DSquared2 Size Guide
About DSquared2
DSquared2 is a luxury fashion brand founded by Canadian twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten, blending Canadian boldness with Italian craftsmanship. Known for its provocative aesthetic, the brand specialises in distressed denim, military-inspired tailoring, oversized outerwear, and razor-sharp suiting. DSquared2 pieces are designed for those who embrace confidence and attitude—think runway-ready silhouettes with streetwear edge. The brand appeals to fashion-forward individuals seeking investment pieces that make a statement.
Sizing Philosophy
DSquared2 follows European and Italian sizing conventions, which means the brand runs small—especially in denim, fitted shirts, and tailored pieces. This is characteristic of luxury Italian fashion houses that favour narrower cuts through the waist, hips, and arms. Most UK shoppers need to size up by one full size when purchasing DSquared2. The brand also features several intentionally oversized designs, particularly in hoodies and outerwear, so fit varies significantly by item. Measurement-based sizing is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
How to Measure
To find your correct DSquared2 size, take these measurements whilst wearing minimal clothing:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. The tape should sit snugly but not pull tight.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist, typically just above the hip bone. Keep the tape measure flat and relaxed (not pulled).
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of your lower body and buttocks. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor.
- Inseam (for jeans and trousers): Stand in bare feet or flat shoes. Measure from the top of the inner thigh (at the crotch) down to the ankle bone. This is crucial for DSquared2 jeans, which are designed with specific rise and length proportions.
- Shoulder width (for jackets and tops): Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other shoulder, across the back. This helps ensure tailored pieces fit correctly across the shoulders.
- Sleeve length: Measure from the centre back of your neck, across the shoulder, and down to your wrist. This is helpful for shirts, jackets, and hoodies.
Pro tip: Write down all measurements in both inches and centimetres. When comparing to DSquared2 charts, use the measurement system that matches the chart provided. Many EU brands list measurements in centimetres only.
Women's DSquared2 Clothing Size Chart
Women's DSquared2 pieces run small and are cut with a structured, tailored fit. Many styles feature cropped lengths and narrow shoulders. Size up if you prefer a regular or relaxed fit. The brand's jeans are notoriously tight at the waist and thigh.
| UK Size | EU/IT Size | US Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | Hips (cm) | Hips (inches) | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | IT 38 | 2 | 60–64 | 24–25 | 84–88 | 33–34.5 | 80–84 | 31–33 |
| 8 | IT 40 | 4 | 65–69 | 25–27 | 89–93 | 35–36.5 | 85–89 | 33–35 |
| 10 | IT 42 | 6 | 70–74 | 27–29 | 94–98 | 37–38.5 | 90–94 | 35–37 |
| 12 | IT 44 | 8 | 75–79 | 29–31 | 99–103 | 39–40.5 | 95–99 | 37–39 |
| 14 | IT 46 | 10 | 80–85 | 31–33.5 | 104–108 | 41–42.5 | 100–104 | 39–41 |
| 16 | IT 48 | 12 | 86–91 | 33.5–35.5 | 109–113 | 43–44.5 | 105–109 | 41–43 |
| 18 | IT 50 | 14 | 92–97 | 36–38 | 114–118 | 45–46.5 | 110–114 | 43–45 |
| 20 | IT 52 | 16 | 98–103 | 38–40.5 | 119–123 | 47–48.5 | 115–119 | 45–47 |
Men's DSquared2 Clothing Size Chart
Men's DSquared2 sizing follows Italian conventions with slim, tailored fits. T-shirts and shirts run very snug through the chest and arms. Jeans are notoriously low-rise and narrow. Hoodies and sweatshirts offer more room but still follow European sizing—check the specific garment label for fit.
| UK/EU Size | US Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (46) | XS | 86–91 | 34–36 | 72–77 | 28–30 | Slim, youth fit |
| M (48) | S | 91–96 | 36–38 | 81–86 | 32–34 | Slim, tailored |
| L (50) | M | 96–101 | 38–40 | 91–96 | 36–38 | Slim, regular build |
| XL (52) | L | 102–107 | 40–42 | 102–106 | 40–42 | Slim, larger frame |
| XXL (54) | XL | 108–113 | 42–44 | 110–116 | 44–46 | Slim, oversized |
DSquared2 Jeans Size Guide
DSquared2 jeans are iconic but notoriously small-fitting. Styles like the Skater Jean and Cool Guy Jean are ultra-slim, low-rise designs with often intentional distressing. They typically run one full UK size smaller than high-street denim.
