LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase.
If you’re tired of wearing old-fashioned clothes and you’re someone who enjoys jumping on new fashion trends then certain brand names like Shein for example are probably popping up on your feed.
However, as a plus-size woman, many of them might seem out of reach since body diversity is still not a priority for many of these retailers. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that PrettyLittleThing does make plus-size clothing.
But does PrettyLittleThing run small?
Yes, most PrettyLittleThing clothes run one size small and you will need to size up to get the right fit. That’s because PrettyLittleThing is a British retailer and their sizing system doesn’t translate well for the US population, so while some articles of clothing may be true to size others will run small.
Let’s find out together how you can shop from PrettyLittleThing as a plus-size woman, which items might run small, and this retailer’s positive and negative qualities.
Does PrettyLittleThing Run Small?
It’s easy to associate fast fashion brands with smaller sizes, so it might come as a surprise to find that PrettyLittleThing has a plus-size clothing section, more so, PrettyLittleThing sizes go up to a US size 26, which is quite unusual, if you compare it to other brands like Shein that go up to a size US 22/24.
However don’t let that size fool you because, PrettyLittleThing does run one size small for the most part, even if this sometimes changes based on the article of clothing.
Here’s a plus-size chart that you can also find on their site, that shows the difference between the UK and US sizes.
| Plus-Size Sizing | US PrettyLittleThing Sizes | UK PrettyLittleThing Sizes | Bust | Waist | Low Hip |
| L | 12/14 | 16/18 | 41.7/44.1 | 34.6/37 | 44.9/47.2 |
| XL | 16 | 20 | 46.5 | 39.4 | 49.6 |
| 2XL | 18/22 | 22/24 | 48.8/51.2 | 41.7/44.1 | 52/54.3 |
| 3XL | 22/24 | 26/28 | 53.5/55.9 | 46.5/48.8 | 56.7/59.1 |
| 4XL | 26 | 30 | 58.3 | 51.2 | 61.4 |
This chart could help you find PrettyLittleThing garments in your size, but I can’t promise you that these numbers are truly reliable, at least not for all of their clothes.
Are PrettyLittleThing Clothes True-to-Size?
While seeing the size 26 could give us big girls enough hope that we will find something that fits us, the reality might be more disappointing because not all PrettyLittleThing garments are true to size.
Perhaps the reason behind this sizing problem is the fact that this is a British retailer and the sizes they offer despite the chart might not translate well for US buyers.
I find that if you look at the sizing charts of various brands whether they sell exclusively to plus-size folks like Torrid or they have a plus-size section like PrettyLittleThing, you’ll discover that their sizes differ.
That’s why it’s best to rely on the actual measurements of the product by comparing them to your own measurements. This way you are more likely to buy a PrettyLittleThing garment that is true to your size.
If there’s any piece of clothing that I’ve seen being consistently true to size these are PrettyLittleThing jeans and pants. In fact, some of them can even run one or half a size bigger.
Are PrettyLittleThing Clothes Too Big?
My biggest desire when I shop at a store is to find clothes that are true to size and fit me, but if I find that the sizes run big I’m less frustrated than if they were running small.
Sure the process of sending clothes back is a hassle, but at least you will know that bigger girls can actually find clothes that fit them, and you can always have that wiggle room in case you put on weight.
However, when it comes to PrettyLittleThing it’s unlikely that you’ll find clothes that run big. It can of course happen with some clothes, but PrettyLittleThing garments tend to run a little small.
I also want to mention PrettyLittleThing heels selection because you might find that you need to size down if you want to get the right fit. Of course, this will depend on individual products and you need to make sure you get the measurements right in accordance with their chart!
Which PrettyLittleThing Clothes Usually Run Small?
As I already mentioned, some PrettyLittleThing clothes can be true to size, but there are specific garments that are more likely to run small, so let’s see which categories you might want to get a size larger in order for them to fit you!
Dresses
The PrettyLittleThing dress collection is always stunning and their plus-size models are equally beautiful and actually meant for full-figured and curvy women.
Nonetheless, if you’re trying to find that perfect dress to accentuate your curves, or you want that oversized thick knit dress for the autumn season then you might want to size up, one or half a size.
Unlike loose garments like shirts, a dress kind of has to fit your body type from your bust to your hips, and if the measurements are off then it might end up squeezing you in all the wrong places.
Tops
Similarly to the dresses, you might find that their tops also run one or half a size small. It might not bother you if you are going for that super tight-fitting look, but it might disappoint you if the top was supposed to be loose or if you were going for a regular fit.
I’ve found that some of their tops run small on me, and perhaps that’s because I have a large bust. The fabric often ends up overstretching right in the bust area and it can become almost see-through.
Is PrettyLittleThing a Good Brand for Plus-Size Women?
When it comes to plus-size clothes PrettyLittleThing can be a hit or miss, so let’s see the good and the bad side of this brand.
