What Is Sizing Like at We Norwegians?

The short answer: We Norwegians runs broadly true to size, but with one catch worth knowing before you check out — their merino base layers are cut close, to sit against the skin like a second layer, so if you’re between sizes or you simply prefer a bit of breathing room, size up. The knitwear and outerwear, by contrast, are far more forgiving and follow the size chart faithfully. So your decision isn’t really “what’s my We Norwegians size” — it’s “which piece am I buying, and how do I want it to feel?”

I’ve styled a lot of Scandinavian labels over the years, and We Norwegians is one of the few that genuinely lives up to the “quiet luxury” tag everyone throws around. It’s a Norwegian brand built on super-fine merino — think soft thermal base layers, beautifully simple knits and tailored outdoor pieces. The catch for UK shoppers is that it uses Scandinavian sizing, which doesn’t always map neatly onto what you’re used to on the high street. Let me walk you through it properly.

How the base layers fit

This is where most people get caught out. The Snø and Voss base layers are made from extra-fine merino with a touch of stretch woven in, and they’re deliberately designed to be snug — that’s how merino does its job, trapping warmth right against you. On the models, the women’s pieces are shown in a size S, and the fit is close rather than slouchy.

Want true thermal performance? Take your normal size. The stretch means it’ll hug without feeling restrictive.
Between two sizes? Size up — this is We Norwegians’ own official advice, and I agree with it.
Prefer a relaxed, layering-over-a-tee feel? Go up one size for a softer drape.

I learned this the slightly embarrassing way. I once ordered my usual size in a zip base layer for a ski trip, assumed Scandi brands always run roomy, and ended up with something that fit like a wetsuit. Lovely on the slopes, less lovely when I wanted to wear it casually with jeans. Lesson logged.

Knitwear and outerwear: much more relaxed

The jumpers, cardigans and outer layers are a completely different story — these follow the chart honestly and have a gentle, easy fit. There’s no need to size up here; in fact, sizing up can leave knitwear looking oversized rather than elegant. My rule of thumb:

Base layers — fitted, stretchy, size up only if between sizes.
Knitwear — stick to your charted size for that clean Nordic line.
Coats and outdoor pieces — true to size, with just enough room for a mid-layer.

My styling advice

We Norwegians is at its best when you let the quality speak and keep everything around it simple. A fine merino base layer under a tailored blazer is one of my favourite cold-weather tricks — warm, sleek, and nobody can tell you’re basically wearing thermals to lunch. The knits look gorgeous with straight-leg denim and a clean boot. Resist the urge to over-accessorise; this is a “less is more” label, and a single piece of fine jewellery does far more than a pile of it.

Where to shop if We Norwegians isn’t quite right

If the price tag gives you pause or you want a different fit, here’s where I’d send clients looking for that same warm, considered, layered look — across three tiers.

High street

Uniqlo — the obvious starting point. Their HEATTECH and merino ranges deliver Scandi-style warmth for a fraction of the price.
M&S — quietly brilliant thermals and merino-blend knits, with reliably true-to-size fit.
Seasalt Cornwall — cosy, coastal knitwear in soft, natural fabrics; perfect for that understated layered feel.
Sweaty Betty — if you want technical base layers with a fashion edge for skiing or hiking.
Boden — dependable, well-cut jumpers and cardigans with a touch more colour and personality.
Crew Clothing — relaxed, outdoorsy layering pieces that work beautifully off the slopes.
Joules — countryside knits and cosy layers if you like a bit of charm with your warmth.

Premium

Brora — Scottish cashmere and knitwear specialists; the natural step up if you fall in love with We Norwegians’ knits.
Toast — understated, natural-fibre pieces with the same quiet, considered aesthetic.
The North Face — for genuinely technical merino and outdoor layers that still look good in town.

Luxury & designer

By Malene Birger — Scandinavian luxury at its most refined; elevated knits and outerwear with serious polish.
Totême — the minimalist’s dream, with beautifully cut knitwear and coats that last for years.
Max Mara — the gold standard for luxury coats and knitwear when you’re ready to invest.

Two left-field independents worth knowing

Sheep Inc. — carbon-negative merino knitwear from a small sustainable label; gorgeous fabric and a genuinely lovely story behind it.
Holzweiler — a Norwegian contemporary brand with that same Nordic restraint, brilliant for scarves, knits and easy layers.

Stop guessing your size — let Tellar do it for you

Scandinavian sizing is exactly the kind of thing that trips people up, which is why I built Tellar in the first place. Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool — it matches your real measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly, using actual garment data rather than guesswork, so you never have to squint at a size guide again.

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

There’s also the Tellar Fashion Hub: a library of free posts from our stylists covering pretty much every fashion question you can think of. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free — style advice, top picks and the best brands, with no sponsored noise.

Find your perfect We Norwegians fit in seconds

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Written by Ella Blake, Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder of Tellar. Honest, unbiased and never sponsored.