Rabanne Size Guide
Rabanne is a luxury fashion house renowned for avant-garde glamour, futuristic design, and statement-making pieces that blend artistry with contemporary style. Originally founded as Paco Rabanne in the 1960s, the brand has evolved from couture silhouettes to include ready-to-wear collections that maintain its signature bold aesthetic whilst offering greater wearability for everyday occasions.
The brand's current offering encompasses structured tailored pieces, stretch jersey knitwear, statement metallics, casual suiting, and innovative takes on classic designs. Rabanne uses true French sizing, which tends to run slightly smaller than typical UK high-street brands. The tailoring is characterised by a slim cut through the shoulders and waist, particularly in structured dresses and blazers. If you prefer a more relaxed fit or typically find yourself between sizes, sizing up by one size is recommended.
Rabanne appeals to fashion-conscious consumers seeking investment pieces with an edge—those who appreciate bold design, premium fabrication, and the luxury of French couture craftsmanship. The brand's designs work for both special occasions and contemporary day-to-day wear, making it suitable for individuals who want to make a statement in their wardrobe choices.
How to Measure
To find your correct Rabanne size, follow these step-by-step measurements. For accuracy, have someone assist you with the process. Wear minimal clothing or undergarments, and use a soft measuring tape.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight, and that it sits evenly across your back and front.
- Waist: Find your natural waistline (typically where your body bends naturally when you lean to one side). Measure around this point, again keeping the tape snug but not compressed. This should be the narrowest point between your ribs and hips.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hip and buttocks, keeping the tape level all the way around. This is typically 7–9 inches below your waist.
- Shoulders: Measure from the top of one shoulder (at the shoulder bone) to the top of the other shoulder bone, across the back. This helps determine whether structured blazers and dresses will fit correctly through the shoulder seam.
- Length (for dresses and skirts): Measure from your shoulder bone down to your desired hem length. For trousers, measure from your waist down to your ankle or desired trouser length.
- Inseam (for trousers): Measure the inside of your leg from your groin area down to your ankle bone. This is critical for getting the correct trouser length.
Women's Clothing Size Chart
Rabanne women's sizing uses French/EU sizes as the primary labelling system. The chart below shows conversions to UK and US equivalents, along with standard body measurements for each size. Note that structured tailored pieces may feel slimmer through the waist and shoulder; if you prefer a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up.
| Rabanne (FR) | UK | US | EU | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 31–32 | 25–26 | 34–35 |
| 36 | 8 | 4 | 36 | 33–34 | 27 | 36–37 |
| 38 | 10 | 6 | 38 | 35–36 | 28–29 | 37–38 |
| 40 | 12 | 8 | 40 | 37–38 | 30–31 | 39–40 |
| 42 | 14 | 10 | 42 | 39–40 | 32–33 | 41–42 |
| 44 | 16 | 12 | 44 | 41–42 | 34–35 | 43–44 |
Women's Jeans Size Chart
Rabanne also offers denim that follows international jeans sizing standards. The chart below correlates jeans waist sizes with Rabanne's dress sizing for reference.
| Rabanne Size (FR) | UK | US | Jeans Waist (inches) | Equivalent EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 6 | 2 | 24–25 | 34 |
| 36 | 8 | 4 | 26–27 | 36 |
| 38 | 10 | 6 | 28–29 | 38 |
| 40 | 12 | 8 | 30–31 | 40 |
| 42 | 14 | 10 | 32–33 | 42 |
| 44 | 16 | 12 | 34–35 | 44 |
Footwear Size Chart
Rabanne footwear uses EU sizing as the primary standard, with straightforward conversions to UK and US sizes. The chart below provides comprehensive shoe size conversions and approximate foot length measurements.
