How to Read London Times Style Numbers

What the style number tells you

Every London Times dress carries a style number that looks like a random string of digits, but it is not random. The number is a compact code that records the three things you most want to know before you buy: the silhouette, the length, and the fabric family. Knowing how to decode it lets you scan a shop floor or an online grid and immediately narrow down which dresses fit your needs.

The code is not a size or a season indicator. It is a product identifier that the brand uses internally, and it follows a consistent logic across the line. Once you learn the logic, you can apply it to any London Times dress. This guide walks through each part of the code and explains how to translate it into practical shopping decisions.

Decoding the silhouette

The first part of the style number typically indicates the silhouette. Silhouette is the overall shape of the dress: whether it is fitted and straight, flared from the waist, or loose and columnar. London Times uses a set of letters or numerals for this, and the meaning is consistent across styles. For example, certain digits are reserved for sheath dresses while others are used for A-line or fit-and-flare shapes.

If you are not sure what a silhouette term means, the brand's product photos will confirm it, but the style number gives you a shortcut. A dress with a number that corresponds to a fit-and-flare shape will have a defined waist and a skirt that widens toward the hem. A number for a shift dress means a straight, unfitted shape that falls from the shoulders.

• Sheath: close-fitting, straight silhouette
• A-line: fitted bodice, widening skirt
• Shift: loose, straight column
• Fit-and-flare: fitted waist with a flared skirt

Reading the length

The second part of the style number usually refers to the length. London Times classifies its dresses as mini, knee-length, midi, or maxi, and each has a dedicated code. The length is measured from the shoulder seam to the hem, but you do not need a tape measure to use the code: the number tells you which length bucket the dress falls into.

Length is one of the most important attributes for occasion. A knee-length dress works for the office, a midi for a wedding guest, and a maxi for a formal event. If you already know you want a specific length, you can filter by the style number and skip dresses that will not work. For a deeper look at how lengths correspond to body height and hem position, see our dress length guide.

Identifying the fabric

The final segment of the style number usually indicates the fabric family. London Times uses a few broad categories: knit, woven, and specialty. Knit dresses have stretch and are often casual or travel-friendly. Woven dresses are structured and hold their shape. Specialty includes fabrics like lace, satin, or velvet, which are usually reserved for dressier pieces.

The fabric code does not tell you the exact fiber content, but it tells you the hand and drape you can expect. For example, a knit dress will feel soft and stretchy, while a woven dress might be crisper and less forgiving. If you want to know whether a fabric is natural or synthetic, look at the care label or the fiber content list. The fabric content meaning article explains how to read that part of the label.

How to use style numbers when shopping

The practical payoff is speed. When you are browsing a large list of dresses, you can filter out styles that do not match your needs based on the style number alone. Suppose you need a knee-length knit dress for a business-casual event. You look for the code that pairs the knit fabric family with the knee-length length marker, and you instantly know which listings are worth opening.

The style number also helps you compare two dresses that look similar in photos but have different constructions. One might be a woven A-line while the other is a knit fit-and-flare, and the code tells you which is which. This is especially useful when shopping online, where fabric weight and stretch are hard to judge from images.

If you are new to the brand, start by familiarizing yourself with the most common silhouettes and lengths. You can then use the best London Times dresses guide to see how the style numbers play out in real-world picks. For a deeper understanding of how length and silhouette interact with your body, review the dress silhouette types and dress length by height articles.

Beyond the three core codes

Some style numbers include additional digits that indicate sleeve style, neckline, or even season. These are not always present, but when they are, they follow the same logic: each part of the number maps to a specific attribute. The key is to look for the pattern rather than memorizing every possible digit.

You do not need to decode every character. Focus on the three that matter most: silhouette, length, and fabric. Once you have those, you can make an informed decision about whether a dress is likely to suit your occasion and body. For more on how different silhouettes and lengths work together, see our A-line vs. fit-and-flare or maxi vs. midi comparisons.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do all London Times dresses have a style number?

Yes, every London Times dress carries a style number on its tag. The number is part of the product identification and appears in online listings as well.

Can I tell fabric content from the style number?

No, the style number usually indicates the fabric family (knit, woven, specialty) but not the exact fiber percentages. For fiber content, check the care label or the product description.

Why does London Times use style numbers instead of names?

Style numbers are compact and allow the brand to track thousands of variations. They also give shoppers a quick way to identify key attributes without reading a long product title.

Is the style number consistent across all London Times dresses?

The general structure is consistent, but not every segment is present in every number. The silhouette, length, and fabric codes are the most reliable, while other codes may vary by season.

How do I find the style number on a dress?

Look for a small tag inside the dress, usually at the neckline or side seam. The style number is often printed alongside the size and care instructions.

Does the style number tell me if a dress is true to size?

No, the style number does not indicate fit or sizing. For sizing guidance, refer to the brand's size chart and customer reviews, or see our article on how to measure dress size.