As an avid online shopper and self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast, I‘ve spent countless hours browsing the virtual racks of ASOS, one of the world‘s largest online fashion retailers. With over 850 brands and a vast array of styles at your fingertips, ASOS is a go-to destination for trendy, affordable fashion. But when it comes to ordering clothes online, one question always looms large: will it fit?
Deciphering sizing can be a challenge, especially when shopping from international retailers like ASOS that use different size conventions than we‘re used to in the US. One of the most common questions I hear is, "Does ASOS run small?" The short answer is: it depends. But don‘t worry, by the end of this comprehensive guide, you‘ll be an ASOS sizing pro equipped with all the tips and tricks you need to find your perfect fit every time.
Understanding ASOS Sizing
First, let‘s break down how ASOS sizing works. The retailer uses UK sizing, which tends to run a bit larger than standard US sizing. For example, a UK size 12 is equivalent to a US size 8. However, this is a general rule and can vary between brands and styles.
ASOS provides detailed size guides for each product that include measurements in inches or centimeters for the bust, waist, hips, and length. These guides are your best friend when deciding which size to order. You can find them in the "Size & Fit" tab on each product page.
It‘s crucial to take your own measurements and compare them to the size chart to ensure the best fit. Grab a soft measuring tape and measure yourself wearing little to no clothing to get the most accurate numbers. Here‘s a helpful guide on how to measure yourself from ASOS.
Keep in mind that sizing can also vary depending on the cut, fabric, and brand. A form-fitting bodycon dress may run smaller than a flowy sundress, even if they‘re the same size on the label. When in doubt, refer to the garment measurements rather than the numerical size.
Decoding the ASOS Size Range
ASOS offers an inclusive size range that encompasses straight, petite, tall, maternity, plus, and curve sizes. Here‘s a breakdown of each category:
- ASOS Petite: Designed for women 5‘3" and under. These styles are cut proportionally smaller and have shorter lengths than mainline sizes.
- ASOS Tall: Made for women 5‘9" and over. Tall styles have longer lengths in the body and sleeves to accommodate taller frames.
- ASOS Maternity: Designed with extra room in the bust, waist, and hips to comfortably fit a growing baby bump.
- ASOS Curve: ASOS‘s plus size range for sizes UK 18-30/US 14-26. These styles are cut more generously and designed specifically for curvier body types.
- ASOS Plus: Similar to ASOS Curve, the plus range offers sizes UK 16-28/US 12-24.
Within each category, you‘ll find ASOS‘s standard size range which includes UK sizes 4-18 (US 0-14). However, not all styles are available in every size due to differences in brand sizing and inventory.
ASOS Sizing vs. Other Retailers
So how does ASOS sizing stack up against other popular retailers? While it‘s difficult to make direct comparisons since sizing varies so much between brands, here are some general guidelines:
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Zara: ASOS tends to run slightly larger than Zara, particularly in the hips and thighs. If you typically wear a medium or UK 12 in Zara jeans, you may want to size down to a UK 10 on ASOS.
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H&M: ASOS and H&M sizing is fairly comparable, but ASOS tends to have a longer, more relaxed fit in tops and dresses. If you like a snug fit, consider sizing down on ASOS.
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Topshop: Topshop sizing runs a bit smaller than ASOS, especially in bottoms. If you wear a UK 10 in Topshop jeans, opt for a UK 12 on ASOS.
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Forever 21: ASOS runs larger than Forever 21, so you may need to size down if you‘re used to Forever 21 sizing. A Forever 21 large is roughly equivalent to an ASOS UK 12/US 8.
Of course, these are just general guidelines and your best bet is always to refer to the specific measurements for each garment. When in doubt, read reviews from customers with similar measurements to get a sense of how an item fits in real life.
Vanity Sizing and Fit Perception
It‘s worth noting that sizing discrepancies between brands are often due to "vanity sizing" – the practice of labeling garments with smaller sizes than the actual measurements to appeal to customers‘ egos. While ASOS does not engage in egregious vanity sizing, some of the brands it carries may.
