What Is Sizing Like at Ulla Johnson? A Stylist's Honest Guide

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

Ulla Johnson sizing generally runs true to size across dresses and tops, but there are real exceptions — particularly in denim and more structured pieces, which can come up noticeably small. If you know what to look out for by garment type, you can shop this brand with confidence. And trust me, once you find your size in an Ulla Johnson dress, you won't want to take it off.

I have to confess — the first time I bought Ulla Johnson, I got it completely wrong. I ordered a dress in my usual size, felt confident about it, and it arrived with this dreamy smocked bodice that technically fit, but a pair of trousers in the same size were almost unwearable. That experience taught me that Ulla Johnson isn't a "pick your size and relax" brand — it's one you need to understand. Once you do? It's genuinely one of the most beautiful labels out there.

The Brand in Brief

Ulla Johnson is a New York-based designer known for her bohemian aesthetic — think artisanal prints, ruffled hems, puff sleeves, and exquisite natural fabrics like silk and cotton. Her pieces have a handcrafted quality to them, and they sit at a premium to luxury price point. The range runs from around £250 for a cotton dress up to well over £1,000 for silk pieces. It's a genuine investment, which is exactly why getting the size right matters so much.

Ulla Johnson Size Conversion Table

Ulla Johnson uses US sizing. Here's how that translates:

US SizeUK SizeEU SizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)Hips (inches)043232.525.535263433.526.536483634.527.5376103835.528.5388124036.529.53910144237.530.540121644393241.514184640.533.543162048423544.5

The size range currently goes up to a US 16 (UK 20), though not all styles are available in every size, and larger sizes tend to sell out quickly. If you're shopping at Net-a-Porter or Shopbop, or direct from Ulla Johnson's website, you'll find the fullest size range.

Dresses: Mostly True to Size — with a Few Caveats

This is where the brand really shines, and the good news is that most dresses fit true to US size. The styles with smocked or elastic waists are particularly forgiving — they work brilliantly if your measurements sit between standard sizes. The ruffled and tiered designs are also beautifully cut to work with different body shapes without feeling restrictive.

Smocked bodice dresses — order your usual size; the elasticated fabric accommodates a good range of measurements
Midi and maxi styles — true to size as a rule; the cut tends to be generous through the hips
Structured or corseted styles — these can come up small, particularly in the bodice; consider sizing up if you're between sizes
Occasion or event dresses — I'd always recommend checking the specific product's size guide, as the tailoring varies by season

I tried the Clemente dress in a US 4 (UK 8) and it was spot on — the off-shoulder ruffled style had enough give to feel comfortable without looking oversized. That's the Ulla Johnson magic when it works: the fit feels considered, not accidental.

Denim and Trousers: Size Up

This is genuinely where the confusion comes in, and you'll find plenty of people online sharing horror stories. Ulla Johnson jeans and structured trousers tend to run small — sometimes significantly so. The waist cuts are notably narrow, and because the denim is often rigid with no stretch, there's no forgiveness if you're between sizes. Several reviews suggest going up one to two sizes, particularly if you carry your measurements in the hips.

Denim — size up at least one, sometimes two sizes; waists run particularly tight
Trousers — follow measurements carefully and err on the side of larger if unsure
Shorts — same rule applies; check the exact waist measurement against the size chart

Tops and Knitwear

Tops are generally consistent with US standard sizing, but the brand's silhouettes tend to be slightly loose and relaxed in intention. If you prefer a more fitted look in a top, you might consider staying at your usual size rather than sizing down. Knitwear follows the same pattern — it's designed with ease, so it's rare to find something uncomfortably tight.

Fabric and Quality: What to Expect

Part of why Ulla Johnson commands its price point is the quality of the materials. Natural fibres — silk, cotton, linen — dominate the collection. This does mean some pieces require more careful handling; many are dry clean only or need delicate washing. The plus side is that natural fabrics tend to sit and drape beautifully, and they're far kinder to the body in terms of breathability and comfort. These are pieces you genuinely keep for years.

Where to Buy Ulla Johnson in the UK

The most reliable UK stockists are Net-a-Porter, Matches (via their archive), and international shipping direct from ullajohnson.com. Revolve and Shopbop also carry the brand with a strong selection, particularly in the sale season.

If Ulla Johnson Is Out of Reach — Great Alternatives

The Ulla Johnson aesthetic — artisanal prints, ruffled hems, flowing silhouettes — is widely loved, and there are fantastic alternatives at various price points. Here's where I'd look:

High Street Options:

Anthropologie — consistently the closest high street match for Ulla Johnson's bohemian-romantic aesthetic; strong on prints, ruffles and flowing shapes
Monsoon — brilliant for occasion-worthy dresses with beautiful embroidered and printed fabrics at a fraction of the cost
Whistles — for a more refined, grown-up take on relaxed femininity; excellent quality for the price
Jigsaw — thoughtful fabric choices and elegant cuts that stand up well to premium brands; particularly good for midi lengths
Oliver Bonas — don't sleep on their dress collection; the prints are genuinely lovely and the prices are very reasonable
Mango — great for picking up relaxed linen and cotton styles; their bohemian capsule pieces are seriously strong each season
Urban Outfitters — particularly good for the younger, more playful end of the boho spectrum; great for printed midi dresses on a budget
Phase Eight — excellent for the occasion pieces and occasion-ready midi dresses with a bit of romance and structure

Premium Picks:

Reiss — elegant and well-cut; a step up in quality from the high street without the designer price tag
Me&Em — sophisticated British brand with beautiful fabrics and smart, feminine shapes that age extremely well

Independent & Niche Brands Worth Knowing:

Rixo — the most obvious Ulla Johnson kindred spirit on the UK market; vintage-inspired prints, silk-feel fabrics, feminine silhouettes. Sizes generally true to UK sizing
Saloni — a London-based label with a similar devotion to print, colour and beautiful drape. Frequently compared to Ulla Johnson by fashion editors and worth every penny

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