Lily & Lionel Size Guide
Welcome to the Lily & Lionel size guide. Our clothing is designed for the modern, confident woman, featuring beautiful prints and contemporary silhouettes. Because our pieces are often highly structured or feature specific tailoring (like defined waistlines or sleeve lengths), we recommend consulting this guide carefully. Our fit philosophy aims for a flattering, polished look, so pay close attention to the measurements for your bust, waist, and hips, as these are key to achieving your perfect fit. If you are unsure, always refer to the garment's specific measurements provided on the product page.
How to Measure for the Best Fit
- Timing is Key: Measure your body in the late afternoon or evening, as your feet and body tend to be at their largest at this time.
- Preparation: Wear the type of socks or undergarments you plan to wear with the clothing item.
- The Technique: Use a flexible tape measure. For circumference measurements (bust, waist, hips), wrap the tape around the body at the designated point, ensuring it is level and snug, but not restrictive.
- Consistency: Measure all three points (bust, waist, hips) and record the measurements accurately.
- Foot Measurement: For shoes, measure both feet—they can differ in size. Always use the measurement of your larger foot.
Women's Clothing Size Chart
These measurements are provided in inches and centimetres for your convenience. Please note that due to the nature of printed, tailored garments, measurements can vary slightly between styles.
| Size Label | UK | US | EU | Bust (in / cm) | Waist (in / cm) | Hips (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 33 / 80 | 26.5 / 67.5 | 36 / 87.5 |
| 8 | 8 | 4 | 36 | 33.5 / 84 | 27 / 67.5 | 36.5 / 91.5 |
| 10 | 10 | 6 | 38 | 34.5 / 86.5 | 28 / 71 | 37.5 / 95 |
| 12 | 12 | 8 | 40 | 36 / 90 | 30 / 74 | 39 / 99 |
| 14 | 14 | 10 | 42 | 38 / 94 | 31 / 79 | 41 / 105.5 |
| 16 | 16 | 12 | 44 | 39.5 / 99 | 33 / 84 | 42.5 / 110.5 |
Women's Shoe Size Conversion Guide
We recommend using the following chart for the most accurate fit. Always check the specific shoe brand's guide if available.
| Size Label | UK | US (Women's) | EU | Approx. Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 23.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 36 | 24.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 37 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 38 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 39 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 40 | 27.0 |
| 10 | 10 | 11 | 41 | 28.0 |
| 11 | 11 | 12 | 42 | 28.5 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Dresses
Our dresses are designed to be versatile, but the fit can vary significantly depending on the silhouette. If a dress is labelled as 'A-line' or 'shift', it will generally be looser and more forgiving. If it is labelled 'fitted' or 'waist-cinching', it will require more precise measurements of your natural waist and hips. For printed dresses, note that the pattern repeat may cause the print to appear slightly different on different body shapes.
Blouses & Tops
Blouses are typically designed to be breathable and flowy. Pay close attention to the shoulder seam measurement, as this determines how the garment will sit on your upper body. If the blouse has lace inserts or structured sleeves, ensure your bust measurement is taken at the fullest point, as this is where the garment will be most taut.
Printed Pieces
Since our core aesthetic is print-led, please be aware that the pattern placement is integral to the design. The colours and scale of the print may vary slightly depending on the fabric batch and the specific garment cut. This variation is part of the artisanal nature of our clothing.
Sizing Tips
- The Comfort Rule: When buying clothing, always prioritise comfort over adherence to a specific size number. If a garment feels restrictive in the shoulders or across the bust, it is unlikely to be comfortable.
- Check the Care Label: Always check the garment's specific measurements (e.g., "Bust: 90cm") rather than relying solely on the size label (e.g., "Size 12").
- Fabric Stretch: If a garment is made from a highly stretchy knit or jersey, it will offer more give and may fit differently than a structured woven fabric.
- The Waistband: For high-waisted items, measure your natural waist (the narrowest point) rather than your hip measurement, as this will give the most accurate fit for the waistband.
- Sleeve Length: If the blouse features statement sleeves (e.g., puff sleeves or bishop sleeves), measure the desired length from the shoulder point to the wrist, as the garment may not be designed to fit perfectly at the shoulder seam.
- International Conversion: When converting between UK, US, and EU sizes, always use the provided chart and remember that some brands may run slightly smaller or larger than the standard conversion.