Seasalt Size Guide: Does Seasalt Clothing Come Up Big or Small?
You've found a Seasalt coat, jumper, pair of trousers or Sailor Top you love.
Then comes the difficult bit:
What size should you order?
It's one of the biggest uncertainties when buying clothes online. You can't simply take two sizes into a changing room and see which feels better.
And if you've never bought Seasalt before, you may be wondering:
Does Seasalt come up big or small?
The problem is that there isn't a sensible one-word answer that applies to every Seasalt garment.
Different pieces are designed with different fits. A relaxed Sailor Top isn't supposed to fit like a more fitted top, while a coat may need enough room for the layers you normally wear underneath.
So rather than automatically telling you to size up or size down, here's how we'd approach choosing your Seasalt size.
You can also shop the full Seasalt collection at Armstrong Country Store while you read.
Does Seasalt Clothing Come Up Big or Small?
Don't assume every Seasalt garment will come up big, small or exactly the same.
The cut of the individual garment matters.
Something described as having a relaxed fit is deliberately designed to give you more room. A more fitted garment will naturally sit closer to the body.
The Seasalt Sailor Top is a good example. Armstrong Country Store's product information describes the style as having a relaxed fit, so some room is intentional rather than evidence that you've bought the wrong size.
That's why we'd avoid automatically dropping a size because you've read somebody online saying:
“Seasalt comes up big.”
Their body shape, preferred fit and the particular Seasalt garment they bought could be completely different from yours.
Look at the individual garment first.
How Do I Know What Seasalt Size to Buy?
Your normal UK clothing size gives you a useful starting point, but your actual measurements are more helpful.
For women's clothing, the three measurements you'll commonly need are:
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level.
Waist: Measure around your natural waist without pulling the tape excessively tight.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
Then compare those measurements with the sizing information for the particular garment you're considering.
That's much more reliable than simply thinking:
“I'm always a size 12.”
Sizing and garment cuts vary, even within the same brand.
What If I'm Between Two Seasalt Sizes?
This is where you need to look at what you're actually buying.
Ask yourself:
How is this garment designed to fit?
And:
How am I going to wear it?
Suppose you're choosing a winter coat.
If you're between sizes and intend to wear a chunky jumper underneath regularly, having enough room for those layers matters.
Now imagine you're buying a lightweight summer top that you'll normally wear on its own.
That's a completely different situation.
There isn't a universal rule saying everyone between sizes should automatically go up.
Consider the garment and how you'll actually wear it.
How Should a Seasalt Coat Fit?
A good coat needs to do more than look right while you're standing still in front of a mirror.
You need to be able to move comfortably.
Think about what you'll normally wear underneath it.
If it's a lightweight raincoat primarily for spring and autumn, you may only need room for lighter layers.
If it's a winter coat, you might regularly wear knitwear underneath.
When trying on a coat, we'd check:
- Can you comfortably fasten it?
- Can you move your arms freely?
- Does it pull excessively across your shoulders or back?
- Can you wear your normal layers underneath?
- Are the sleeves comfortable?
- Does the length suit how you'll use it?
Don't buy an enormous coat just because you might occasionally wear a thick jumper underneath.
But don't choose such a close fit that putting your normal winter layers underneath makes it uncomfortable either.
Should I Size Up in a Seasalt Waterproof Coat?
Not automatically.
This is one of those pieces of online clothing advice that's repeated far too casually.
Whether you need additional room depends on the specific coat, your measurements and what you're planning to wear underneath it.
If a coat already has a relaxed cut designed to accommodate layers, automatically going up another size could leave you with considerably more room than you wanted.
If you're buying a waterproof primarily for mild-weather walks, your layering requirements may be fairly light.
If you're buying it for cold autumn and winter dog walks, you'll probably want more room underneath.
Check the particular coat before changing size.
What Size Seasalt Sailor Top Should I Buy?
The Seasalt Sailor Top deserves a section of its own.
It's one of those instantly recognisable Seasalt pieces, and Armstrong Country Store carries Sailor styles within its women's tops range. The Sailor Top listing we checked describes its design as relaxed fit, boat neck and organic cotton.
Don't choose your Sailor Top size on the assumption that a striped top should fit tightly against your body.
The relaxed shape is part of the style.
If you like that easy everyday fit, take it into account when choosing your size.
If you prefer your tops closer to the body, pay particular attention to the garment measurements before deciding to change size.
You can browse women's tops at Armstrong Country Store to see the Seasalt styles currently available.
How Do Seasalt Dresses Fit?
Dresses introduce another important factor:
Your body shape.
Two women with the same bust measurement can have very different waist and hip measurements.
That's why we'd pay attention to the shape of the particular dress.
Look at whether it's:
Fitted
Relaxed
A-line
Waisted
Straight
or another silhouette.
If a dress is fitted around the waist and hips, those measurements become particularly important.
If it's intentionally loose and flowing, you've got a different decision to make.
Also pay attention to length.
A dress shown on a model of a particular height may sit differently on somebody several inches shorter or taller.
How Do Seasalt Trousers Fit?
With trousers, don't rely solely on your usual dress size.
Look at:
Waist
Hips
Leg length
Rise
and
The intended fit
A relaxed trouser and a slim-fitting trouser aren't supposed to feel the same even when the size printed on the label is identical.
Armstrong Country Store currently carries numerous Seasalt trouser styles, including Waterdance, Lamledra, Towan, Mor Path, Poleacre and Westlin.
