option for occasion dressing at a more accessible price. The structured midi dresses and embellished styles sit squarely in Ted Baker territory aesthetically.
Monsoon: Wonderful for print-heavy, feminine pieces. The dresses are particularly good — bold, flattering and well-priced. Sizing tends to be more true to UK standard than Ted Baker.
Massimo Dutti: For the tailoring side of Ted Baker's offering — sophisticated, beautifully finished separates and suiting at a very reasonable price point. Understated and genuinely excellent quality.
Me&Em: Brilliant for elevated, polished British dressing with a modern edge. Strong on dresses, tailoring and knitwear — and the sizing is notably consistent and reliable.

Premium Picks:

Reiss: Sleek, sophisticated occasion wear and tailoring — less maximalist than Ted Baker but with the same commitment to quality and finish. The sizing is much more true to standard UK measurements.
LK Bennett: The quintessential British occasion brand. Impeccably made dresses, excellent tailoring, and a brand that genuinely understands the British woman's wardrobe. Royal-approved for good reason.

Independent & Niche Picks:

Nobody's Child (nobodyschild.com): A brilliant British brand that does gorgeous print-heavy dresses and feminine separates at a very honest price. Independently spirited, sustainably minded, and genuinely lovely quality. Great sizing consistency too.
Kitri Studio (kitristudio.com): A London-based independent brand that makes beautiful, considered occasionwear and smart dressing. Stunning prints, exceptional construction, and a brand that really understands fit. One of my absolute favourites to recommend to clients.

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