Gerard Darel Size Guide
About Gerard Darel
Gerard Darel is a prestigious French heritage brand renowned for timeless elegance, Parisian sophistication, and exceptional quality. Founded on principles of refined simplicity, the brand specialises in tailored pieces including blazers, silk blouses, midi dresses, trench coats, and beautifully cut trousers. Gerard Darel is designed for the discerning woman who values enduring style, premium fabrics, and impeccable craftsmanship over fleeting trends.
The brand's sizing philosophy reflects its French origins, using European sizing standards with a fit that tends to be slightly closer to the body than typical UK high street brands. Gerard Darel garments are constructed for a sophisticated, streamlined silhouette with structured fabrics and elegant proportions. If you typically wear UK sizes and are selecting Gerard Darel for the first time, pay particular attention to fit guidance below, as pieces often run slightly small, particularly in structured items like blazers and dresses.
How to Measure Yourself
For the most accurate sizing, take your measurements whilst wearing fitted clothing (or underwear). Use a flexible measuring tape and keep it snug but not tight against your skin. Stand in front of a mirror to ensure the tape is level and straight.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Position the tape across your shoulder blades and under your arms, not around them. Keep the tape parallel to the ground.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline at its narrowest point, typically where your body bends naturally to the side. Do not pull the tape too tightly.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, approximately 20 centimetres below your natural waistline. Ensure the tape is level all the way around.
- Dress Length: Stand with your heels together, keeping the measuring tape straight and perpendicular to the floor. Measure from the high point of your shoulder down the length of your back to where you'd like the hem to fall.
- Inseam/Leg Length: For trousers and skirts, measure from the top of your inner leg (at the crotch seam) down to your ankle bone.
Record all measurements in both centimetres and inches for reference when checking size charts.
Women's Clothing Size Chart
Gerard Darel uses French sizing for all women's garments. Use this chart to find your ideal size based on bust, waist, and hip measurements. If you fall between two sizes, Gerard Darel recommends choosing the smaller size due to the generous cut of their pieces.
| UK Size | FR Size | US Size | EU Size | Bust (cm) | Bust (in) | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 34 | 2 | 34 | 83 | 33 | 69 | 27 | 90 | 35 |
| 8 | 36 | 4 | 36 | 87 | 34 | 73 | 29 | 94 | 37 |
| 10 | 38 | 6 | 38 | 91 | 36 | 77 | 30 | 98 | 39 |
| 12 | 40 | 8 | 40 | 95 | 37 | 81 | 32 | 102 | 40 |
| 14 | 42 | 10 | 42 | 99 | 39 | 85 | 33 | 106 | 42 |
| 16 | 44 | 12 | 44 | 103 | 41 | 89 | 35 | 110 | 43 |
| 18 | 46 | 14 | 46 | 107 | 42 | 93 | 37 | 114 | 45 |
T-Shirt Sizing Abbreviations: T0 (XS) = FR 34–36, T1 (S) = FR 36–38, T2 (M) = FR 38–40, T3 (L) = FR 40–42, T4 (XL) = FR 42–44
| UK Size | FR Size | US Size | EU Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Hips (in) | Jean Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 34 | 2 | 34 | 71 | 28 | 90 | 35 | 24 |
| 8 | 36 | 4 | 36 | 75 | 30 | 94 | 37 | 26 |
| 10 | 38 | 6 | 38 | 79 | 31 | 98 | 39 | 28 |
| 12 | 40 | 8 | 40 | 83 | 33 | 102 | 40 | 30 |
| 14 | 42 | 10 | 42 | 87 | 34 | 106 | 42 | 32 |
| 16 | 44 | 12 | 44 | 91 | 36 | 110 | 43 | 34 |
| 18 | 46 | 14 | 46 | 95 | 37 | 114 | 45 | 36 |
Note on Sizing Equivalents: French sizes (FR) are used in Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. German sizes (DE) are used in Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. English sizes (GB) are used in Australia and New Zealand.
Footwear Size Chart
Gerard Darel offers a carefully curated selection of shoes and accessories. Use the following chart to convert between UK, US, EU, and Italian shoe sizes.
| UK Size | US Women's | US Men's | EU Size | Italian Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 5 | — | 36 | 35 | 23 |
| 4 | 5.5 | — | 36–37 | 36 | 23.7 |
| 5 | 6.5 | — | 37 | 37 | 24.4 |
| 5.5 | 7.5 | — | 38 | 38 | 25 |
| 6 | 8 | — | 39 | 39 | 25.7 |
| 6.5 | — | — | 40 | 40 | 26.4 |
| 7 | 9 | — | 40–41 | 40 | 26.4 |
| 7.5 | — | — | 41 | 41 | 27.1 |
Accessory Sizing
| Belt Size | Length (cm) | Length (in) | French Pant Sizes | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70–80 | 27–31 | 34 | XS (High-waisted) |
| 2 | 80–90 | 31–35 | 38–40 | S–M (Standard wear) |
| 3 | 90–100 | 35–39 | 42–44 | L–XL (Standard wear) |
Belt Sizing Note: Belt sizes vary depending on waist position. For high-waisted garments, choose a size smaller than your usual size. For standard positioning, select an equal or larger size to ensure you can add an extra hole to the belt if needed for future adjustments.
