Designer Sizing Which Brands Run Small, Large or True to Size
Every brand cuts its clothes a little differently, and getting the size wrong is the most common reason anything comes back. This guide brings every brand we stock into one place, with which ones run small, which run relaxed and which are true to size, so you can order the right size first time, from an official stockist of every brand in it.
The short answer
Most designer brands we stock are true to size. The exceptions to know are Sergio Tacchini tops, Barbour International slim-fit styles, Marshall Artist crew-neck sweatshirts and the Lyle & Scott Vintage line, which all come up small, so size up. Carhartt WIP is cut relaxed, so size down if you want it slimmer.
Brands that run small
Size up in these. Sergio Tacchini tops, including t-shirts, polos and track tops, come up small, so take the next size, although its shorts and joggers are true to size. Barbour International's Slim Fit styles come up small, so size up one, while its Regular and Tailored fits are true to size. Marshall Artist crew-neck sweatshirts are cut slimmer than the rest of its range, and the Lyle & Scott Vintage line with the gold eagle runs slim. Sergio Tacchini sizing · Barbour International sizing
At a glance
Every brand at a glance. The quickest way to check before you order.
| Brand | Fit | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sergio Tacchini | Tops run small | Size up in tops |
| Barbour International | Slim Fit runs small | Size up one in Slim Fit |
| Marshall Artist | True to size | Size up in crew sweats |
| Lyle & Scott | True to size | Size up in Vintage |
| Fred Perry | True to size | Usual size |
| Lacoste | True to size | Usual size, 5 is a Large |
| FILA | True to size | Usual size |
| Ellesse | True to size, fitted | Size up to layer |
| BOSS | True to size | Check the fit label |
| Carhartt WIP | Relaxed | Size down for slim |
| Clarks Originals | True to size | Usual UK size |
True to size
Order your usual size. Fred Perry, Lacoste, FILA, Lyle & Scott, Marshall Artist and Clarks Originals all fit true to size. Fred Perry's M12 polo is a little boxier, Lacoste's Classic Fit has a little room through the body, and Ellesse is true to size but cut fitted, so size up if you want room to layer. BOSS polos and t-shirts are true to size, but check whether the style is Regular, Slim or Tailored fit. Fred Perry sizing · Lacoste sizing · BOSS sizing
Relaxed fits
Roomier by design. Carhartt WIP is cut deliberately relaxed and slightly boxy, a nod to its workwear roots, so take your usual size for the intended fit, or size down for a sharper, slimmer look. Carhartt WIP sizing
Numbers, not letters
The Lacoste scale. Lacoste labels most of its clothing with numbers rather than letters: 3 is a Small, 4 a Medium, 5 a Large, 6 an XL, 7 a 2XL, 8 a 3XL and 9 a 4XL. So if you normally wear a Large, look for a 5. Lacoste sizing guide
Footwear
Shoes have their own rules. Clarks Originals Wallabees, Wallabee Lites, Desert Boots and Desert Treks all fit true to size, so take your usual UK size. FILA clothing is true to size, but FILA trainers tend to run small. Clarks Originals sizing guide
How to measure
Chest first. Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades, keeping it level and snug rather than tight, then match it to the size chart on the product page. Or lay a top you already own and like flat, measure armpit to armpit and double it. Ellesse sizing · Marshall Artist sizing
Common questions
Which designer brands run small?
Does Lacoste run big?
Does Carhartt WIP run big?
Should I size up in Sergio Tacchini?
Does BOSS run small?
Still unsure
Ask the team and we will help you pick. Tell us your chest measurement, the brand and the style, and we will tell you the size to order, because we are an official stockist of every brand in this guide. If the size is not right, exchanges are free, and UK returns are £3.00 within 14 days with a pre-paid Royal Mail label. Contact us · All our guides
Written by the Spiral Seven buying team · Updated 21 October 2026 · Official stockist of every brand in this guide