| UK | US (Men's) | US (Women's) | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | – | 5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 4 | – | 6 | 37 | 23.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 38 | 24 |
| 6 | 6–7 | 8 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 7–8 | 9 | 40 | 25 |
| 8 | 8–9 | 10 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 9–10 | 11 | 42 | 26 |
| 10 | 10–11 | 12 | 43 | 27 |
| 11 | 11–12 | 13 | 44 | 28 |
| 12 | 12–13 | 14 | 45 | 28.5 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Structured Dresses & Blazers: Rabanne's tailored pieces are cut slim through the shoulder and waist. If you typically wear a UK 10 in high-street brands, you may find Rabanne's UK 10 feels snugger. For a more comfortable fit in structured garments, consider sizing up to UK 12. Embellished styles with chainmail, metallics, or limited stretch have minimal give, so true sizing or sizing up is advisable.
Knitwear & Jersey: Stretch knitwear and jersey pieces are generally true to size and more forgiving than structured styles. These pieces typically follow your standard UK size without the need to adjust. They work well for layering or a second-skin silhouette depending on your preference.
Trousers & Skirts: Rabanne bottoms can vary depending on the collection. High-rise or sculpted-waist trousers may feel narrow through the hips, whilst relaxed capsule items offer a bit more room. Skirts often feature side zips and less elasticated structure, so measure your hips carefully and refer to the size chart waist and hip measurements. Always check the product description for rise height and fit type.
Footwear: Rabanne shoes follow standard EU sizing. As with all luxury footwear, fit can vary slightly by style, so check product reviews and consider your typical shoe size range. If you have a choice between sizes, many customers find it safer to size up slightly for comfort, particularly in styles with rigid materials or pointed toes.
Sizing Tips
- Rabanne runs small: French sizing runs smaller than UK sizes. If you normally wear a UK 10, Rabanne's UK 10 may feel snug. For tailored, structured pieces, consider sizing up to UK 12 for optimal comfort and a flattering fit.
- Measure your shoulders: Rabanne's tailoring emphasises the shoulder line. Take a shoulder measurement and compare it against product descriptions or size guides, particularly for blazers and close-fitting dresses, to avoid purchasing items that sit too tightly or restrict movement.
- Check material composition: Embellished pieces with chainmail, sequins, or metallics often have minimal stretch. Pieces featuring these details should be ordered at true size or one size up, depending on desired fit. Standard jersey and knit pieces offer more flexibility.
- Consider the occasion: Rabanne specialises in occasion wear and statement pieces. If purchasing for an event where layering or movement is important, size up for comfort. For fitted, body-conscious looks, true sizing is appropriate if you prefer a snug silhouette.
- Review product photos and customer feedback: Always check product images from multiple angles and read customer reviews for fit feedback. Many Rabanne customers leave detailed comments about whether items run small, true to size, or large, which can guide your decision.
- Waist and hip proportions matter: Rabanne's cuts are designed with a defined waist and tapered silhouette. If you have a pear-shaped or hourglass figure, pay close attention to hip measurements; if you have a rectangular shape, you may prefer to size down for a more sculpted appearance.
- Account for shrinkage in care: Luxury fabrication sometimes requires delicate handling. Check care labels, and if hand-washing is recommended, account for potential minor shrinkage, particularly in knit pieces. This may influence your choice to size up slightly on knitwear items.
- Free returns are available: Rabanne offers complimentary returns within 14 days worldwide (with free shipping on orders over €100). Use this to your advantage: if uncertain between two sizes, order both and return the one that doesn't fit, allowing you to choose the most flattering option.
Additional Information
Free Shipping & Returns: Rabanne offers standard shipping free on orders over €100. Returns are complimentary in France and worldwide within 14 days of purchase, giving you peace of mind when ordering online.
Customer Support: Rabanne's customer service team is available via email, live chat, and phone. If you're unsure about sizing or need personalised guidance for a specific piece, their team can provide detailed product information and assistance to ensure you select the correct size.
Signature Packaging: Purchases arrive in Rabanne's exclusive signature coffret packaging, emphasising the luxury and prestige of the brand from unboxing onwards.