Stepping into the vibrant, bohemian world of a Camilla dress is an experience in itself. Known for their exquisite prints, luxurious fabrics, and dramatic, flowing silhouettes, the Australian brand has carved out a unique and beloved space in the fashion landscape. However, for many potential buyers, especially those shopping online, a critical question arises: do Camilla dresses run small? Navigating the sizing of a designer brand can be daunting, and making the wrong choice with such a statement piece can be a costly mistake. Understanding the fit is not just about a number on a tag; it’s about ensuring the dress drapes, moves, and makes you feel as magnificent as it looks.
This comprehensive guide is your definitive resource for mastering Camilla sizing. We will move far beyond a simple “yes” or “no” and delve deep into the nuances of their specific fits, fabric behaviours, and design philosophies. You will learn not just the answer to do Camilla dresses run small, but how to decode their size charts, select the right style for your body type, and employ strategic tips to guarantee a perfect fit every time. Our goal is to provide you with a depth of detail and practical insight that surpasses other resources, empowering you to shop for your dream Camilla dress with confidence and clarity.
Decoding the Camilla Fit: It’s More Than Just Size

The central question, do Camilla dresses run small, doesn’t have a one-word answer because the brand employs several different fits across its collections. The key is to understand that Camilla sizing is often discerning and design-specific. Many long-term customers and fashion reviewers would agree that certain styles, particularly those with more structured elements, can run small to size. However, the brand’s iconic kaftans and flowy styles are designed with a more generous, relaxed fit.
The perception of small sizing often stems from two main factors: the brand’s Australian sizing origins and its body-conscious design ethos in certain silhouettes. Australian sizing can differ slightly from US sizing, often being more fitted. Furthermore, Camilla designs are created to flatter the form, even in their voluminous pieces, which means the placement of seams, bust darts, and armholes is very intentional and may not align with the less-structured fit of high-street brands.
A Deep Dive into Camilla’s Size Chart and Conversion
The most objective place to start is with the brand’s own size chart. Unlike brands that offer simple XS-XL labelling, Camilla typically uses numerical Australian sizing (e.g., 8, 10, 12).
A general observation when comparing the Camilla size chart to a standard US size chart is that a Camilla size often corresponds to a smaller US size. For example, a Camilla size 10 may have bust and hip measurements closer to a US size 6 or 8. This is the primary source of the belief that Camilla dresses run small.
Pro Tip: Never assume your usual size. Always have a soft tape measure on hand and take your current measurements—bust, waist, and hips—and compare them directly to the specific Camilla size chart for the dress you are viewing. Do not rely on your memory of your size from another brand.
Analysing Fit by Silhouette: Where Camilla Dresses Run Small (and Where They Don’t)
This is the most crucial section for understanding the nuances of Camilla’s sizing. The fit is entirely dependent on the dress’s silhouette.
Kaftans and Kimonos: The Generous Fit
- Typical Fit: True to Size or Oversized.
- Analysis: This is where Camilla’s reputation for comfort and flow truly shines. Kaftans are designed to be loose, drapey, and forgiving. They are intended to skim the body rather than cling to it. If you are between sizes in a kaftan style, you could likely take your smaller size for a more defined look or your larger size for a truly relaxed, resort-ready vibe. They are generally not where you will encounter tightness.
The “Midi Marvel” and Bodycon Styles: The Snug Fit
- Typical Fit: Runs Small.
- Analysis: Dresses that are designed to be more fitted through the torso, hips, and thighs are the styles that most frequently lead to the conclusion that Camilla dresses run small. These include styles like the fitted midi dresses, sheath dresses, and any design described as “body-skimming” or “tailored.” The fabric in these styles, while often still a silk blend, has less ease built in. The armholes and sleeves on these styles can also be particularly fitted. If you have a broader back or shoulders, you may need to size up in these specific designs.
Maxi Dresses with Defined Waists: A Mixed Bag
- Typical Fit: Can Vary, but often Snug in the Bodice.
- Analysis: Many Camilla maxi dresses feature a beautifully defined waist, either through seaming, gathering, or a tie belt. While the skirt is flowy and generous, the bodice is often tailored and fitted. It is common for buyers to find the bust and waist on these styles to be tight, even if the hips and length are perfect. This is a key area where consulting the specific garment’s measurements is vital.
Sleeves and Armholes: A Common Point of Constriction
Across nearly all styles, one of the most consistent pieces of feedback is that sleeves and armholes can be narrow and fitted. This is a design feature that adds to the sophisticated, structured look but can feel restrictive if you are used to more room in the armscye. If you have muscular shoulders or simply prefer a less restrictive fit in the arms, this is a strong indicator to consider sizing up.
The Fabric Factor: How Material Influences Fit
Camilla primarily uses luxurious fabrics like silk twill, silk georgette, and silk/viscose blends. Understanding how these materials behave is essential.
- Silk Twill: Has a beautiful, fluid drape but little to no stretch. A dress made from silk twill will be less forgiving than one with any elastane content. You must rely on the precise cut of the garment, making accurate sizing critical.
