Boden Sizing: Does Boden Run Small, Big or True to Size?

Generally, Boden is true to size, but the right choice still depends on the garment's shape and length. The Boden size chart pairs US numeric sizes from 0 through 20/22 with letter sizes from XS to XL, and the overlap means a letter alone is not a precise shortcut. Boden asks shoppers to measure the fullest part of the bust, the natural waist and the fullest hip, rather than rely on the number they wear elsewhere. Its Petite fit is proportionally shorter through a garment, while Long adds length at the hem; the brand also explains that Tall is available in jumpsuits. That distinction matters because a shorter inseam will not correct a torso or sleeve that feels long. Both Boden jeans here come in Petite, Regular and Long lengths, but with different inseams. High Rise Cord Slim Jeans list 29, 31 and 33 inches; Pintuck Column Leg Jeans list 28, 30 and 32 inches. Nordstrom describes its Boden Etta dress, Louise shirtdress, Phoebe cardigan and Belted Wrap cardigan as true to size, a useful baseline rather than a guarantee for every body. If you searched for a boden size chart, use the chart as your first pass, then check each style's own shape and fit note.

Sarah Cotton Midi Shirt Dress and Hope Zip Detail Jersey Dress are two good examples of why a single chart answer is insufficient. Sarah is a cotton fit-and-flare shirt dress with a removable self-fabric belt, and Boden says it is designed to fall at mid-calf. Hope is an easy straight shape in cotton and TENCEL modal jersey, with a concealed front zip and side-seam pockets. That softer construction will not behave like Sarah's woven shirt dress, so use Hope's own garment measurements instead of borrowing a size from Sarah. Nordstrom's notes for Etta Piping Detail Ponte Dress and Louise Corduroy Midi Shirtdress both say the brand runs true to size. I like that as a starting point, not a fit guarantee: ponte and corduroy will feel and hang differently, and the waist treatment matters too. Measure your bust and waist before you choose; Sarah's belt can refine the waist, but it cannot add room across the chest. If you are between sizes, check the garment's chest and waist measurements alongside the body chart, then decide based on the fit you want.

Cardigans deserve a different check because letter sizes alone do not tell you how they sit across the shoulder or sleeve. Kat Brushed Cashmere Cardigan is a straight, natural-waist layer made from 100% cashmere; Boden lists garment measurements for chest and sleeve length. Marta Merino Wool Cardigan has a relaxed shape that falls between waist and hip and is made from 100% Responsible Wool Standard certified wool. The official guide maps two numeric sizes to XS, S, M and L, while XL covers more than one numeric size too. The chart simply maps those numbers to the same letters, so an M can cover sizes 8 and 10. Phoebe Collared Cardigan and Belted Wrap Knitted Cardigan are Nordstrom options whose fit notes say true to size. I would use that note for the overall frame and still compare shoulder, chest and sleeve dimensions, particularly if you plan to wear a shirt under Kat or a thicker layer under the wrap. If you want a closer fit, do not size down just because the garment is called a cardigan; look at the measured chest and described shape.

For denim, the cleanest starting point is your waist and hip measurements, followed by inseam. High Rise Cord Slim Jeans sit at the natural waist, have a slim ankle-skimming leg and come in 29, 31 and 33 inch inseams; Pintuck Column Leg Jeans also sit at the natural waist, with a front pintuck and 28, 30 and 32 inch lengths. Those two Boden cuts are not interchangeable in silhouette, even though each offers three lengths. At Nordstrom, High Waist Corduroy Column Jeans and High Waist Corduroy Straight Leg Jeans both carry true-to-size notes. The straight-leg pair reads more casual, while the pintuck pair has a tailored front. If your waist and hip measurements land in different rows, use the larger body measurement as your fit anchor and check the garment measurements; a belt can steady a waistband, not reshape the seat. Start with the leg shape and inseam that suit your shoes. Keep your usual Boden number as a clue, not a rule.

If you are still deciding, I also wrote Where to Buy Boden on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen), Is Boden Worth It? An Honest Look at Quality, Fit and Price and Where to Buy Eileen Fisher on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen).