Gabriela Hearst Size Guide: Clothing and Bags

Gabriela Hearst runs true to size. That is the short version, and it is the brand’s own wording on almost every product page. The longer version matters because the label sizes its ready to wear in Italian numbers, cuts knitwear and tailoring to two different philosophies, and sells every bag and accessory in one size. Here is the whole picture.

The conversion table

Gabriela Hearst numbers are Italian. Luxury Handbags shows the UK equivalent on every product page. The rule is IT minus 32.

Letter sized pieces, mostly knitwear and jersey, run XXS to XXL on the standard ladder.

Does Gabriela Hearst run true to size

Yes. The brand states “Fits true to size” on its ready to wear, and the fit model is 180cm, usually wearing a size S, which is an IT 38. Across the current Luxury Handbags edit that verdict holds on every single ready to wear piece, which is unusual; most houses hedge on at least some categories.

What changes between categories is the cut, not the size you order.

Knitwear

Hearst knitwear is designed to skim rather than cling. A merino sweater in your usual size will sit close without pulling across the bust. Cashmere and welfat cashmere pieces relax slightly with wear, so take your normal size and let the fibre do the rest.

The hand knitted pieces made with Manos del Uruguay have more variation than machine knits by nature. That is a feature of hand work rather than a sizing problem, but if you are between sizes on a hand knit, take the larger one.

Tailoring and coats

The shoulder is precise and the body is cut clean. In a blazer, take your usual size. In a structured coat, the question is what goes underneath. If you plan to wear a sweater under a wool coat and you sit between two sizes, take the larger one to leave room across the back. If the coat is going over a shirt, stay with your usual.

Leather and shearling outerwear does not give the way wool does, so the same advice applies with more force.

Dresses

Gabriela Hearst names dresses by style rather than by length, so the name will not tell you where the hem sits. Luxury Handbags files each dress as a maxi, a midi and a mini on the product page, and the length is stated in the details. Bias cut and slip styles follow the body more closely than the knit dresses, so read the fit note rather than assuming.

Denim and trousers

Trousers follow the same Italian ladder. The denim in the collection is cut on standard sizing rather than inch waists, so take your usual size rather than your jeans number.

Bags and accessories

Every bag, belt, scarf, hat and pair of gloves is sold in one size. For bags, the useful number is the measurement, not the size, so each product page lists height, width, depth and handle height.

For reference, the three most asked about styles: the Nina is 6 by 9 by 7 inches, the Demi is 5.5 by 7.75 by 5 inches, and the Diana is 5 by 8 by 7.5 inches. Compare those against a bag you already own before ordering.

Belts are the one accessory where one size needs care. The leather belts are cut long with multiple holes, and the rope braided styles tie, so they suit a range of waists.

If you are between sizes

Take the smaller size in knitwear, jersey and anything described as relaxed. Take the larger size in a structured coat you intend to layer, and in leather outerwear. Everywhere else, take your usual.

Keep reading

Shop the collection on the Gabriela Hearst brand page, and browse knitwear and coats, the two categories where fit questions come up most.

For bag measurements in context, read our guide to every Gabriela Hearst bag, the Nina Bag guide and Demi against Nina. Accessory sizing is covered in the accessories edit, and styling in how to style Gabriela Hearst.

Frequently asked questions

Does Gabriela Hearst run true to size?
Yes. The brand states “Fits true to size” on its ready to wear, and that holds across the current collection.

What sizing does Gabriela Hearst use?
Italian numbers for tailoring, dresses and trousers, and XXS to XXL for knitwear and jersey. To convert Italian to UK, subtract 32.

What size is a UK 10 in Gabriela Hearst?
An Italian 42, which is a EU 38 and a US 6.

Should I size up in a Gabriela Hearst coat?
Only if you are between sizes and plan to layer a sweater underneath. The shoulder is cut precisely, so a single size up in a coat you will wear over a shirt will read loose.

How tall is the Gabriela Hearst fit model?
180cm, usually wearing a size S, which is an Italian 38.

What size are Gabriela Hearst bags?
One size. Measurements are listed on every product page. The Nina is 6 by 9 by 7 inches and the Demi is 5.5 by 7.75 by 5 inches.