House of CB Dress Guide: Sizing, Styles, and Stores

Few fashion brands have managed to combine red-carpet glamour with accessible pricing quite like House of CB. The London-based label is best known for its signature bodycon bandage dresses that have become go-to pieces for nights out and special occasions. This guide unpacks the brand’s sizing quirks, where to shop, and whether those curve-hugging silhouettes live up to the hype.

Founded: 2010 ·
Design origin: London, UK ·
Signature style: Curve-hugging bandage dresses ·
Key retailers: houseofcb.com, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Selfridges

Seven key details at a glance:

What is House of CB?

Brand history and founder

“House of CB is a leading British womenswear brand, internationally recognized for red-carpet gowns and VIP separates.”

House of CB official site (bandage dresses page)

House of CB was founded in 2010 by Conna Walker in London. The brand quickly carved a niche for itself with curve-hugging bandage dresses that flatter a wide range of body types. Its designs have been spotted on red carpets and at high-profile events, earning it a reputation as a go-to for women who want to make an entrance.

Design philosophy and signature style

The brand describes its aesthetic as “statement pieces for women who own their femininity” (House of CB Signature Bodycon Bandage Dresses page). The signature bandage dress is a bodycon style made from a thick, stretchy fabric blend (91% polyester, 9% elastane) that holds its shape and provides a sculpting effect (ASOS product page: House of CB the sculpt bandage mini dress in black). Colours range from classic black to metallics and vibrant hues, ensuring there’s an option for every occasion.

The implication: House of CB’s design philosophy centres on confidence and fit. The brand prioritises a second-skin feel, which makes the sizing details below all the more important.

Where to Buy House of CB Dresses

Official website (houseofcb.com)

The official House of CB site carries the full collection, including bandage dresses, gowns, and separates. It also features a sale section where past-season pieces are discounted. The site ships internationally, though exact costs and delivery times vary by destination.

Department store retailers: Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Selfridges

In Ireland and the UK, House of CB is stocked by Brown Thomas and Arnotts (both in Dublin) and by Selfridges (London, Manchester, Birmingham). These department stores offer the chance to try on dresses before buying — a major plus when sizing is a concern. The brand’s presence in these premium retailers signals a move toward high-street accessibility.

Sale and outlet sections

The official sale page (House of CB Signature Bodycon Bandage Dresses page) lists discounted styles, often with limited stock. Prices during sales can drop below £50, making entry-level pieces more affordable.

The pattern: direct purchase from the brand gives you the widest selection and access to sales, while department stores let you try before you buy. For shoppers in Dublin and London, that trade-off is worth considering.

Do House of CB Dresses Run True to Size?

General sizing notes from customers

House of CB uses UK sizing. Many online discussions suggest that the bandage dresses fit snugly as designed — the brand itself says they run true to size chart and should not be sized up or down (House of CB product page: ‘The OG’ Rose Gold Bandage Mini Dress). However, some customers report that certain styles feel tighter, especially around the bust and hips.

Comparison with standard UK/US sizing

ASOS, which stocks House of CB, provides a useful mapping from the brand’s letter sizes to UK dress sizes (ASOS product page: House of CB the sculpt bandage mini dress in black):

Five sizes, one pattern: ASOS maps XS to UK 6-8 and XL to UK 14-16, showing a consistent one-size-per-letter progression.

Fit advice for bandage dresses

House of CB’s help centre instructs customers to measure bust, waist, and hips directly on the body with a tape measure without over-tightening. For the most accurate fit, take your measurements naked and compare to the chart above. If you’re between sizes, the brand suggests sticking with your larger measurement — the fabric has enough stretch to accommodate.

How to Style and Care for House of CB Dresses

Styling tips for bandage dresses

Bandage dresses from House of CB work best with heels and statement jewellery — a block heel or strappy sandal keeps the silhouette clean, while chunky earrings or a metallic clutch add glamour. The structured fabric holds its shape, so layering is simple: a cropped blazer or leather jacket can take the look from night to day.

Accessories that complement the fit

• Heels (especially strappy or pointed-toe) elongate the leg line
• Bold earrings or a cuff bracelet draw attention to the neckline
• A small crossbody bag keeps the waist clear and the focus on the dress

Cleaning and maintenance instructions

House of CB recommends dry cleaning for its structured pieces to maintain the bandage fabric’s elasticity and shape. Satin and stretch styles may be hand-washed in cold water, but the brand advises checking the care label on each dress. Avoid wringing or tumble drying — hang dry away from direct heat.

The upshot: treat a bandage dress like the investment it is. Proper care extends its lifespan, and the structured fabric rewards careful treatment with years of wear.

Are House of CB Dresses Worth the Investment?

Price range and value proposition

House of CB dresses range from £50 to £500 (House of CB Signature Bodycon Bandage Dresses page). Bandage mini dresses typically sit around £80-£150, while floor-length gowns can reach the upper end. Compared to other red-carpet-focused brands, this pricing is accessible — think £300 for a piece that could easily cost £800 from a luxury competitor.

Occasion suitability (formal, party, red carpet)

The brand’s dresses are suitable for proms, weddings, corporate events, and red-carpet occasions. The structured bandage fabric photographs well and provides a polished silhouette. Customer reviews (from ASOS and brand site) often highlight compliments and confidence boosts.

Pros and cons of House of CB dresses

For the buyer considering a special-occasion dress, House of CB offers strong value for the quality. The catch is the return policy — if you’re unsure about fit, ordering from a department store with a more generous return window may be safer.

House of CB has carved a distinct space in womenswear: red-carpet glamour at prices that don’t require a celebrity budget. The bandage dress, its flagship product, delivers on the promise of a curve-hugging, confidence-boosting silhouette. But as with any structured piece, fit is critical. For UK shoppers, the combination of the brand’s size chart and ASOS’s mapping provides a reliable guide. For those in Ireland, department stores like Brown Thomas and Arnotts offer a try-before-you-buy advantage. The verdict: if you measure carefully and account for the snug fit, a House of CB dress is worth the investment.