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

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

Zimmermann runs small — typically one to two sizes smaller than standard UK sizing — so as a rule of thumb, go up at least one size, and if you're between sizes, always size up rather than down.

I'll be honest: I have a complicated relationship with Zimmermann. I fell hard for one of their silk broderie dresses about three years ago, ordered my usual UK 10, and when it arrived it was essentially unwearable — the bodice was so tight I couldn't get it over my shoulders. Mortifying. I've since learned how to shop the brand properly, and I want to save you from the same expensive mistake.

Zimmermann is an Australian luxury label, and their sizing follows Australian conventions — which are simply different from the UK system. Once you understand the conversion, shopping the brand becomes genuinely brilliant. The quality, the fabrics, the detailing — it really is worth the effort.

The Zimmermann Size Conversion Chart

Use this as your starting point. Zimmermann sizes run AU 0 through AU 4 (with some styles going to AU 5 or AU 6 in recent seasons). Here's how that maps to UK and US:

Zimmermann (AU)UK SizeUS SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)062806187184846591210688699531289273994141096771035161210081107

My strong advice: always measure your actual bust, waist, and hips before ordering rather than going on your usual dress size. The numbers above are the nominal measurements Zimmermann designs to — if you sit between two, take the larger.

How Zimmermann Sizing Varies by Garment

The brand isn't uniform across every category, so it pays to know the quirks before you buy.

Dresses & Jumpsuits

This is where the sizing feels tightest. Zimmermann's dresses are cut for a more petite frame — particularly through the bodice and shoulders. If you carry weight in your upper body, go up two sizes. Their midi and maxi lengths also tend to come up shorter than you'd expect, so if you're above 5'7" check the length specifications carefully.

Trousers & Shorts

Slightly more forgiving than their dresses, but still on the narrow side through the hips and thighs. The waistbands can feel quite fitted — I find their linen trousers in particular run a full size small. If you're pear-shaped, size to your hips, not your waist.

Tops & Blouses

The silk and linen blouses have a slightly more relaxed silhouette, which makes them easier to size. I'd still go up one size from your usual UK top, but these are probably the most forgiving pieces in the range.

Swimwear & Bikinis

Zimmermann swimwear is some of the most beautiful — and the most unforgiving — in the range. It runs very small and is designed with a very specific, slender torso in mind. Go up at least one size, and if you have a fuller bust, look for styles with adjustable ties rather than structured cups.

Knitwear & Outerwear

Their knitwear is the one area where sizing is closer to true-to-size — the oversized cuts in particular are genuinely generous. Coats and jackets also tend to have more ease built in, so your usual size or one up should work.

Zimmermann Fabric & Fit: What to Expect

The brand specialises in silk, linen, broderie anglaise, and lace — all of which have very little give. This is part of why sizing up matters so much; there is no stretch to save you. The upside is that when a piece fits properly, it looks extraordinary. The fabrics are genuinely beautiful and the craftsmanship is exceptional. I always recommend buying from their website rather than a third-party retailer if you're unsure on sizing — their customer service is excellent and returns are straightforward.

Where to Find That Zimmermann Aesthetic for Less

Zimmermann prices are serious. If you love the romantic, feminine, slightly boho-luxe aesthetic but want to shop at different price points, here are my picks — genuinely curated for that same feeling, not just filler.

High Street Options (Similar Vibe)

Anthropologie — the closest match on the high street for Zimmermann's romantic, bohemian energy. Their embroidered and printed midi dresses hit a very similar note.
Whistles — for the more refined, elegantly understated Zimmermann pieces. Excellent fabric quality for the price point, particularly their silk-blend blouses.
Ted Baker — if you love Zimmermann's floral prints and feminine occasion dressing, Ted Baker delivers at a much more accessible price. Consistently good for weddings and events.
Phase Eight — brilliant for occasion wear in that flowing, feminine silhouette. Their lace and broderie pieces genuinely rival Zimmermann for bridal guest dressing.
Mango — consistently good linen and printed summer pieces that capture a Mediterranean version of the Zimmermann aesthetic. Their premium line especially.
Monsoon — embroidery, prints, and floaty silhouettes at very fair prices. Underrated for anyone who loves the more bohemian side of Zimmermann.
Me&Em — for the cleaner, more polished Zimmermann pieces. Excellent quality British brand that sits in a similar aesthetic territory without the designer price tag.

Two Independent Picks Worth Knowing About

Faithfull the Brand — an Australian label (like Zimmermann) with a very similar sun-drenched, printed-linen, effortlessly feminine aesthetic. Significantly more affordable and genuinely beautiful. If Zimmermann is out of budget, start here.
Aspiga — a British sustainable brand making stunning printed dresses and linen separates with real personality. Loved by stylists who want that elevated, artisan feel without the luxury price tag. Excellent sizing too.

Premium Options

Reiss — polished and sophisticated. For the more architectural, considered Zimmermann pieces.
Cos — if you love Zimmermann's more minimal, structural designs, COS does elevated simplicity brilliantly.

Luxury Alternatives

Ulla Johnson — probably the most direct luxury comparison. Romantic, feminine, exquisite fabrics.
Rixo — beloved British label known for their vintage-inspired prints in silk jersey. A wardrobe staple for the same woman who loves Zimmermann.

Never Get Your Size Wrong Again — Tellar.co.uk

Zimmermann sizing is genuinely tricky — but this is exactly the problem Tellar was built to solve. Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool, matching your measurements to 1,500+ brands instantly. No more guessing, no more expensive returns.

Measure once — bust, waist, hips, or use an existing brand size you trust
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Plus, the Tellar Fashion Hub is a library of free, honest, unbiased style posts from our top stylists — covering everything from sizing guides to the best buys of the season. Always independent. Always free.