Sizing and Measurements
The first thing to remember with respect to sizing and measurements is that even today there is no industry standard for sizing in the clothing industry. That's why you fit into different sized clothing from store to store. With vintage clothing, not only is there no standard for sizing, the sizes of yesteryear are nowhere near what they are today.
Our measurements are taken as follows:
- Bust: This measurement is taken across the fullest part of the bust on the garment.
- Waist: This measurement is taken around the natural waistline.
- Hips: This measurement is taken around the fullest part of the hips on the garment, and is usually about 7 to 8 inches below the natural waistline.
- Sleeve Length: This measurement is taken on the outside, from shoulder seam, or natural shoulder on a seamless garment, to wrist.
- Total Length: This measurement is taken from the shoulder seam, or natural shoulder line if no seam exists, to the hem. Pants are measured on the inseam.
- Shoes: Vintage shoes are generally much narrower than those found in the modern world of footwear so you may need to go up at least 1 size to compensate for the narrow build of the shoe. Measurements are typically taken on the inside toe to heel for length and across the outside of the ball of the foot for width.
Any additional measurements taken for an item will be spelled out in the item description.
When shopping for vintage, it really pays to know your body and measurements, specifically your bust, waist and hips. Always keep your personal measurements handy.
How-to guide, Tips & Hints
To ensure the best fit for women and girls, you’ll need to measure the bust, waist, and hips.
Bust: With your arms at your side, place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.
Waist: While standing, wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline. Keep the tape comfortably loose.
Hips: While standing with your feet together, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your body between your waist and your knees. This is approximately 8 inches below your waist. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.
Please be sure to check measurements carefully. We do not accept returns for clothes that do not fit. Measurements might be different from the size that appears on the label, as modern sizes often differ from vintage sizes. Also, garments are occasionally pinned to fit the model, so please go by measurements provided. All measurements are taken flat with consideration to fabric. Please email us if you have any questions.
International Size Conversions
|
Women's Dresses and Suits |
|
United States |
0 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
|
Japan |
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
|
UK and ROI |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
|
France, Spain and Portugal |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
52 |
|
Germany and Scandinavia |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
|
Italy |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
52 |
54 |
56 |
|
Women’s Blouses and Sweaters |
|
EU |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
|
UK |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
41 |
44 |
|
US |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
|
Children’s Junior Misses Dresses and Coats |
|
EU |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
|
UK |
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
15 |
17 |
|
US |
1 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
15 |
|
WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL SHOE SIZE CONVERSIONS |
|
US |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
10.5 |
11 |
|
Ch |
35.5 |
36 |
37 |
37.5 |
38 |
39.5 |
39.5 |
40 |
41 |
41.5 |
42 |
43 |
44 |
|
Euro |
35 |
35.5 |
36 |
36.5 |
37 |
37.5 |
38 |
38.5 |
39 |
39.5 |
40 |
40.5 |
41 |
|
Aus |
3.5 |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
|
Mex |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
|
Jap |
21 |
21.5 |
22 |
22.5 |
23 |
23.5 |
24 |
24.5 |
25 |
25.5 |
26 |
26.5 |
27 |
|
UK |
2.5 |
3 |
3.5 |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
|