The Good Things About Plus Size PrettyLittleThing Clothes
PrettyLittleThing is not a perfect brand and I don’t expect a lot from fast fashion brands, but I must admit that when it comes to diverse sizes as a plus-size gal you can make a lot of their garments work for you.
Most importantly their prices are affordable, and you can often get great deals from their discounts.
Aside from affordability, I really love their extensive product line that is trendy and can dress you from head to toe.
As a plus-size woman, this is something I could only dream of a few years back, and I’m happy young and curvacious women can experiment with their style and get to dress like they’re strutting down a runway.
PrettyLittleThing also offers fair shipping costs, especially within the US. It’s also possible to return an item and get a refund, but you have to do it within the time stated by the company, and they don’t cover shipping expenses.
The Disadvantages of PrettyLittleThing Clothing
From the standpoint of choice and price PrettyLittleThing is definitely worth a try, however, if you’re looking for quality then you should be prepared for some disappointment.
Don’t get me wrong, not all PrettyLittleThing garments are badly made, some of them have lasted me for years, but I’ve also had to throw out fairly new tops or pants after just a couple of wears.
While I’m comfortable with shopping online, I know that a lot of plus-size people prefer to try their clothes first, so PrettyLittleThing might not be for you if you prefer to shop at brick-and-mortar retailers.
My biggest concern, however, is that despite the diversity, we see fast fashion brands making more clothes for more body types without improving their means of production, whether that has to do with the environment or paying their workers fair wages.
PrettyLittleThing is such a brand, and the fact that they don’t disclose any information about forced labor, gender equality, or freedom of association, might make you think twice before ordering from them.
So, Should You Buy Plus Size Clothes From PrettyLittleThing?
After taking all this information into consideration I would rate PrettyLittelThing 7 out of 10. This brand is quite affordable, and it makes fashion accessible to everyone. The sizing might not be consistent, but I’ve definitely made PrettyLittleThing work for me.
My biggest complaint is the quality, but I also understand that you can’t expect high-quality items from a fast fashion brand that produces hundreds of garments every day at that price point.
I also understand that they’re not an ethical brand, but I also don’t want to shame people from buying there because not everyone can afford to shop from other brands, especially for plus-size people that don’t have a lot of options, to begin with.
Tips for Plus Size Women Shopping on PrettyLittleThing
Before you decide to take your chances with PrettyLittleThing, I wanted to share a few of my tips, that hopefully can improve your experience!
1. Know Your Measurements
Whether you’re shopping at PrettyLittleThing or other retailers it’s important to know your exact bust, waist, and hip measurements. This way you can have a better chance of predicting the fit of the garment.
2. Use Size Charts
The good thing about PrettyLittleThing is the fact that their sizing charts offer bust, waist, and hip measurements. So, even though the sizes might be inaccurate you can at least rely on their size guide.
Plus they often showcase the measurements of the model, so you can have a rough idea of how the piece of clothing would look on you if you share the same body type and size.
3. Check Out Their Reviews
This is one of the best pieces of advice when it comes to online shopping, however, it doesn’t apply to every retailer.
For example, PrettyLittleThing brand isn’t as transparent and there are no reviews that you can rely on.
You can, of course, check reviews from your trusted influencers. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, for me, it’s MissJemima right here!
Another way you can get decent reviews is by checking forums, however, you can’t always get a review on a specific item you are eyeing on the site.
4. Consider The Stretch Factor
While PrettyLittleThing can run small, I must warn you that a lot of their clothes are made from synthetic fabrics that will stretch, especially after a few wears.
This can be good if you’re plus size, but sometimes these clothes don’t stretch the way you want them to, and they can either show as see-through, they might rip at the seam eventually or they might look baggy in random places.
Their pants are usually true to size, however, as you can see in MissJemima’s video they might need some tailoring here and there.
5. Be Careful When Washing PrettyLittleThing Clothes
Since we are talking about a brand that mostly makes clothes from synthetic fabrics and cheap fabrics at that, you need to be very careful with how you wash and dry them.
I find that some of their garments can end up losing their shape after one wash. So, always check the instructions on the label and go for the handwash regime, or the most delicate regime to help PrettyLittleThing clothes last longer.
Closing Thoughts
So, does PrettyLittleThing run small? Being a UK retailer, you will most likely find that their clothes run a size small, especially if you’re ordering from the US.
Unfortunately, this is also an online shop, so not having a physical store to try their clothes can be especially frustrating for someone who is plus-size or has a very unique body type.
But even if you can find clothes that can fit you well, my biggest issue with PrettyLittleThing is the quality. Plenty of items are a hit-or-miss situation, which, is not surprising since this is a fast-fashion brand.
Another thing to keep in mind is the reviews. The PrettyLittleThing shop doesn’t disclose its reviews. You will either have to look for video reviews or scroll through forums.