Product-Specific Sizing Guidance
Tailored Blazers & Jackets: Gerard Darel's signature blazers are crafted from premium Italian wool and crepe fabrics, offering impeccable structure and polish. These pieces often run slightly small through the shoulders and chest. If you have broader shoulders or a fuller bust, consider sizing up by one size. The structured nature of these pieces means they hold their shape beautifully and benefit from accurate fit. Always check the specific garment measurements before purchasing, as cuts can vary between seasons.
Silk Blouses: Printed and plain silk blouses from Gerard Darel tend to run true to size, offering a soft and elegant fit. The fabric drapes beautifully and typically has minimal stretch. If you prefer a looser, more flowing silhouette, you might size up; for a more fitted appearance, stick with your measured size. Sleeves are often designed with subtle details such as pleats or covered buttons, so ensure adequate shoulder and arm width for comfort.
Midi Dresses: Dresses are a cornerstone of the Gerard Darel aesthetic and can run narrow at the hips relative to the bust. If you have a curvier silhouette with proportionally larger hips, consider sizing up. Vintage-inspired patterns and flattering waistlines are hallmarks of the collection. Pay attention to both bust and hip measurements; if your hips are significantly larger than the size would typically accommodate, moving up a size is advisable. Dress lengths are typically generous, so shorter women may need alterations.
Trousers & Skirts: Gerard Darel trousers are renowned for their tailored perfection and flattering cut. Use your hip measurement as the primary guide, as waists can often be adjusted slightly. These pieces feature quality construction and structured fabrics with limited stretch. If you fall between sizes, remember Gerard Darel's recommendation to select the smaller size due to their generous proportions. For petite frames, note that inseams may require professional shortening.
Coats & Trench Coats: Outerwear is one of Gerard Darel's strongest categories, featuring timeless silhouettes such as trench coats and cocoon-style wool coats. These pieces are generously cut and typically fully lined, making them comfortable for layering. Stick with your usual clothing size unless you intend to layer heavily, in which case sizing up by one size is reasonable. Sleeves are proportioned for elegant drape, so ensure adequate arm length for comfort.
Sizing Tips for Gerard Darel
- Check Your Actual Measurements First: Gerard Darel uses French sizing, which differs from standard UK sizing. Always measure yourself following the detailed instructions above and compare your exact bust, waist, and hip measurements to the size chart before ordering.
- When in Doubt, Size Down: Gerard Darel garments are generously proportioned with structured, quality fabrics. The brand specifically recommends choosing the smaller size if you fall between two sizes. French cuts tend to be slightly more tailored than typical UK high street brands.
- Pay Attention to Fabric Composition: Pieces with natural fibres such as wool, silk, and linen offer minimal stretch and retain their shape beautifully. Consider how you prefer your garments to fit; if you like a more relaxed silhouette, sizing up may be beneficial for comfort and movement.
- Structured Pieces Run Smaller: Blazers, tailored dresses, and formal coats tend to run noticeably smaller than knitwear and casual tops. If trying structured items for the first time, lean towards sizing up, particularly through the shoulders and bust.
- Consider Your Body Shape: Gerard Darel designs for a streamlined silhouette. If you have a pear-shaped figure with proportionally larger hips, prioritise hip measurement when selecting size. If you're apple-shaped with a larger bust, focus on bust measurement. A size that accommodates your largest measurement is typically the safest choice.
- Review Return Policies Before Ordering: Sizing can be subjective, particularly when ordering internationally. Familiarise yourself with the brand's return and exchange policy to ensure you can easily swap sizes if needed after receiving your order.
- Measure Your Favourite Existing Garments: If you own well-fitting clothes from other brands, lay them flat and measure the bust, waist, and hip. Compare these measurements to Gerard Darel's size chart for a more accurate match than relying solely on your body measurements.
- Account for Seasonal Variations: Seasonal collections can feature slightly different cuts and proportions. A silk blouse from Spring may fit differently from a knitwear piece from Autumn. Always check individual product measurements when available.
- Invest in Quality Alterations: Given the premium nature of Gerard Darel pieces, professional tailoring to perfect the fit is well worthwhile. Many high-street tailors can easily adjust sleeve length, inseams, or waistbands to ensure your investment pieces fit perfectly.
- Contact Customer Service for Guidance: Gerard Darel's customer service team are knowledgeable about the brand's fits and sizing quirks. If you're uncertain between two sizes or have concerns about a specific garment, don't hesitate to contact them before purchasing for personalised recommendations.
Final Sizing Recommendations
Gerard Darel is an investment brand producing beautifully crafted, timeless pieces designed to last for years. Taking time to select the correct size ensures you'll enjoy your purchase for seasons to come. The brand's French heritage and Parisian design philosophy mean that fit expectations may differ from what you're accustomed to with UK retailers. Structured fabrics, elegant proportions, and meticulous tailoring define the Gerard Darel aesthetic—qualities that reward precision in sizing.
If you're shopping Gerard Darel for the first time, consider starting with a simpler piece such as a knitwear top or silk blouse, which tend to be more forgiving than structured blazers or tailored trousers. This allows you to become familiar with how the brand fits your particular body shape before investing in more formal or tailored items. Remember that the brand recommends sizing down if uncertain, as their generous cuts accommodate this approach well.
Should you have any further questions about sizing, fit, or product recommendations, Gerard Darel's customer service team is available to help. Accurate sizing is the foundation of a satisfying online shopping experience, and the brand stands behind the quality of its garments with comprehensive sizing support.