Reformation has quickly become a coveted brand for its effortlessly chic designs and commitment to sustainability. From their signature dresses to versatile separates, Reformation offers a range of pieces perfect for the modern wardrobe. However, navigating Reformation’s sizing can sometimes be tricky, especially when shopping online. Known for its figure-flattering, often form-fitting silhouettes, understanding how Reformation clothes run is crucial to ensure you select the right size and avoid the hassle of returns.
This comprehensive Reformation Size Guide is here to help you shop with confidence. Based on personal experience and detailed analysis of their different clothing categories, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Reformation sizing. Whether you’re eyeing a Reformation dress for a special occasion or updating your everyday wardrobe with their tops and jeans, this guide will ensure you find your perfect fit.
Decoding Reformation Sizing: General Tips
Generally speaking, Reformation sizing tends to run a bit small. If you’re between sizes, or typically prefer a more relaxed fit, it’s generally recommended to size up, especially for items with fitted bodices or less forgiving fabrics like silk or linen.
For comparison, I typically wear a small or size 4 at Madewell, a size 27/28 and small in Pistola Denim, and a small to medium at Abercrombie depending on the style. With Reformation, I consistently find myself opting for my larger size equivalents – a size 6, 28, or medium. This sizing is more aligned with brands like Sezane and Abercrombie, where I sometimes also size up.
My body type is curvier, particularly in the bust and hips. This definitely influences my sizing choices, as I often find Reformation’s garments to be snug in the chest and bodice areas. If you share a similar body type, leaning towards your larger size is generally a safe bet at Reformation.
A Detailed Reformation Size Guide by Clothing Category
To provide the most helpful Reformation size guide, let’s delve into specific clothing categories:
Dresses
When it comes to Reformation dresses, paying close attention to the silhouette and fabric composition is key. For dresses with a closely fitted bodice or made from non-stretch fabrics like silk or rigid polyester, sizing up is highly recommended.
For example, in the Reformation Provence dress, I comfortably wear a medium. Similarly, for the Belgium linen dress, a size 6 is a better fit due to the less forgiving nature of linen and the dress’s body-hugging design. The popular Crimini dress also fits best in my larger size. However, I personally find the Crimini dress less flattering due to its straight silhouette and would suggest exploring other Reformation dress styles for a more shape-enhancing fit.
Wrap dresses, on the other hand, tend to offer more flexibility in sizing. For styles like the Winslow wrap dress, my usual size small or 4 works well. The adjustable wrap design provides some leeway, making them more true-to-size compared to fitted styles.
Knit dresses, such as the Rou knit dress, Allison, or Kaila, often fit more true to size due to the stretch in the fabric. I generally find a small works for these styles. However, if the knit dress is particularly fitted, sizing up to a medium might be preferable for comfort.
Reformation also boasts a beautiful collection of wedding and bridesmaid dresses, perfect for bridal events and honeymoons. Their website features a dedicated section for curated bridal pieces. While some brides might even choose a Reformation dress for their wedding or elopement, the collection is a fantastic resource for all bridal-related occasions.
For a more in-depth look, you can explore a dedicated Reformation dress sizing guide online for further details and specific style recommendations.
Skirts
For Reformation skirts, consistently opting for your larger size is generally a safe strategy, especially to accommodate the hips and thighs. While fabric and silhouette still play a role, sizing up usually ensures a comfortable fit.
It’s also important to note that Reformation mini skirts are genuinely mini. If you prefer more coverage, consider midi or maxi skirt styles, as their mini skirts are quite short.
Tees
Reformation tees are staples in my wardrobe, particularly their cotton tees. Reformation tee sizing is fairly standard, perhaps running just slightly small. I typically wear a medium, my larger size, but can still fit into a small.
When in doubt with Reformation tees, sizing up is recommended. It’s better to have a slightly roomier tee than one that feels too tight. A helpful tip is to observe the model’s fit online; if a tee appears very fitted on the model, consider sizing up. Reformation’s free shipping and returns policy makes ordering two sizes to determine your perfect fit a convenient option.
The classic crew tee is a wardrobe essential. I opted for a medium in this style, and it fits perfectly with a comfortable, slightly relaxed look. While a small would likely have fit, the medium provides the desired slightly looser silhouette.
Tops & Blouses
Reformation tops and blouses present a broader sizing spectrum, largely dependent on silhouette and fabric. For knit tops with high spandex content, sizing up to your larger size is usually necessary, and potentially even a size up from that if the top is very fitted. For instance, a particularly tight-fitting knit top required a size large for a comfortable fit.
For blouses, especially those with smocking details in the back, sticking with your larger size is generally advisable. If a blouse appears to have no stretch, consider both your larger size and potentially a size up for the best fit.
