Buying a Selkie Dress in the UK: Worth the Import Fees?

Updated for March 2026

Key Takeaways: Selkie UK Guide

• Where to Buy: You can buy directly from Selkie (US).

• Customs Warning: Ordering from the US site can incur high import duties (around £60+, depending on the dress price).

• Sizing: Selkie is incredibly inclusive (up to 6X). Generally, they are true to size, but always check the specific chart for each dress.

• Best Value: Sign up for the newsletter for 30% off sales, or check By Rotation for renting options.

For some reason, I seem to think that I need gifts every time I am sad. With all my recent health problems, I have been sad a lot. So, I decided to go really out there and treat myself to something I have wanted for years: a Selkie dress. Selkie has always stood out to me, not only for their beautiful designs but for their super inclusive marketing and incredible size range.

Usually, my reaction to seeing someone wear one online is a literal gasp. I wanted to make sure the Selkie dress I picked had the same effect on others. Safe to say, after a little glimpse on my Instagram, it definitely has. You do not just treat yourself to a dress like this and take a mirror selfie, so off we went to the woods with my Sony camera to fully capture the beauty of this piece.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Selkie Dress?

I spent weeks hunting on Vinted and eBay and found nothing in my size. I considered using fashion renting websites, but nothing was quite my style. Then, by chance, I clicked on the website during a 30% off everything sale.

If you are looking for a deal, I highly recommend following Selkie on social media and signing up for their newsletter so you do not miss their warehouse or seasonal sales.

Which Dress Did I Choose?

The Nightcap Day Dress at £189.

This is a classic Selkie style with super puffy sleeves, curve-hugging seams, and a little tie detailing on the bust. The print is perfect for Autumn/Winter. It is 100% heavy cotton and so incredibly well made; you can really tell the quality is worth the money.

Care Tip: The instructions say to gently hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. There is no way this will be thrown into the washing machine!

Is Selkie Sizing Accurate for Plus Size?

I bought a 1X, and the sizing is spot on. A 1X in Selkie is roughly a UK size 20, but you must check the size chart for every individual dress before ordering.

Selkie recommends buying based on your bust and waist measurements. I was tempted to get a 2X because I am used to brands running small, but the 1X is perfect. It goes up to a 6X (UK 30/32), and I love seeing that level of inclusivity.

The Big Question: Selkie Import Duty and Tax

I paid a whopping £60 in fees to get this dress into the UK. Honestly, if I had known that beforehand, it might have put me off! However, with the 30% discount, it worked out to be a fair price for a “forever” piece. It arrived within 6 days, which made the extra fee feel a little more tolerable.

Is a Selkie Dress Worth it?

I would personally say 100%. They are beautifully made, incredible quality, and they make you feel like a princess. Plus, even though it doesn’t look it, when I am sat in my electric wheelchair properly, the length is actually quite wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t get caught in my wheels.

FAQ: Buying Selkie Dresses in the UK