By Malina Size Guide: EU to UK and US Conversion and Fit Notes

By Malina uses European numeric sizing, and an EU 36 converts to a UK 8 and a US 4. Most pieces fit true to size, a few satin styles run small, and knits and jersey are sold in letter sizes, so the right size depends on the category you are buying.

This guide gives you the full conversion table, then the fit notes by category, so you can order once and keep it. Every By Malina product page on Coveti also shows the converted UK size and the brand’s own fit note.

By Malina size conversion: EU to UK and US

By Malina labels its numeric sizes on the European scale, which runs from EU 32 at the small end. Coveti converts each EU size to UK sizing on the product page. To get the US size, take four from the UK size.

A quick way to remember it: the EU number minus 28 gives you the UK size, and the UK size minus 4 gives you the US size. So EU 38 is UK 10, which is US 6.

What “fits true to size” means at By Malina

The brand describes most of its pieces as fitting true to size. In practice, that means you should order the EU size you would normally take in a European label, converted as above. If you are a UK 10 in most brands, take EU 38.

The useful reference point is the model. On the brand site, models are typically 176 to 178 cm tall and wear EU 36, which is a UK 8. If you are shorter than that, maxi lengths will pool more on you, and midi lengths will fall lower on the calf. That matters more for By Malina than for many labels, because so much of the collection is long.

Pieces that run small

A handful of styles carry a “runs small” note, and most of them are satin. Satin has little give, and these cuts sit close through the waist and hip. Where the note appears, take the next size up.

• Zora Long Sleeve Midi Dress in Black Marble, from $960: a satin midi with a high neck, barrel sleeves and a cinched waist. The page suggests the next size up.
• Cezanne Mini Dress in Savannah, from $870: an open back satin mini, fitted at the waist and hip. It also runs small.
• Alivia Maxi Dress in Savannah, from $1,060: a short sleeve satin maxi with a draped half polo neck, with the same note.
• Smilla Satin Trousers in Dark Brown, from $740: these run small in the waist, so size up if you are between sizes there.

The Vendela Blouse in Dark Brown, a peplum blouse with a cinched waist, and the bridal Milena Midi Dress also carry the “runs small” advice.

Pieces where you can size down

A few styles go the other way. The Anouk Yve Coat in Camel Anouk Yve, from $1,570, is a long, open wool and cashmere blend coat that the brand says runs big, with the advice to size down. The Moa Oversized Shirt is cut oversized on purpose, and the brand suggests sizing down for a less oversized look. The bridal Liana Mini Dress runs big over the chest, and the advice is to size down if you are between sizes.

Fit notes by category

Dresses

Most By Malina dresses are fitted at the waist and closed with a hidden zipper at the back. Because the zip does not stretch, measure your waist and hip against your usual size before choosing a fitted style. Relaxed shapes, such as the blouson Linhe and the tie-neck Vilja, are more forgiving. Halterneck styles, such as the Sabrina and the Fern, tie at the back, which gives you some adjustment at the neck.

Tops and blouses

The tops split into two camps. Sculpted pieces such as the Ninni Top and the Bellina corset top sit close and follow the dress sizing exactly. Oversized blouses such as the Cleo and the Novalie are cut wide through the body, so your usual size gives you the intended volume. See By Malina tops and blouses for the full edit.

Trousers and skirts

Most trousers have a concealed button, hook and zip at the front, and a few have an elastic waist at the back. Fit the waist first. The satin Smilla is the one to size up in, as noted above. Skirts are generally high waisted and fit true to size.

Jackets, blazers and coats

The fitted blazers, such as the Carol in leather and wool, have a marked shoulder and are cut close. If you plan to wear a knit underneath, check the shoulder width on your usual size. Oversized pieces such as the Tua blazer and the Callie jacket are designed to sit loose. Our jackets and blazers guide has the detail.

Knitwear and jersey

Knits and jersey pieces are sold in letter sizes rather than EU numbers. On the brand site, the models in these pieces are 176 cm tall and wear a size S. The Lilian Cardigan in Dark Brown, from $690, is a relaxed brushed cashmere blend cardigan, and the Azra Cardigan in Black is a fitted Milano knit. Both are described as fitting true to size.

Denim

The Katia jeans are sold by waist size in inches, from 25 to 32, and are made in Istanbul. The brand says they fit true to size, so take your usual denim waist.

Belts

Leather belts are sold by length in centimetres, in 75, 80, 85 and 90 cm. Measure a belt you already own from the buckle fold to the hole you use most, then choose the closest length.

Bridal

Bridal gowns follow the same EU to UK conversion and are mostly described as true to size. Because a wedding dress is often altered, order for the widest part of your body and let a tailor take in the rest. Our By Malina wedding dresses guide covers each gown.

Three rules that save a return

• Read the fit note on the product page before you add to bag. If it says runs small, believe it.
• For long dresses, compare your height to the model’s 176 to 178 cm and plan your heel height accordingly.
• If you are between sizes in a fitted satin style, take the larger size. Satin is easier to take in than to let out.

Editor’s note: when I am unsure, I order the size that fits my hip. The waist on most By Malina dresses is easy for a tailor to adjust.

Frequently asked questions

What is a By Malina size 36 in UK sizes?

A By Malina EU 36 is a UK 8 and a US 4. Coveti shows the converted UK size on every product page.

Does By Malina run small?

Most pieces fit true to size. A few satin styles run small, including the Zora, Cezanne and Alivia dresses and the Smilla satin trousers, and the product page advises the next size up.

How do I convert By Malina sizes to US sizes?

Convert the EU size to UK first, then take four from the UK size. EU 38 is UK 10, which is US 6.

What size do By Malina models wear?

Models on the brand site are typically 176 to 178 cm tall and wear EU 36. In letter sized knits they wear a size S.

How are By Malina belts and jeans sized?

Belts are sold by length in centimetres, from 75 to 90 cm. The Katia jeans are sold by waist size in inches, from 25 to 32.