Introduction

Shopping for luxury online is no longer a novelty—it’s a necessity. But even in the most beautiful boutiques, a single hesitation often lingers in the back of a client’s mind: Will it fit? Will I love how it feels?

At Maman and Heir, we know that confidence is part of the luxury experience. And we believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise simply because you can’t try something on.

This guide was created to eliminate uncertainty. Whether you’re a seasoned online shopper or someone used to trying everything in-store, we’re here to help you feel assured in every detail—from silhouette to sizing, drape to feel. We’ll walk you through understanding designer sizing, decoding product descriptions, reading fabric like a second language, and choosing garments that suit your body, your life, and your standards.

Because when you shop with intention—and a little guidance—there’s no reason online luxury can’t feel as effortless as stepping into your favorite dressing room.

Understanding Designer Sizing (and Why It’s Not Standard)

Let’s start with the obvious: designer sizing is not standardized. A size 38 in Isabel Marant doesn’t fit the same as a 38 in Totême. Some brands cut generously; others are notoriously small through the shoulders or hips. And when you add in European, UK, and US conversion systems, it can get even more confusing.

Here’s what matters most:

• European designers typically size in French or Italian scales. A French 36 is closer to a US 4; an Italian 40 is generally a US 4 as well—but may fit differently depending on cut and label.
  

• Luxury brands don’t follow “vanity sizing” trends. While mass-market retailers may size down to flatter customers, most heritage brands stay true to original cuts.
  

• Fit often reflects the brand’s design ethos. For example, The Row tends toward minimalism with structured, oversized silhouettes. Meanwhile, Self-Portrait offers more fitted cuts with precise waistlines and sculpted sleeves.
  
  

At Maman and Heir, we do more than list a size—we translate it. Our product pages include notes on fit (true to size, generous, tailored, oversized) and we often reference the model’s size and height for comparison. And if you’re ever unsure, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll help you choose the correct size, whether that means comparing to a piece you already own or offering measurements before you commit.

Fit Notes That Matter: Reading Between the Lines

A well-written product description is more than beautiful copy—it’s a roadmap to how the garment will behave on your body. At Maman and Heir, we choose our words with intention. Here’s how to read between the lines:

• “Fits true to size”: The piece aligns with standard expectations for the label. If you’re familiar with the brand, order your usual size.
  

• “Cut for a relaxed fit”: Expect room through the torso or hips. This may be intentional for a slouchy, draped effect.
  

• “Designed for a close fit”: It will hug the body. Consider sizing up if you prefer breathing room or a more casual silhouette.
  

• “Structured tailoring”: Think crisp shoulders, defined waistlines, and a more formal silhouette. Best worn true to size for the intended effect.
  

• “Elastic waistband / adjustable tie / wrap style”: These are friendly cuts that accommodate slight fluctuations in sizing or offer some forgiveness.
  
  

We also highlight when a fabric has stretch, if a garment is fully lined, or if there’s an invisible zipper or side closure that may affect the ease of wearing.

Ultimately, our product descriptions are not just about romance—they’re about reality. We want you to fall in love with the garment, but we also want you to live in it.

Fabric First: Understanding How Materials Fit and Fall

If size is the first question, fabric is the second—and sometimes the most important. You can’t always judge a garment by the tag; how it drapes, moves, and molds to your body is largely determined by what it’s made from.

Here are a few core fabrics we work with regularly—and what you can expect from each:

1. Wool & Wool Blends

Structured, breathable, and inherently elegant. Whether it’s a soft Merino sweater or a sculpted wool coat, this fabric holds its shape and adds polish. Some pieces include stretch or silk linings for ease.

Good for: blazers, coats, trousers, cold-weather staples
Fit tip: Order true to size unless noted otherwise; tailor for perfect fit.

2. Silk

The most temperamental—and most exquisite—of fabrics. Silk flows with the body, offering a sensual softness and sheen. Bias-cut silks will skim the figure, while structured silks (like silk faille) offer more shape.

Good for: dresses, blouses, skirts, eveningwear
Fit tip: Lean slightly toward your larger size if between sizes; silk offers little forgiveness but creates magic when it fits just right.

3. Cotton & Poplin

A breathable classic. High-quality cotton feels crisp and tailored when structured, or soft and slouchy in looser cuts. Poplin is tightly woven, often used for shirting and summer dresses.

Good for: shirts, day dresses, casualwear
Fit tip: Pay attention to structure—crisper pieces may run narrow in the shoulders.

4. Crepe & Viscose

Fluid, weighty, and often used in draped silhouettes. Crepe has a matte texture and lovely movement. Viscose offers silk-like drape but with added durability.

Good for: trousers, wrap dresses, fluid suiting
Fit tip: Great for forgiving fit. Drapes well across curves and moves with ease.

5. Knitwear (Wool, Cashmere, Cotton Blends)

Luxury knits are about both comfort and silhouette. Finer gauge knits (like cashmere) may skim the body, while heavier knits can add structure.

Good for: layering, transitional seasons, travel
Fit tip: Many knits are flexible—size down for a close fit or up for slouchy elegance.

Styling Without a Fitting Room: Creating Confidence in Your Cart

Once you understand the fabric and the fit, you’re nearly there. But there’s one more step: visualization.

Online shopping asks you to imagine the garment on your body, in your life. At Maman and Heir, we help bridge that gap:

• We style many pieces with suggestions for layering or pairing
  

• We provide model height and garment length for proportion cues
  

• We highlight fabric movement and intended silhouette
  

• We offer close-up photos so you can inspect texture and construction
  

We also encourage you to think about the intention of the piece:

• Is it meant to be oversized? Don’t size down—it’s part of the look.
  

• Is it meant to skim? Check your measurements before assuming.
  

• Will you layer it? Consider sleeve and shoulder room.
  

We’ve helped clients across the globe style pieces for weddings, interviews, weekends, and winters abroad—all without trying on a thing first. And the best outcomes always come when clients shop slowly, thoughtfully, and with curiosity—not just urgency.

Your Questions, Answered: A Maman and Heir Fit FAQ

Q: What if I’m between sizes?
A: Reach out to us. We can measure shoulder width, garment length, bust, waist, hip—whatever you need. If it’s a toss-up, we’ll guide you based on cut and fabric.

Q: Can I tailor the piece?
A: Absolutely. Many high-end garments are made with alteration in mind. If you love it, make it yours.

Q: Will this fabric cling or drape?
A: Ask us. We’ll let you know how it moves, breathes, and wears throughout the day.

Q: How do I care for this fabric?
 A: Our team provides care instructions with every order, but we also welcome questions post-purchase. We want your pieces to last.

Why This Matters

At the heart of this guide is one belief: luxury should never feel uncertain. When you choose a piece from Maman and Heir, you deserve to feel confident that it will fit not only your body, but your life. We’re not just here to sell beautiful garments—we’re here to help you build a wardrobe that you can rely on, season after season.

And we know that when a garment fits—truly fits—it becomes more than clothing. It becomes part of your story.

Closing Reflections

You don’t need to try something on to know it’s right. Not when you have a boutique that knows how to guide you. Not when the product descriptions are honest. Not when the materials are high-caliber, and the people behind the pieces care deeply about how they feel on your skin.

At Maman and Heir, we take pride in making the online shopping experience feel personal, elevated, and effortless. From the first click to the final button, our goal is to remove doubt—so you can shop with intention, elegance, and full confidence.

Because true luxury doesn’t start in a fitting room.
 It starts with knowing you’re in good hands.