What Is Sizing Like at True Religion?

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

True Religion runs small, particularly through the waist — I'd recommend sizing up at least one size from your usual UK jeans size, especially in their classic straight and bootcut styles. If you're between sizes, always go up. Their denim is cut with a snug American fit in mind, and that waistband can catch you out if you're not prepared for it.

I'll be honest — True Religion was one of those brands I approached with a fair bit of wariness the first time around. I'd heard the sizing horror stories, and when my usual UK 12 sat uncomfortably tight across the hips in-store, I felt vindicated for my scepticism. That said, once I went up to the US 30 equivalent, something clicked. The quality of the denim, the weight of it, the way it holds its shape — it's genuinely impressive. These are not throwaway jeans. They're a considered purchase, and once you know your size, they become something of a wardrobe staple.

Understanding the Sizing System

True Religion uses US sizing across its women's range, which means you're working in waist measurements in inches — not the UK 6–18 scale most of us are used to. This trips people up constantly, and it's the single biggest cause of confusion when shopping True Religion online. Think of it this way: a UK 10 generally corresponds to a US 26 or 27, but in True Religion? You may well need a 28. The brand cuts slim.

Their sizing also varies slightly by cut and style, so a Jennie in a US 28 might fit differently to a Bobby in the same number. It's worth checking individual product descriptions and, if you're ordering online, using a sizing tool rather than guessing.

True Religion Women's Size Guide

US SizeUK SizeEU SizeWaist (inches)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)2463424"6186256–83625"63.588268–103826"6691271038–4027"68.5932810–124028"719629124229"73.5983012–144430"7610131144631"78.51033214–164832"811063316–185033"83.510934185234"86111

Note: These are general guidelines. Always cross-reference with Tellar's Store Size Lookup for your precise size across 1,500+ brands.

Key Pieces — Sizing by Style

Skinny jeans (Halle, Jennie styles): These are the most unforgiving. They're cut close through the thigh and calf as well as the waist, so sizing up one full size is almost always the right call. If you're pear-shaped, consider going up two sizes and using a belt — the denim is stiff enough that it holds its shape beautifully.
Straight-leg & relaxed (Bobby, Joey styles): More forgiving through the thigh, but still runs small at the waist. I'd still recommend sizing up by one from your UK equivalent — the fit is more comfortable and looks better once it's not pulling.
Bootcut: Probably the most balanced silhouette in their range and slightly more generous in the hip area. Still, size up. Particularly flattering if you're petite with curves — the flare helps balance proportions and the denim sits well.
Shorts: Go up by one to two sizes. The rise is shorter and the leg opening narrower than you might expect. Given the brand's denim weight, they don't stretch in the same way a lighter fabric would.
Tops & sweatshirts: These are more true to size — their casualwear tends to be cut with an American oversized ease, so you can often stick to your standard UK size here. I'd say their hoodies and graphic tees are actually quite forgiving. A medium in True Religion has always worked well for me as a UK 12.

Fit Tips from a Stylist's Perspective

True Religion denim is thick, structured, and doesn't have much stretch in the older and classic lines — though some of their newer pieces incorporate elastane for comfort. If you're shopping the classic range, keep that in mind. What feels slightly snug in the changing room will not ease in the way, say, a Zara pair would.

The leg length tends to run on the longer side, which is brilliant if you're tall. For anyone under 5'5", I'd look for the cropped or petite options — or factor in tailoring costs. A good hem on quality denim is always worth it.

One thing I genuinely love about True Religion is the hardware — the iconic horseshoe stitching and gold-tone detailing look expensive, even years in. These are jeans that earn their price tag over time. I've had a pair of the Jennie skinny jeans for going on five years and they still look better than a lot of newer purchases.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives to True Religion

True Religion sits in a premium price bracket — typically £100–£200 for jeans. If you love the silhouette but want to spread the cost across a few pairs, here are some brilliant alternatives at different price points:

High Street Picks:

Levi's — The gold standard for denim at accessible pricing. Their 501s and Ribcage styles are consistently well-reviewed and come in a vast range of washes. Sizing runs slightly more true to UK size than True Religion.
Mango — Consistently underrated for denim. Their straight-leg and barrel cuts are brilliant right now and the quality has improved significantly. Great option if you want that polished, effortless look.
River Island — Strong seasonal denim edits, particularly for bum-sculpting styles and high-waisted cuts. Reviews are very positive on their premium denim lines.
Topshop (via ASOS) — The Jamie jean remains iconic for a reason. Reliable sizing, great shape retention, and available in a huge range of lengths including short.
Whistles — A step up from the high street in terms of finish. Their denim has a considered, understated quality to it. Good for classic straight and slim styles.
Citizens of Humanity — If you're already in the premium denim space, Citizens of Humanity is an excellent alternative. Incredible quality and fit, slightly more generous sizing than True Religion.
Paige — Another premium alternative that competes directly with True Religion on quality. Fantastic stretch denim options and a more relaxed fit through the hip. Highly recommended by stylists and fashion editors alike.
Abercrombie & Fitch — Their denim range has had a genuine glow-up in recent years. Well worth a look for the 90s straight or ultra high-rise styles — excellent quality at a mid-range price point.

Independent Brands Worth Discovering:

Boyish Jeans — A LA-based sustainable denim label that has become a cult favourite in fashion circles. Made from recycled and organic materials, the fits are flattering and the washes are exceptional. Not widely stocked in the UK yet, which makes them a brilliant find.
Ksubi — An Australian premium denim brand with serious fashion credibility. Their Van Winkle and Stacked jeans have a cool, effortless edge that rivals anything in the True Religion range. Well worth the investment if you want something a little different.

Never Guess Your Size in True Religion Again

Finding your size in US-based brands like True Religion shouldn't involve guesswork, returns, or the frustration of sizing up blind. That's exactly what Tellar.co.uk was built for.

Tellar is the UK's leading clothing sizing tool — and it's completely free. Here's how it works:

📏 Measure once — your bust, waist, and hips
🔍 Use the Store Size Lookup to get your precise size across 1,500+ brands instantly — True Religion, COS, Reiss, Arket, Everlane and hundreds more
✅ Always free — no app, no download, works in-browser

Plus, the Tellar Fashion Hub is a growing library of honest, unsponsored style guides from our team of stylists. No brand deals. No filler. Just real fashion advice from people who know their stuff.

Find My True Religion Size →