- Silk Georgette: A crinkled, textured fabric that is lightweight and flowy. It is generally more forgiving than twill due to its textured nature, which can hide minor fit issues. It drapes beautifully and is a good choice for those seeking a less structured feel.
- Stretch Blends: Some Camilla styles incorporate a small percentage of elastane. These are the most forgiving styles and are a safer bet if you are unsure about sizing or are between sizes. Always check the fabric composition on the product page.
Strategic Tips for Ensuring the Perfect Fit
Navigating the question of do Camilla dresses run small requires a strategic approach to shopping.
- Read the Product Description Meticulously: Camilla’s website often includes specific fit notes, such as “fitted through the bodice” or “relaxed, oversized fit.” These descriptions are your first and most important clue.
- Scour the Reviews: This is non-negotiable. Look for reviews from people who share your body type and measurements. Pay close attention to any recurring comments about tightness in the bust, arms, or waist. Reviewers often explicitly state if they sized up or down.
- Understand Your Body Type in Relation to the Style:
- Pear-Shaped: You may find a perfect fit in the hips and skirt of a flowing style but need a larger size for the bodice. A wrap style can be your best friend.
- Apple-Shaped: Look for empire waist or A-line styles that flow from the bust. Be cautious of dresses with tight, defined waists.
- Hourglass-Shaped: Fitted midi styles can be stunning, but ensure the bust and hip measurements align perfectly. You may need to size for your largest measurement.
- Broad Shoulders/Back: Prioritise styles with open necklines, raglan sleeves, or simply be prepared to size up to accommodate your shoulders, even if the rest of the dress is then roomier.
- When in Doubt, Size Up: The most common and safest advice for Camilla is to size up if you are uncertain, especially for fitted styles. It is almost always easier for a tailor to take in a dress that is slightly too large than to let out a dress that is too small, particularly with delicate, printed fabrics where the pattern may be disrupted.
The Resale Market and Final Sale Items: A Word of Caution
The secondary market on sites like eBay and Vestiaire Collective is full of Camilla dresses, often with tags still attached. A frequent reason for resale is an incorrect size. This serves as a real-world testament to the challenging nature of their sizing. Be extra vigilant when purchasing final sale items or from the resale market, as returns are often not possible. Your due diligence on measurements and reviews is paramount in these scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am usually a US Medium. What size should I buy in Camilla?
This is highly dependent on the dress style. For a relaxed kaftan, you might be a Camilla 10 (AU). For a fitted midi dress, you will likely need a Camilla 12 or even 14 (AU). The safest approach is to disregard your usual US size. Instead, measure your bust, waist, and hips and compare them directly to the specific size chart for the dress you want. When in doubt, sizing up is the recommended strategy.
Are Camilla dresses true to size?
Generally, Camilla dresses are not considered true to size when compared to standard US sizing. Many styles, particularly fitted silhouettes like midi and bodycon dresses, run small. The brand’s flowy kaftans and kimono styles are more likely to be true to size or even oversized. Always check the fit notes and customer reviews for the specific garment.
How do I know if a specific Camilla dress style runs small?
There are three key indicators:
- The Product Description: Look for words like “fitted,” “tailored,” “body-skimming,” or “structured.”
- Customer Reviews: This is the most reliable source. Filter reviews for those that mention “size” and look for patterns. Phrases like “had to size up” or “tight in the arms” are major red flags for a small-running style.
- The Silhouette: As a rule, fitted styles (sheath, bodycon, tailored midi) are much more likely to run small than fluid styles (kaftans, maxis with no defined waist).
What if my measurements are between two sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes on the Camilla size chart, it is almost always advisable to choose the larger size. This is especially true for any style that is not a voluminous kaftan. The fabrics have little stretch, and a dress that is too tight is unwearable, whereas a dress that is slightly loose can often be tailored for a perfect fit.
Do Camilla dresses have stretch?
Many Camilla dresses are made from 100% silk or silk/viscose blends with no elastane, meaning they have no stretch. Some contemporary styles may include 2-5% elastane for added comfort and movement. Always check the fabric composition listed on the product page. If a dress has no stretch, accurate sizing becomes even more critical.
Is the sizing consistent across all Camilla dresses?
Unfortunately, no. Sizing can vary between different styles, collections, and even fabrications. A size 10 in a silk twill maxi dress may fit differently than a size 10 in a silk georgette kaftan. This is why it is so important to evaluate each dress individually based on its own size chart, description, and reviews, rather than assuming consistency across the entire brand.
Conclusion
So, do Camilla dresses run small? The resounding conclusion is that while not every style is diminutive, a significant portion of the collection, particularly the fitted and tailored silhouettes, demands a cautious and informed approach to sizing. The brand’s exquisite, body-conscious designs, often crafted from non-stretch fabrics, mean that the numerical size on the tag does not always align with standard US expectations.
The path to a perfectly fitting Camilla dress lies in a strategy of diligent research. Arm yourself with a tape measure, become a student of the specific product’s size chart, devour customer reviews for real-world insights, and always lean towards sizing up when caught in a dilemma. By embracing this informed approach, you can transcend the uncertainty of sizing and confidently select a Camilla masterpiece that fits flawlessly, allowing you to fully embody the bohemian elegance and artistic spirit the brand is renowned for.