| DSquared2 Waist (IT) | UK Waist Equivalent | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | Rise Style | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | UK 8 | 66–70 | 26–27.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
| 30 | UK 10 | 71–75 | 28–29.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
| 32 | UK 12 | 76–80 | 30–31.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
| 34 | UK 14 | 81–85 | 32–33.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
| 36 | UK 16 | 86–90 | 34–35.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
| 38 | UK 18 | 91–95 | 36–37.5 | Low-rise (7–8") | Minimal (rigid washes) |
Important note on DSquared2 jeans: Most styles feature limited stretch, especially in rigid or dark washes. If you fall between sizes, size up. The low-rise fit sits approximately 7–8 inches below the natural waist. Distressed areas may stretch slightly with wear. Always check the product description for fabric content and stretch percentage.
DSquared2 T-Shirts, Shirts & Tops Size Guide
DSquared2 t-shirts and dress shirts are notoriously slim-fitting with narrow shoulders and a tight chest. Logo-heavy pieces and dress shirts run especially small. Hoodies are roomier but still follow Italian sizing. Most customers should size up one full size for a comfortable fit.
| DSquared2 Size | UK Size | US Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) | Fit Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 8–10 | XS | 80–84 | 31–33 | Very slim; youth/petite fit |
| M | 12 | S | 85–89 | 33–35 | Slim; size up for regular fit |
| L | 14–16 | M | 90–94 | 35–37 | Slim; true to measurement |
| XL | 18 | L | 95–99 | 37–39 | Slim; standard build fit |
| XXL | 20 | XL | 100–104 | 39–41 | Slim; larger frame fit |
DSquared2 Jackets & Outerwear Size Guide
DSquared2 blazers and jackets are beautifully tailored but cut for slim frames. The fit is narrow across the back and biceps with limited stretch in most fabrics. Cropped designs sit closer to the natural waist. Always measure your chest, shoulder width, and desired length before purchasing.
| DSquared2 Size | UK Size | Chest (inches) | Shoulder Width (cm) | Fit Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (46) | 8–10 | 34–36 | 38–40 | Slim, cropped |
| M (48) | 12 | 36–38 | 40–42 | Slim, standard length |
| L (50) | 14–16 | 38–40 | 42–44 | Slim, standard length |
| XL (52) | 18 | 40–42 | 44–46 | Slim, regular frame |
| XXL (54) | 20 | 42–44 | 46–48 | Slim, oversized options |
DSquared2 Sizing Compared to Similar Brands
| Brand | Fit Comparison to DSquared2 | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Off-White | Slightly looser cuts | DSquared2 jeans are tighter at the waist; Off-White offers more relaxed silhouettes |
| Balmain | Similar slim tailoring | Both run small, but Balmain pieces tend to run longer overall; similar price point |
| Diesel | More relaxed fits | DSquared2 is leaner and lower-rise; Diesel offers mid-rise and straighter cuts |
| Zara | Similar sizing in basics | DSquared2 more tailored and tighter overall; Zara is more accessible price-wise |
| Emporio Armani | Very similar slim Italian tailoring | Both favour narrow fits; Emporio is slightly more classic; DSquared2 is edgier |
| Stella McCartney | Comparable in outerwear | Similar luxury tailoring; Stella is more minimalist; DSquared2 is more bold/provocative |
DSquared2 Product-Specific Fit Notes
Skater Jeans
DSquared2's iconic Skater Jean is an ultra-slim, low-rise style with often distressed detailing. These jeans are extremely small-fitting—if you normally wear a UK 10, expect to need a DSquared2 30 or 32. The thigh is particularly tight. Rigid washes have virtually no stretch; lighter washes may give slightly with wear. Always size up if between sizes.
Cool Guy Jeans
A slightly less aggressive cut than the Skater but still low-rise and slim through the hip and thigh. Fit similarly to Skaters but with a touch more room. Expect to size up one full UK size.
T-Shirts & Logo Tees
DSquared2's t-shirts, especially logo-heavy pieces, run very slim. The chest is narrow and the sleeves are tight. For an oversized or relaxed fit, size up one full size. For a tailored silhouette closer to your measurements, check the specific garment's measurements.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Hoodies are roomier than t-shirts and often feature a drop shoulder for an intentionally oversized look. However, they still follow Italian sizing conventions. Measure your chest and compare to the specific item's measurements. Many customers find these fit closer to true size (less need to size up), but this varies by style.
