What Is Sizing Like at Velvet Heart?

Velvet Heart generally runs true to size with a soft, relaxed cut — but it labels in US sizing, so the number on the tag won't match your UK size, and the drapey fabrics sit a touch generous rather than body-skimming. In practice that means most people land in their expected size band, but you do need to convert from US to UK before you click "add to bag", or you'll end up with something far roomier than you bargained for. I learnt that one the hard way, which I'll come back to.

The short version on fit

Velvet Heart is a Los Angeles contemporary label built around that "California-chic" idea of easy, throw-it-on dressing. The fit philosophy follows the clothes:

True to size overall — pick your normal size and you'll usually be right.
Relaxed, not fitted — the cut leans loose and fluid, so it skims rather than clings.
Forgiving through the waist and hip — great if you're between sizes or don't love a snug fit.
Cut varies by style — a slip dress and a structured denim jacket won't behave the same way, so always sense-check the individual piece.

Why the fabric changes everything

Velvet Heart leans heavily on TENCEL™ Lyocell and other soft, supple fabrics, and that's the single biggest thing to understand about their fit. Lyocell drapes beautifully and has a lovely fluid weight, but it also moves and gives. So a blouse that looks neat on the model is designed to fall softly and a little loose on the body — that's the look, not a sizing error. If you size up "to be safe" on these fabrics, you'll often swamp yourself. My honest advice: trust your usual size and let the drape do the work.

US sizing — what UK shoppers actually need to know

This is where most UK orders go wrong. Velvet Heart uses US sizing, so the numbers run smaller than ours for the same body. As a rule of thumb, add roughly four to your US size to get your UK number — so a UK 12 sits at their Medium, a UK 10 at their Small-to-Medium, and a UK 8 at their Small. If you shop by letter sizing (XS–XL) rather than numbers, you're on safer ground, but I'd still measure your bust, waist and hip and check against the brand's own chart, because their bands are a little broader than some UK labels.

How it fits, garment by garment

Tops & blouses: the most forgiving category — soft, drapey and relaxed. Take your normal size.
Dresses: slip and midi styles fall fluidly; if you're tall, check the length, as California cuts can run shorter than UK midis.
Denim & bottoms: the most fitted part of the range, so this is where US numbers matter most. Go by your waist measurement, not the label number.
Jackets & outerwear: designed to sit loose and layer-friendly — don't size up unless you want a deliberately oversized look.

My honest styling take

I'll be straight with you. The first time I ordered from a US-sized brand like this, I grabbed my usual UK 12 without thinking, and the blouse arrived so generous I could've worn it as a beach kaftan. Lesson learnt. The flip side: once I got the conversion right and ordered a Medium, the same drapey Lyocell that nearly defeated me turned into the most flattering, fuss-free piece in my summer rotation — the kind of thing you tuck into wide-leg trousers and feel instantly pulled together. That's the magic of Velvet Heart when you nail the size: effortless, soft, quietly expensive-looking. Get the conversion right and the fit takes care of itself.

Where to shop for a similar fit and look

If you love the soft, drapey, California-chic feel of Velvet Heart and want to build that wardrobe across price points, here's where I'd send you — chosen for the fabric, the relaxed cut and the feminine-casual mood, not just the price tag.

High street

Mint Velvet — the closest UK high-street match to Velvet Heart's relaxed-luxe vibe; soft fabrics and drapey separates that skim rather than cling.
Hush — easy jersey, slip dresses and laid-back casual pieces with the same throw-on, boho-leaning ease.
Anthropologie — romantic prints and feminine, floaty silhouettes for anyone drawn to the prettier side of the California look.
Whistles — clean, contemporary blouses and slip dresses with a more considered, grown-up finish.
Mango — the best of the bunch for trend-led drapey dresses and fluid separates at an accessible price.
Massimo Dutti — elevated soft fabrics and refined casual tailoring when you want the polished end of relaxed.
Seasalt Cornwall — print-led, comfortable and true to size, with a soft, easy-wearing feel that travels well.

Premium

Sézane — French, romantic and beautifully made; the natural step up if you want Velvet Heart's softness with a touch more polish.
Ba&sh — Parisian contemporary with that effortless drape and feminine cut, ideal for fluid blouses and easy dresses.

Luxury / designer

By Malene Birger — elevated prints and gorgeous draping fabrics for a designer take on relaxed, feminine dressing.
Joseph — exquisite fabric and fluid cut; the place to invest if you adore how Velvet Heart's fabrics fall but want true luxury.

Two to discover (independent picks)

DÔEN — a Los Angeles independent that practically mirrors Velvet Heart's soul: romantic, sustainable, soft and unmistakably Californian.
Faithfull the Brand — Bali-made, print-rich holiday dressing with all the drape and easy femininity you'd want for the warmer months.

Never look at a size guide again

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool — we match your body to 1,500+ brands instantly, so you can skip the conversion maths and shop with confidence, whether you're buying US-sized Velvet Heart or anything else.

Measure once, using your bust, waist, hip — or simply your existing 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 & more.
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Find your perfect fit at Tellar.co.uk →

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub

The Tellar Fashion Hub is a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free — style advice, top picks and the best brands for every fit question. A few you might find useful next:

— Ella Blake, Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder, Tellar