What Size Am I in Zara Compared to ASOS? A Technical Guide to Brand Sizing Differences

What Size Am I in Zara Compared to ASOS? A Technical Guide to Brand Sizing Differences

Introduction

When shopping online, choosing the right size can be one of the biggest challenges for consumers. This is especially true when buying from popular but vastly different retailers like Zara and ASOS. While both offer stylish and accessible fashion, their sizing systems are far from identical. In this guide, we break down the key sizing differences between Zara and ASOS, provide factual comparisons based on UK standard measurements, and introduce a smarter, technical solution to get your perfect fit every time: Tellar.co.uk.

Understanding Zara Sizing: What the Symbols Mean

Zara has long been known for its inconsistent sizing. One of the lesser-known facts is that Zara uses discreet symbols on its internal clothing labels to signal how an item fits:

▲ Triangle = Runs small / fitted

■ Square = True to size

● Circle = Runs large / relaxed fit

These symbols often appear next to the product reference number on the inner label, particularly in women's garments. While Zara has never officially confirmed this system, it is widely accepted and reported by UK stylists, TikTok fashion experts, and blogs such as TLC Style & Colour.

Each symbol correlates loosely to Zara's collections:

• Triangle (▲): Typically used for items in the TRF (Trafaluc) line — younger cuts, tighter fits.

• Square (■): Standard items from the Zara Basic range.

• Circle (●): Relaxed pieces from the Zara Woman collection.

Zara clothing also tends to run narrow in the hips, bust, and shoulders, making it less forgiving for curvier body types. Shoppers often need to size up when purchasing from Zara.

ASOS Sizing: Generally More Predictable

ASOS, on the other hand, is known for more consistent sizing. ASOS designs much of its own-label clothing based on standard UK sizing charts, which align more closely with body measurement data published by UK garment regulators.

ASOS also offers sizing tools like the Fit Assistant, which lets you input height, weight, and body shape to predict size.

• For women: A UK size 10 at ASOS typically fits a bust of 34", waist of 27", and hips of 37".

• For men: A size medium often fits a 38-40" chest and 32-34" waist.

However, ASOS also carries third-party brands like Nike, Pull & Bear, and Weekday — each with their own sizing inconsistencies, so sizing can vary depending on the brand.

Technical Comparison: Zara vs. ASOS (Women's Sizes)

UK Standard Size	Zara (Typical Fit)	ASOS (Typical Fit)
6	Tight (may need 8)	True to size
8	Fitted	True to size
10	Often too small	Standard fit
12	Closer to UK 10	Standard fit
14	Rarely stocked	Often available

Zara’s size charts often don’t reflect real-world body proportions, especially for taller or curvier figures. ASOS, however, offers Petite, Tall, Curve, and Maternity fits — making it more inclusive.

Why Sizing Varies: Technical Factors

Several technical and manufacturing factors contribute to these sizing inconsistencies:

• Grading Rules: Each brand uses different "grading rules" to scale a base size up or down across a size range.

• Fit Models: Zara often uses European fit models, while ASOS relies on UK sizing references.

• Fabric Tolerances: Stretch, structure, and pattern shape all affect how true a size feels.

The Smarter Solution: Tellar.co.uk

Rather than navigating these differences alone, Tellar.co.uk offers a precise, data-driven solution.

How It Works

1. Measure Yourself: Use our free printable measuring tape to accurately capture your bust, waist, and hips.

2. Create Your Profile: Head to our profile creation page to enter your details securely.

3. Get Instant Size Matches: We compare your measurements to the size charts of 1,500+ UK and global brands — including Zara and ASOS — and recommend the best-fitting size.

4. Sizes Saved Automatically: Your profile stays saved, so next time you shop, your size recommendations are just a click away.

Key Benefits

• Free & Easy to Use

• Accurate and Data-Driven

• Covers 1,500+ Brands

• Trusted by Thousands in the UK

Use Cases: Real-World Examples

• You wear a UK 10 at ASOS but always have to buy a Zara 12. Tellar automatically adjusts for this.

• Unsure whether to size up in a Zara jacket? Tellar checks fabric data and cut to give a precise answer.

• Looking to shop across multiple brands like Mango, COS, or H&M? Tellar recommends the right size in each.

Where to Learn More

• Explore our full store database

• See how Tellar works

• Contact us directly

Follow & Engage with Tellar

• Follow us on LinkedIn for professional updates and sizing insights.

• Check out our Pinterest boards for visual size guides, infographics, and style tips.

• Read real sizing questions and answers on Reddit where we respond to community posts.

Final Thoughts

Zara and ASOS may cater to similar audiences, but their sizing systems differ dramatically. Zara’s unofficial label symbols and European fit models often leave UK shoppers frustrated, while ASOS’s consistency and inclusivity win points — though not perfectly.

The easiest way to cut through the confusion? Let Tellar.co.uk do the work for you. With our intelligent matching system and brand-specific data, you’ll always know what size to buy — no matter the store.

Ready to get started? Create your free profile now.