How does Zara sizing run? - YouLookFab Forum

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How does Zara sizing run?

Peri

Veteran

I'm looking at tops and my measurements would say M. But I've become so used to vanity sizing in most stores...I'm consistently an S or even XS at Ann Taylor, Loft, Anthro and Banana.

Plus, most of the tops are shown so loose on the models. Oversized even...makes me wonder if they run big or go in for vanity sizing also.

I am 35.5 bust, 28 waist. Should I order M like their chart says or S like at most other stores?

As an aside...don't you think vanity sizing is getting out of hand? When I go in a store and the SA asks what size I wear I usually just answer "who the #%* knows anymore!"

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14 replies

Latest reply was from velvetychocolate

Glory

Veteran

Wish I could help but I have never been in Zara and have only ordered the one item - the Kimono - which you have seen. It is a medium and could have been a wee bit smaller in the shoulder but because it is a slouchy look it works.
Honestly I would order the s and m because the returns are so easy

rachylou

Veteran

I would go with the M. Or I'd try both actually. I'm an S too, and love Zara, but have to admit their stuff doesn't quite fit me right. The shape and taper are misplaced for me. Not in a big way, just a little bit off. I sort of finesse it with Zara stuff.

celia

Veteran

If you look at their charts a 6/8 is a medium and I would say that is accurate.
I will dress a S or XS at the stores you mentioned and I ordered a kimono size M and was happy with the size.
Not only vanity sizing but the inconsistency of sizes from one year to the other bothers me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I would suggest to start with mediums, but some will depend on your shoulder line. If you have narrow sloping shoulders small might do, in tops.

Zara follows European sizing and typically fits smaller than the big American chains you mentioned. I usually wear a S in Zara with the rare XS in some items. For reference, my bust is only 32 or 33. But I do have relatively broad shoulders for my size. (38.5")

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I think M is correct. I have only one piece from Zara, and it's an M. My bust measurement is 35". I take S or even XS in most other brands. My daughter is also sizing up in Zara pieces. It is European sizing, and also Spanish, which tend to run small by Northern European standards.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Also, the fact that the clothes look loose on the models is not a factor of vanity sizing; it's how they are cut. In other words, they are meant to look that loose. It's the style. Zara's fast fashion, trendy -- and the trend is unstructured structure, which often means a looser top.

Anonymous

Peri, I am 35" bust and 28.5" waist and the white top I was wearing yesterday and the one today are both M. They are supposed to be drapey and oversized.

jurocha

(website)

Veteran

I have such a different experience with Zara! I tried a hundred of their skirts and dresses and never found a fit off the rack - S is always weird and loose. I'm 1,53m; 60-80cm (waist/hips; 23-31 inches).

Maybe I will swing by again and try these year's collection... last Summer one, well, I would need to gain a few kg (which obviously I don't want) and grow a few centimeters (which isn't possible) to fit into that gorgeous white sequin skirt they had.

PS: I know you're talking about tops... but I haven't tried any Zara top as far as I can remember.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jurocha, it sounds as if you are sized out of Zara. Even XS would have at least a 32 hip and probably a 24 waist. So I guess it is all relative, right? What is small to one is huge to another -- which is why we need different retailers!

Peri

Veteran

Thanks ladies! Sounds like M is the way to go.

Suz, ha! My shoulders are huge! I made up a body type...Lovely Linebacker...but somehow Angie has not felt compelled to add that to her list. I wonder what is stopping her?

Diana

Veteran

I have a 36" bust and I'm usually a Large at Zara (which is an 8-10 in their numbered sizes; most US brands tend to make L 10-12 or even 12-14). But then things tend to be to long in the torso/armholes. Can't win...

Liz A.

Veteran

My shoulders are about 18 inches across, and I just bought 3 medium tops.Sleeveless fit just fine, knit and woven with sleeves were both a tiny bit tight but bearable.

ETA: Just measured, and my shoulders are almost 42" around, so if you're around that size or smaller, you should be fine with a medium. 37" bust.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am a 34 bust, 27 waist and I'm a medium at Zara

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I don't have any useful info to add, but I wanted to say "thank you" for asking. I've fallen in LOVE with a whole bunch of stuff on the Zara site and would love to order a bunch of things, and I was also curious about their sizing.