Jeans & Pants
Reformation jeans and pants sizing can be more challenging. Based on trying on various styles, I’ve found that sizing up at least one to two sizes is often necessary.
A significant portion of Reformation denim is 100% cotton, which lacks stretch. If you prefer denim with some give (like 1-2% spandex), this is important to consider. When trying on 100% cotton Reformation denim, aim for a snug fit initially, as the denim will naturally stretch and mold to your body with wear.
The Mason pant, a popular pleated trouser style available in both regular and cropped lengths, is another example where sizing up by one size is recommended.
Shoes
My experience with Reformation shoes is limited to one pair. I found their shoes to run slightly small but mostly true to size. However, considering the price point, I wasn’t completely convinced of their value. The quality and comfort didn’t entirely justify the over $200 price tag, and the styles weren’t particularly unique. Personally, I prefer to focus on Reformation’s clothing offerings.
Reformation Size Chart & Further Guidance
Reformation offers regular, petite, and extended sizing. You can access their detailed Reformation size chart online for specific measurements. However, as a general rule, when in doubt, opting for your larger size at Reformation is almost always the best approach, regardless of the garment type.
Reformation Bestseller Sizing Insights
Let’s look at some of Reformation’s most popular pieces and specific sizing advice:
Crimini Dress
The Crimini dress is a popular choice, often due to its price point. However, its straight fit can be less flattering, particularly for those with curves. While it generally runs true to size, if you have any shape to your body, you might find other Reformation dresses more flattering. For a similar style with a better fit, consider the Beauden dress instead.
Juliette Dress
The Juliette dress, available in numerous colors and prints, is a beloved style. Due to its fitted bodice, sizing up to your larger size is recommended for comfort.
Provence Dress
The Provence dress is a personal favorite. Opting for a medium, my larger size, provided the most comfortable fit. While I could fit into a small, the medium felt better overall, which is consistent with my general Reformation sizing experience. This dress is truly stunning, and if you need bra alternatives due to its design, boob tape can be a helpful solution.
Belgium Dress
The Belgium linen dress is another beautiful option. While linen can be slightly stiff, this dress is a standout piece. Again, my larger size, a size 6, was the right choice. Similar linen dress styles like the Dolci dress (discontinued but with similar options like the Tagliatelle and Christen dresses) also fit best in a size 6.
Rou Knit Dress
The Rou knit dress is an effortlessly chic and comfortable choice. Perfect for casual outings with sneakers or sandals, the Rou knit dress fits true to size due to the fabric’s stretch. My usual size small worked well. If you’re between sizes, sizing up is recommended.
Nadira Dress
The Nadira dress is a quintessential bridesmaid or wedding guest dress. Its flattering cut and availability in numerous prints and colors make it ideal for events. The tie strap details add a touch of sweetness. Due to the fitted bodice, sizing up to your larger size is again recommended. While the midi skirt is flowy, sizing up ensures comfort in the bodice.
Bardot Knit Top
The Bardot top is a wardrobe staple, feeling more elevated than a basic cotton tee. In the Bardot top, a medium (my larger size) was the right fit. It’s made of a more cottony fabric and not as tightly fitted as some other Reformation knit tops.
Emely Top
The Emely top, in contrast to the Bardot, is very tight and spandex-like. A size large was necessary for a comfortable fit, as a small or medium was too snug. This fabric type is common in Reformation’s top collection, so be mindful that it tends to run very small.
Canyon Knit Tank
The Canyon knit tank, a fitted square neck tank with thick straps, is incredibly versatile. Perfect for styling with jeans and blazers or oversized jackets, a medium (my larger size) was the right choice.
Ellora Top
The Ellora tank top is a Reformation classic. Featuring a fitted bodice with smocking in the back, a square neckline, and tie-shoulder straps, a medium provided the best fit.
Shopping Tips for Reformation Success
Reformation’s generous free shipping and free returns policy makes online shopping stress-free. If you’re new to the brand, ordering multiple sizes of an item is highly recommended to ensure you find your perfect Reformation fit. I often order two sizes, particularly as Reformation tends to run small, and sizing can vary between styles.
Shipping is typically fast, and returns are straightforward, simplifying the online shopping experience. While Reformation also has brick-and-mortar stores, the online selection is generally much wider.
Reformation holds sales twice a year, often including clearance sections with final sale items. Knowing your Reformation size beforehand is crucial if you plan to shop final sale, to avoid being stuck with items that don’t fit.
By using this Reformation size guide and taking advantage of their customer-friendly policies, you can confidently shop Reformation and build a wardrobe of stylish and sustainable pieces that fit you beautifully.