Vanity sizing can warp our perception of what size we are and make it harder to find a consistent fit across brands. That‘s why it‘s so important to focus on garment measurements rather than the arbitrary number on the label.
Sizing is also subjective and can be influenced by personal fit preferences and even psychology. What one person considers a flattering, comfortable fit might feel restrictive or baggy to another. Our perception of how a garment fits can also be swayed by factors like lighting, mirrors, and even our mood.
The ASOS Fit Assistant
To take some of the guesswork out of sizing, ASOS offers a handy Fit Assistant tool that provides personalized size recommendations based on your height, weight, age, and typical clothing size. You can find the Fit Assistant on most product pages or in the ASOS app.
While not foolproof, the Fit Assistant can be a useful starting point, especially if you‘re new to ASOS or ordering from an unfamiliar brand. It relies on data from thousands of customers to suggest the size most likely to fit you best.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
One of the most valuable resources when deciding which size to order is customer reviews. ASOS allows customers to leave feedback on fit, sizing, quality, and more, along with their height, weight, and the size they purchased.
Reading reviews from customers with similar body types can give you a much clearer picture of how a garment will fit in real life. For example, if several reviewers mention that a dress runs small in the bust, you may want to size up if you‘re larger chested.
ASOS also provides the measurements and size worn by the model in each product photo, which can be a helpful reference point. Keep in mind though that garments are often clipped and pinned to fit the model perfectly, so don‘t get too hung up on trying to look exactly like the picture.
Most Common Sizes and Returns
According to ASOS‘s 2020 Annual Report, the most common sizes ordered by women are UK 12 (29%), UK 14 (22%), and UK 10 (20%). For men, the most popular sizes are medium (40%), large (29%), and small (21%).
However, sizing is also one of the top reasons for returns. ASOS reported that 70% of returns in 2020 were due to ill-fitting items, with "too big" being the most common reason followed by "too small."
To minimize the hassle of returns, be sure to carefully check the size guide and garment measurements, read customer reviews, and when in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn‘t fit. ASOS offers free returns on all orders, so you can easily exchange sizes or return items that don‘t work out.
Expert Insights on ASOS Sizing
To get an industry perspective on ASOS sizing, I spoke with two fashion experts who have experience styling and shopping the retailer.
"ASOS sizing can be tricky because they carry so many different brands, each with their own unique fit," says Samantha Brown, a personal stylist based in New York City. "In general though, I find that ASOS branded items tend to run a bit large, particularly in the waist and hips. I often recommend sizing down to my clients, unless they prefer a more relaxed fit."
Hannah Lane, a former ASOS retail associate and current fashion editor, echoes this sentiment. "When I worked at ASOS, one of the most common complaints from customers was that items ran too big. I think this is partly due to the generous cut of some ASOS styles, but also because many customers don‘t take the time to check the size guide or measure themselves properly."
Lane advises paying close attention to the fabric composition and garment care instructions when deciding which size to order. "Certain fabrics like 100% cotton or linen can shrink substantially in the wash, so I always recommend sizing up if you‘re in between sizes. On the other hand, stretchy fabrics like elastane and spandex tend to run a bit larger, so you may be able to get away with sizing down."
The Final Verdict
So, does ASOS run small? The answer is: not usually. In fact, ASOS sizing tends to run a bit large compared to other retailers, particularly in the waist and hips. However, this varies widely between brands and individual styles.
The key to finding your perfect fit on ASOS is to rely on garment measurements rather than numerical sizes, read customer reviews, and when in doubt, order multiple sizes and return what doesn‘t work. With free returns on all orders, you can shop with confidence knowing you‘re not committed to anything that doesn‘t fit just right.
At the end of the day, fashion should be fun and make you feel like your best self. Don‘t get too caught up in the numbers on the label or trying to fit into some arbitrary standard. Embrace your unique shape and rock what makes you feel fabulous – ASOS has something for every body.
