Does it run true to size?
'Fedele' — fe-DE-le. Three syllables.
Ask when you cannot try something on — ordering by phone, buying online, or when the fitting rooms are occupied. Staff who know the brand well can tell you if a style runs large or small.
'Vestire fedele alla taglia' = to fit true to size (literally 'to dress faithful to the size'). This is the Italian retail phrase equivalent to 'true to size'. 'Fedele' means faithful/true. Alternative: 'è nella taglia giusta?' — is it in the right size?
Tende a essere grande?
Does it tend to run large?
More specific direction.
È piccolo di taglia?
Does it run small?
Checks if item sizes down.
Devo prendere una taglia in più?
Should I take a size up?
Asks for direct recommendation.
Italian fashion brands size inconsistently — a size 42 in Prada differs from a 42 in Zara. Premium Italian brands tend to run slim and small. Mid-market brands are more standardised. Always ask staff who know the specific brand.