Some styles can also have design features that affect the fit. For example, the Seasalt Nanterrow Trousers listed by ACS have a relaxed tapered shape, sit just below the natural waist and include an elasticated back waist.
That's useful information when you're choosing between sizes.
You can shop women's trousers and leggings at Armstrong Country Store.
What About Seasalt Knitwear?
Knitwear is another category where personal preference matters enormously.
Some people want their jumper fairly neat.
Others prefer more room for a shirt or top underneath.
And some knitwear is deliberately designed with a more relaxed shape.
Before changing from your normal size, check:
The garment description
The intended fit
The measurements
and, where available,
the model's height and size worn.
That last piece of information can be surprisingly helpful when you're trying to judge how a jumper or cardigan is intended to sit.
Don't Confuse a Relaxed Fit With the Wrong Size
This is probably one of the most useful points in this guide.
Clothing can fit correctly without fitting tightly.
If a garment is intentionally relaxed, sizing down until it becomes fitted defeats the purpose.
Likewise, an oversized garment is supposed to look oversized.
Before deciding something looks “too big”, check how the garment was actually designed to fit.
That's particularly important when shopping online because photographs don't tell you everything about the cut.
Think About What You'll Wear Underneath
This matters particularly with:
Coats
Jackets
Gilets
Cardigans
Jumpers
Ask yourself what you'll realistically wear underneath the item.
Spring
You might wear a waterproof coat over a T-shirt or lightweight knit.
Autumn
You may add a sweatshirt, jumper or fleece.
Winter
You'll probably want room for warmer layers.
If you're buying one coat to carry you through several seasons, don't judge its fit while wearing the thinnest top in your wardrobe.
Think about how you'll actually use it.
A Simple Trick When Buying Seasalt Online
If you're still uncertain, go to your wardrobe.
Find a similar garment that already fits you really well.
Buying a coat?
Measure one of your favourite coats.
Buying a jumper?
Use a jumper with the fit you like.
Buying trousers?
Compare them with trousers you already find comfortable.
This gives you a useful reference for:
Overall length
Sleeve length
Waist
Width
and
The amount of room you personally prefer.
You're comparing the new garment with something you already know works for you.
That's much better than guessing.
Don't Get Hung Up on the Number on the Label
If your measurements point towards one size but you don't like the number printed on the label, ignore the number.
Nobody can see it when you're wearing the clothes.
A garment that fits properly will look considerably better than one bought too small simply because you wanted to remain a particular dress size.
Sizing varies between brands.
Different cuts within the same brand can feel different too.
The goal isn't to get the smallest label possible.
The goal is to get something you'll actually enjoy wearing.
Shop Seasalt at Armstrong Country Store
Seasalt is an important part of the clothing range at Armstrong Country Store, alongside brands including Didriksons, Lighthouse, Hoggs of Fife and others.
Our current Seasalt collection extends across tops, trousers, knitwear, dresses, accessories and more, with over 300 products currently represented in the collection.
Buying clothing online is much easier when you take a couple of minutes to check the individual garment, intended fit and your measurements rather than simply guessing.
Shop Seasalt at Armstrong Country Store
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasalt Sizing
Does Seasalt come up big?
There isn't a useful rule saying every Seasalt garment comes up big. Different garments have different cuts and intended fits, and some Seasalt styles are deliberately relaxed.
Check the particular garment rather than automatically sizing down.
Is Seasalt true to size?
Your normal UK size is a sensible starting point, but use your measurements and the fit information for the individual garment before making your final decision.
Should I size up in Seasalt?
Not automatically.
Consider your measurements, the intended fit and how you're planning to wear the garment. For coats and jackets, think about the layers you'll normally wear underneath.
Should I size down in Seasalt?
Don't size down simply because somebody describes Seasalt as generous.
If a garment is intentionally designed with a relaxed fit, sizing down may completely change how it's supposed to look.
How do I choose a Seasalt coat size?
Check your measurements and the fit of the particular coat.
You should be able to fasten it comfortably, move freely and wear your normal layers underneath without excessive pulling across the shoulders or back.
What if I'm between two Seasalt sizes?
Consider the cut of the garment and how you prefer your clothes to fit.
For outerwear, also consider whether you'll need room for knitwear and other layers.
Do all Seasalt clothes fit the same?
No.
Different garments have different shapes and intended fits. Your preferred size in one Seasalt garment shouldn't automatically be treated as proof that every other Seasalt style will fit identically.
Are Seasalt Sailor Tops fitted?
The Sailor Top listing we've checked at Armstrong Country Store is described as having a relaxed fit.
Take that intended shape into account before deciding to size down.
Should a waterproof coat be a size bigger?
Not necessarily.
You need enough room for whatever you'll normally wear underneath, but that doesn't automatically mean going up a full size.
So, What Size Seasalt Should You Buy?
Instead of asking only:
“Does Seasalt come up big?”
ask:
“How is this particular Seasalt garment supposed to fit?”
Then check:
Your measurements
The garment's size information
Its intended fit
What you'll wear underneath it
How you personally like your clothes to fit
Your normal UK size gives you somewhere to start.
But don't automatically size up.
Don't automatically size down.
And don't change size because of one online comment from somebody whose measurements, body shape and preferred fit you know nothing about.
Measure yourself. Check the individual garment. Then choose the fit that's right for you.