Does Express Run Small? (Read Before You Buy!)

Express actually runs small in most product categories and sizes.

As a leading brand in fashion, Express is known for its trendy and stylish designs. But does this come at the expense of fit?

I, along with my girlfriend, tried out different clothing items at an Express outlet, and in this article, you’ll get to know exactly how they fit us.

I will also cover a few tips and tricks to help you find the size that will be perfect for you.

But if you want to directly shop the sale at Express (some of the products are selling for 80% off!), you can use the link below to do so.

How Does Express Clothing Fit?

express clothing

The sizing system at Express is pretty inconsistent for both men and women. But in general, the smaller sizes tend to run a bit large and larger sizes tend to run a bit small.

I don’t know why this is the case at Express, but the fact that a person with a relatively common body type like me had trouble with figuring out their sizing does not bode well for the brand.

So, what size should you purchase when shopping from their website?

Here’s what I recommend. Take a look at the official size chart on the Express website, and compare your body measurements with it. Simply order one size larger than what the chart suggests.

This rule of thumb will help you avoid the hassles of returns and exchanges. But of course, you can go in much more detail too.

If you’re taller or have a larger frame (think 6 feet or 200 pounds), you’ll probably need to size up in most items.

If you’re on the petite side, you might need to size down.

And if you have a more athletic model-esque build, you might find that the fit is true to size.

One more thing 👉 Sometimes the Express website shows discounts on products only after going through the clearance section and not if you directly go to the product page. Thus, make sure that you always check for your product in the sale section on the Express website.

What size should you get at Express?

If you’re having trouble finding clothes that fit well from Express, here are a few tips:

  • Make sure to check the size chart before you buy anything. Most items over there tend to not be true-to-size, so you may need to size up or down.
  • If you’re in-between sizes, or if you’re not sure which size to get, it’s better to err on the side of caution and go with the larger size. Remember, you can always make a garment smaller, but very rarely can you make it larger.
  • Express clothes are still meant to be form-fitting, so if you’re not comfortable with that, you may want to look elsewhere.
  • If you’re having trouble finding clothes that fit well, it’s always worth asking a sales associate for help. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and help you find the perfect fit.

Which Express Items Run Small?

Express ClothingSizing
JeansRun small.
ShirtsRun small.
DressesTrue to size
JacketsHalf a size small.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular Express items and how they fit, so you can be sure to order the right size the first time around.

Jeans

Express Jeans fit mostly true to size for smaller sizes, but their bigger sizes tend to run a bit small. So if you are a bit bigger, it will be much better to size up.

This advice is only applicable to women. The men’s jeans were pretty much true to size.

Shirts

Like jeans, Express shirts in bigger sizes also tend to run small. This is true for both the men’s section and the women’s section.

Therefore, it’s best to order one size up or (even two sizes up if prefer more room in your clothing) for a better fit.

Dresses

While most dresses at Express run true to size, there can still be a few outliers that might not fit perfectly on your body type.

Thus, it’s best to try on a few different styles and sizes to find the perfect fit.

Jackets and Coats 

Express jackets are particularly frustrating because they’re almost perfect in fit. They just run about half-size small. Therefore, the decision of sizing up is in your court.

If you like your clothes particularly snug, I don’t recommend sizing up. But if you prefer a roomier fit, then go ahead and size up because you aren’t going to find better quality at this price point.

Express Size Chart For Men

All measurements are in inches.

Tops and Shirts

SizeChestSleeveNeck
XS33.5-35.531.25-31.7513-13.5
S36.5-38.532-32.514-14.5
M39.5-41.532.75-33.2515-15.5
L42.5-44.533.5-3416-16.5
XL45.5-48.534.25-3517-17.5
XXL49.5-52.535.25-3618-18.5
XS TALL33.5-35.532.25-32.7513-13.5
S TALL36.5-38.533-33.514-14.5
M TALL39.5-41.533.75-34.2515-15.5
L TALL42.5-44.534.5-3516-16.5
XL TALL45.5-48.535.25-3617-17.5
XXL TALL49.5-52.536.25-3718-18.5

Express Size Chart For Women

All measurements are in inches.

Tops And Dresses

SizeNumericalBust
XXS000-0029.5-30.5
XS0-231.5-32.5
S4-633.5-34.5
M8-1035.5-37
L12-1438.5-40.5
XL16-1843-45.5

Bottoms and Jeans

SizeNumericalWaistHip
XXS000-0023-2433.5-34.5
XS0-225-2635.5-36.5
S4-627-2837.5-38.5
M8-1029-30.539.5-41
L12-1432-3442.5-44.5
XL16-1836.5-3947-49.5

Does Express Make Plus-Size Clothing?

Yes, Express does currently offer plus-size clothing options. However, that doesn’t mean that you can find all plus sizes! Express only offers up to a size 18 online.

However, plus-size fashion is booming right now, and there are plenty of brands that cater to curvy and plus-size women.

So, don’t despair if you can’t find your size at Express. There are plenty of other places where you can find the perfect outfit to make you look and feel your best. And who knows, maybe one day Express will fully jump on the plus-size bandwagon! Fingers crossed.

Final Remarks

Express sizing is not very accurate. But as a rule of thumb, for larger sizes, you would need to size up, and for smaller sizes, you would need to size down.

If you keep these sizing tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for any Express item you’re shopping for! So there you have it! A few tips to help you figure out what size you should get at Express.