You order a The Kooples t-shirt in size M, it arrives, you put it on, and the fit is tight at the shoulders. This scene is common. The Kooples uses its own sizing system, with a scale ranging from 0 to 4 for certain pieces, alongside the classic XS-XL. Understanding this logic before purchasing avoids back-and-forths with the return service.
Scale 0 to 4: The Kooples’ Unique Sizing System
Most French brands limit themselves to letters (S, M, L) or standard numeric sizes (36, 38, 40). The Kooples operates differently for part of its collections, particularly dresses, jackets, blazers, and sweatshirts.
The brand uses a numeric scale from 0 to 4, where each level corresponds to specific measurements for bust, waist, and hip circumference. This unique scale makes comparisons with other brands more delicate.
Several second-hand platforms, like La Redoute on its resale listings, adopt these charts and add measurements for length, shoulders, and underarms. This data allows for a concrete idea of the actual fit of the garment, beyond the simple S, M, or L reference. To better understand how The Kooples sizes, cross-referencing the official chart with these detailed measurements remains the most reliable method.
Fitted Cuts by The Kooples: Why Going Up a Size is Often the Right Choice
The stylistic identity of The Kooples relies on close-fitting lines. Poplin shirts, printed t-shirts, tailored jackets: most pieces feature a sharp silhouette, with defined shoulders and a tapered line at the bust.
This aesthetic choice has a direct consequence on the sizing. Fitted cuts run small compared to market standards. On some recent product listings, the brand acknowledges this itself. The women’s t-shirt “What Is fluo white,” for example, carries the mention “fitted cut” followed by the advice: “If you hesitate between two sizes, choose the larger size.”
This type of indication does not appear on all listings. When it is absent, assume that the fit will be narrower than that of most competitors for tops and jackets.
Oversized Pieces: The Exception that Changes the Rule
Not all The Kooples clothing is tight. Wool blazers, some shoulder-padded coats, and a few streetwear pieces adopt oversized volumes. For these models, sticking to your usual size is generally sufficient. The challenge is identifying which category the piece belongs to before ordering.
Have you ever noticed that two jackets from the same brand can fit very differently? At The Kooples, this is systematic. The mention “fitted cut” or “oversized cut” in the product description is your first reliable clue.
Measurements and Online Shopping: The Method to Avoid Mistakes
Ordering online without trying on requires a minimum of preparation. Three measurements are enough to cover nearly all The Kooples garments.
- Bust circumference: measured at the widest part of the bust, measuring tape horizontal, without tightening. This is the determining measurement for tops, shirts, and jackets.
- Waist circumference: taken at the natural waist, above the navel. It determines the comfort of pants, skirts, and fitted dresses.
- Hip circumference: measured at the fullest part of the hips. Necessary for bottoms and straight or fitted dresses.
Note these three numbers and compare them to the brand’s size chart. If one of your measurements falls between two sizes, the larger size is almost always the safest choice for fitted pieces.
Second-Hand: Even More Useful Measurements
In the second-hand market, the brand’s charts are not always sufficient. Wear, washing, and variations between collections can alter the fit of a garment. Specialized sellers (Label Emmaüs, online thrift stores) sometimes publish measurements taken directly from the piece, providing a more accurate picture of the actual fit.
These measurements sometimes reveal surprises. Some second-hand The Kooples pieces offer a more generous fit than what the reputation for very fitted cuts would suggest. Checking the actual dimensions before purchasing remains the most cost-effective reflex, especially when returns are not free.
The Kooples Women’s and Men’s Sizes: Key Differences to Know
The fit behaves differently across categories. For women’s tops, the fit is often the tightest across the range. A bust measurement slightly above the upper limit of a given size is enough to make the garment uncomfortable.
For men’s tops, the fit remains fitted compared to the market, but with a bit more room at the shoulders. Men’s shirts fit small at the bust but remain correct at the shoulders.
For bottoms (pants, jeans), the fit is closer to standard sizes. The difference mainly lies in the inseam length and the cut at the thighs, often narrower than in mainstream brands.
- Women’s tops: plan for one size up on fitted cuts
- Men’s tops: check the bust measurement as a priority
- Women’s and men’s bottoms: hip circumference is the decisive measurement
- Dresses and jumpsuits: rely on both bust and hip measurements, not just one of the two
The Kooples’ sizing rewards those who take two minutes to measure themselves before clicking. The brand offers pieces where the cut is integral to the style, leaving little room for approximation. A measuring tape and the official size chart remain your two best allies for a successful purchase, both in-store and online.