What Is Sizing Like at Tenki?

Tenki London runs true to size against its own measurements, but the cut is noticeably slim — so if you sit between two sizes, carry a fuller bust, or just like a bit of breathing room, sizing up one is almost always the safer call.

I've pulled Tenki pieces for clients more times than I can count, and they're a genuine joy to style: floral wrap dresses, ruffled midis, that easy print-led look that does all the work at a summer wedding or a garden party. But the brand has a couple of fit habits worth knowing before you commit, because a Tenki dress that fits beautifully looks expensive, and one that pulls across the chest just looks like the wrong size. Let me talk you through it properly.

The quick answer on Tenki fit

Tenki labels its dresses as designed for a slim fit and true to size — meaning the garment matches the measurements on its chart, but it's drafted close to the body rather than generous. Here's how that plays out in real life:

Take your usual size if you have a fairly straight up-and-down frame and you like a fitted shape.
Size up one if you're broader across the bust or shoulders, between sizes, or you prefer a relaxed fit through the body.
Tenki uses both numbered UK sizing (8–18) and lettered S/M/L depending on the style, so always check which scale the specific dress is on.

Where Tenki tends to run slim

It's not the whole garment — it's specific areas. After handling a lot of these on real bodies, the pattern is consistent:

The bust and upper chest. This is the number-one place Tenki feels tight. Shirt dresses and fitted bodices are the worst offenders — if you're a C cup or above, factor this in.
The sleeves and armholes. The brand favours a neat, set-in sleeve that flatters but doesn't leave much give. Lovely on, snug if you're between sizes.
The waist seam on wrap styles. Wraps and tie-fronts are the most forgiving cut Tenki does — the adjustable tie buys you a size of wiggle room either way, which is exactly why they're my go-to recommendation for anyone unsure.

A quick word on length

Tenki's fit models are typically 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in, and the lengths are drafted to suit that. If you're 5ft 4in or under, the maxi styles will likely puddle at the floor and the midis may sit longer than the photos suggest — easily fixed with a heel or a quick hem, but worth knowing before it arrives. Taller women, on the other hand, get on brilliantly with Tenki maxis.

My honest fit tips

A small confession: my first ever Tenki order was a fitted floral shirt dress in my "normal" size, and it gaped horribly at the bust — I sent it straight back and assumed the brand wasn't for me. A season later I tried one of their wrap midis, sized up by one, and it became the dress I wore to three weddings that summer. Same brand, completely different outcome — and the only thing that changed was respecting the slim cut.

Default to the wrap and tie-front styles if you want the lowest-risk Tenki purchase. The adjustability does the heavy lifting.
Measure your bust before ordering anything structured. Compare it to Tenki's chart and size to your largest measurement, then take the waist in later if needed — taking a dress out is far harder than taking it in.
Check whether the dress is lined. Several of the floaty printed styles are unlined, which changes how forgiving they feel across the hips.

If Tenki isn't your fit: where else to look

If the slim cut just doesn't suit your shape, you're spoilt for choice in the same feminine, print-led, occasion-friendly lane. Here's where I'd send clients, by budget.

High street

Monsoon — the queen of occasion prints and embellished midis, with a more generous, body-friendly cut than Tenki.
Phase Eight — beautifully drafted wedding-guest and event dresses; reliable, flattering fit across a range of shapes.
Coast — go-to for structured occasion dresses with a bit more support built into the bodice.
Joules — playful British florals and easy day dresses with a relaxed, roomier fit.
Boden — prints galore and famously consistent, true-to-size tailoring that suits curvier frames.
Oliver Bonas — quirky, characterful prints with a slightly more forgiving silhouette than Tenki.
Hobbs — polished, grown-up occasion dressing with a fuller, more tailored cut through the bust.

Premium

Whistles — modern prints and clean lines; a step up in fabric and finish, cut a touch more relaxed.
Ghost — those signature bias-cut, soft viscose dresses that drape and forgive beautifully.
Sézane — French-girl prints and romantic detailing; effortlessly chic and well made.

Luxury / designer

Max Mara — investment occasion pieces with impeccable, true-to-size tailoring that lasts decades.
By Malene Birger — elevated prints and statement silhouettes with a confident, flattering cut.

Two independents worth a look

RIXO — if you love Tenki's prints but want a more relaxed, bias-cut fit, this London label is the natural upgrade.
Kitri — playful, of-the-moment prints and dresses with a slightly more forgiving body than Tenki, at a smart price.

Stop guessing your size — let Tellar tell you

Tenki's slim cut is exactly the kind of thing that catches people out. Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool — we match your body to 1,500+ brands instantly, so you never squint at a confusing size guide again.

Measure once using your bust, waist and hip — or just your size in a brand you already own.
Use our Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads, works straight in your browser.

Find your size now at tellar.co.uk — and explore the Tellar Fashion Hub, a library of free posts from our stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free.