HOBBS: 4 different sizes from 8 to 14
Over the years, I’ve come to rely on Hobbs for wedding outfits and special occasions. It’s at the pricier end of the High Street, so I’d expect their sizing to be consistent.
The store’s own sizing guide reveals I am exactly halfway between a 10 and a 12, which would make me opt for the 12.
My eye is immediately drawn to a lovely full skirt (£119) that I think will team beautifully with a Fifties-style button-front cardigan (£65), a versatile patterned wrap dress (£ 99) that could be worn for work, and a lined jumpsuit (£129).
When I try the Delilah wrap dress, I feel frumpy in the size 12 and also in the 10 — both of them have too much material around the middle. It is only when I go down to the size 8 that the fit looks right.
I have a similar experience with the jumpsuit. What should be an elegant evening outfit has such wide armpits that it shows my bra in the 12. The 10, though, fits perfectly.
The Hermione full skirt is just right in a size 12 (allowing me to breathe out after a meal).
When I look at the sizes of the green edie cardigan, I notice they are labelled from XS to XL.
Confused, I ask one of the helpful, attentive assistants and learn that a Small is 8-10, a Medium 12-14 and a Large 14-16.
First, I try the cardigan on in the Small, but it is bursting open at the buttons. The Medium still strains at the front — and only the Large (14-16) is a comfortable fit.
When asked if there was any reason for the discrepancy, Hobbs declined to comment.
VERDICT: Most clothes were a size 8 or a 10 and felt well-made, but the odd 12 or 14 worries me. At these prices, I want to know I can grab the right size without having to try it on.