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

The STAUD pieces checked here generally run true to size, but I would not treat the label as a guarantee across every silhouette. An Andrews & Co STAUD size chart lists numeric sizes from 00 to 16, with body measurements for bust, waist, and hips; it puts those spans at 31 to 42.5 inches, 23.5 to 35 inches, and 34 to 45.5 inches. STAUD says individual product pages carry size guides, with a general guide as a fallback, and invites customers to ask for more precise measurements when needed. That is sensible, because a dress fitted at the bust and hip asks a different question of your body than a relaxed trouser or a rigid jean. In the current selection, retailer notes repeatedly say to order your usual size, but the cut still decides whether that feels generous or close. The Charli Silk Low Back Dress is fitted through bust, waist, and hip; the Lara Silk Blend Dress is fitted at the bust and waist but relaxed at the hips. I would use the chart to narrow the number, then read the exact fit note before buying. If your measurements sit between two sizes, let the closest-fitting part of the garment make the call, not a general rule for the whole brand. The size chart is a starting point, not a promise that each dress or trouser will feel alike.

With dresses, start at the bust and waist, then ask what the hip is doing. Charli is fitted at the bust, waist, and hips, while Lara is fitted at the bust and waist but relaxed at the hips; both Bloomingdale's notes say to order your usual size. The difference matters more than the shared number. The Wells Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Fit & Flare Dress is shaped by princess seams, with a full skirt and stretch poplin, and Nordstrom's note also calls it true to size. One Wells reviewer, however, matched her measurements to the chart but wanted a slightly smaller fit at the bust and shoulders, so a close bodice deserves attention. Normandy's sweater dress takes a different route: it has a relaxed bodice and blouson waist in merino, and its page says true to size. If you usually need extra room in the bust, choose by that measurement in the more fitted cuts. If the dress is loose through the hips, do not size up solely for that area. The size advice is practical, but the shape tells you where to double-check.

For jeans, the useful label is not just the size but the denim. Gus is a relaxed, wide-leg, mid-rise jean in rigid 100% cotton; Bloomingdale's calls it true to size and notes the denim takes time to break in. Teddy is another rigid mid-rise jean, with a regular 30-inch inseam, so both are a poor place to assume stretch will smooth over a tight waist. The Maysen Wide Leg Pleated Pants are structured yet relaxed, with front pleats and a true-to-size note from Nordstrom. Anchor Shorts have an elastic waist and the brand's usual-size recommendation, which is a more forgiving waist construction than rigid denim. My practical rule is to measure the waist and hip in inches, then look at the rise and fabric: nonstretch denim may feel firmer at first, while an elastic waist gives more give. Do not size up in every STAUD bottom because one rigid jean feels close; use each item's rise and fabric notes.

At the top, the fit cues are again specific. Davina Silk Blend Top is a mock-neck, asymmetric silk piece; Rhys Flared Hem Blouse is boxy at the bust but fitted at the waist, and Bloomingdale's says both are true to size. Bellaria One Shoulder Stretch Cotton Top has ruched side seams, while Mabel One-Shoulder Merino Wool Sweater is a short-sleeved 100% merino knit; both Nordstrom pages say true to size. Those notes help, but a one-shoulder shape is not interchangeable with a buttoned blouse. I would start with your measured bust, waist, and hip, then decide whether you want the silhouette close or easy. If you know a bust or waist is your usual pinch point, use the item's fit description and size chart together. STAUD is a good fit for shoppers who are willing to measure and enjoy a distinct cut; skip buying blind if you need a forgiving uniform fit from every piece. For a first order, start with the Wells Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Fit & Flare Dress, and leave rigid jeans until you know your waist fit. True to size is a starting point, not a substitute for reading the garment.

If you are still deciding, I also wrote Where to Buy Staud on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen), Where to Buy Burberry on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen) and Where to Buy Boden on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen).