Sizing help please!

I find the whole sizing system a minefield. It is the same with shoes. I tend to only buy from charity shops if I can. Last time I bought two skirts. One was M&S own and a 14, the other M&S Per Una size 16. Both fit me and I paid a tenner for both!

Boden is definitely true to size for me. Phase Eight can vary, depending on the style.

keepingquiet I am missing charity shops
But have found some lovely preloved things on eBay to keep me satisfied until they reopen

marydoll
Thanks for info re Boden.
I have bought from Phase Eight before and agree

Always ask for measurements for items on Ebay. A lot of sellers do but for some reason many don't. A good seller should put measurements in the first place.

Don't go by sizing labels as they can differ so much even by colour. I bought 2 pairs of M&S trousers of a particular size in different colours. One fitted, one didn't.

Karen Millen and Reiss come up
Small, I think Hush is on the generous side. Boden, Joules and Hobbs always seem true to size.

True to size doesn't exist. I've been a size 12 in M&S all my life despite being 1.5 stones heavier than when I was young. It's known as vanity sizing. I now make all my clothes and many new sewers wail that they're a size 12 in ready to wear clothes, but have to sew size 16 going by the pattern's measurements. That's why many folk (including me) send for two different sizes of the same clothing item when buying online (darn lockdown) to try on at home. Sellers even have this down as a reason for returns.
You may find a certain brand's sizing is right for you but it isn't about being true to size.

I think you have to look a few different brands’ reviews, people often make really helpful comments about a particular item being too big or too small for their size, I find the reviews often a good indicator of what will fit me best.

My only complaint with Boden is that sometimes they are short waisted on me, particularly jackets, otherwise I like them, and Hobbs I have sometimes found the sleeves a bit narrow, cut to a younger arm circumference I think, but the clothes are great. I like Jigsaw as well. Joules are quite generous, I’m more likely to size down.

The more expensive the clothes the lower the size on the label. There is a website giving advice on sizing for various brands, I think it’s called “What Size Am I”.

Sizing is such a problem when ordering online. The only sensible solution is to order two sizes and return one (or both) although many of us are not visiting the post office at the moment. I did return an item to Lands End via Hermes recently and that worked well. You just go on Hermes' website and someone calls at your house to collect the parcel the very next day. Mind you, I have not heard that it has arrived at Lands End yet...........

Boden I need to size up on tops I can't get my shoulders in - trousers Ok - Jackets sleeves always too long- Dress order x 2 sizes & send one back hit & miss.
Joules true to size .
Karen Millan ( are they still trading?) Small size .
Like others have said if free postage returns order x2.
And I always read the reviews for sizes issues, they tend to be true-ish

Boden petite fit me well .
5’ 1” . Narrow shoulders, short arms , 29” inside leg , 34G . Size 14 top and 12 bottoms.

Hush are always huge and size down to 12/10 .

If you take a fancy to something on Seasalt site they have a special measuring method. Saw a dress in sale ( still on) and the size they saidI was , was spot on. Dress was lovely too.

M&S sizes are all wrong for me they have altered the sizes over the past few years.
I now buy mostly Next their clothing fits perfectly and their shoes do half sizes and I just love the ballerina's and boots that they do I have a pair of flat leather boots for them which has me through 6/7 years so well worth the money I paid they still look as good as new.