Dress Shirts
Formal dress shirts are cut slim with narrow shoulders and a tailored waist. If you're between sizes, size up. Pay attention to sleeve length—DSquared2 sometimes runs short in the arms.
Blazers & Tailored Jackets
These pieces are sculpted with minimal stretch. Measure your chest and shoulder width carefully. Larger builds should size up. Some styles are intentionally cropped; check the product description for length details. Length is often an issue for taller customers—always verify measurements before purchasing.
Sizing Tips
- Always size up by one full size in jeans and fitted tops. DSquared2 runs small due to its Italian heritage and slim-fit design philosophy. If you normally wear UK 10, try a DSquared2 IT 42 (approximately a size 12 equivalent), especially in denim.
- Check the specific product's measurements rather than relying on size labels alone. DSquared2 has fit variations depending on the cut, wash, and fabric. A rigid denim will fit differently from a stretch denim. Always cross-reference your body measurements (waist, hips, chest) against the product's listed dimensions.
- Be cautious with distressed and rigid washes in denim. Rigid washes have minimal stretch and won't give over time. Distressed areas may stretch slightly with wear, but don't count on significant give. If the waist is tight, the garment won't stretch much.
- Measure your inseam carefully for jeans. DSquared2 jeans are low-rise (typically 7–8 inches) and designed with specific proportions. An inseam that works for standard UK denim may be too long or short for DSquared2. Measure from the crotch to your ankle bone whilst standing in bare feet.
- Pay special attention to shoulder width and chest in jackets and tailored pieces. DSquared2 blazers and coats are cut narrow across the back and shoulders. If you have broader shoulders or a larger chest relative to your waist, size up and accept that the waist may be slightly looser. A jacket that's too tight across the shoulders is unwearable.
- Read customer reviews for fit feedback before purchasing. DSquared2 customers often leave detailed notes about sizing ("I'm usually a UK 10 and went up to size 12"). These insights are invaluable, especially for less common sizes or new styles you haven't encountered before.
- Hoodies vary in fit—some are oversized by design, others are slim. Don't assume all DSquared2 hoodies fit the same. Check the product images and description. A "relaxed fit hoodie" will have different proportions than a "slim-fit hoodie," and both differ from regular t-shirts.
- Consider the item's fabrication when predicting fit. Cotton-blend pieces tend to have slightly more give than pure cotton or rigid denim. Stretch fabrics will feel less constrictive even if the size is technically small. Check the fibre content on the care label.
- Allow for cropped lengths in women's pieces. Many DSquared2 women's designs are intentionally cropped. If you prefer a longer hem, measure the garment's length and compare it to similar pieces in your wardrobe. Cropped jackets and tops run true to this intended length.
- Return policies are your friend. Given the brand's small sizing, ordering two sizes and returning the wrong one is often the most practical approach. Many retailers offer free returns, making it low-risk to try both sizes.
International Size Conversions at a Glance
| UK Size | EU/IT Size | US Size (Women's) | US Size (Men's) | Typical UK Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | IT 38 | 2 | — | 31–33 |
| 8 | IT 40 | 4 | — | 33–35 |
| 10 | IT 42 | 6 | — | 35–37 |
| 12 | IT 44 | 8 | S | 37–39 |
| 14 | IT 46 | 10 | M | 39–41 |
| 16 | IT 48 | 12 | L | 41–43 |
| 18 | IT 50 | 14 | XL | 43–45 |
| 20 | IT 52 | 16 | XXL | 45–47 |
Final Sizing Recommendations
DSquared2 is a luxury brand with a distinctive design vision and fit aesthetic. Understanding that the brand runs small and favours slim, tailored silhouettes is half the battle. Always take your body measurements, compare them to the product's specific dimensions, and don't hesitate to size up. The brand's Italian heritage means European sizing is standard—if you're accustomed to UK high-street sizing, expect to go up significantly.
For jeans specifically, go up one full UK size and verify the inseam. For tops, sizing depends on your desired fit (tailored vs. relaxed), but erring one size up is safer than sizing down. For jackets, prioritise shoulder width and chest fit over waist size—a snug shoulder is a deal-breaker.
DSquared2 pieces are investment buys designed to last and make a statement. Taking time to get the sizing right ensures you'll love wearing them for years to come.