Size Guide
Beyond Retro garments are vintage items (unless stated) and can vary from the standardised clothing sizes of today. Our garment measurements are taken in inches with the item laid flat to make sure that when they reach you, they fit you like a charm!
As it is essential that you know your measurements, please see below our top tips for getting your particulars right. If you need a measuring tape, we have also provided you with one. Click here to download a printable tape measure.
Sizing Tips
Standardised measurements of clothing have altered over the years. Please do not be put off by the sizing label on vintage garments; this will most likely be completely different to today's sizing and could be the perfect fit!
We use two different types of measurements:
Body measurements (Chest and Bust): These are an approximation of the body measurement that the garment should fit. For example: if you have a 40” chest you should look for garments that have a 40 “ chest.(or larger if you require a looser fit.)
We suggest you measure yourself to find out your size. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest/bust. This is usually just under the arm pit.
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
The Top Half - Shirts/Blouses/Vests/Knits/Sweatshirts/Jackets/Coats/T-shirts
Body measurements (Chest and Bust): Measure your own chest/bust and look for the equivalent size in the measurement on the garments.
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Length- Measure from collar or top of shoulder to the hem of the garment (This is an actual garment measurement)
- Sleeve length - Measured from shoulder to cuff.
- Shoulder - Measurement taken from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
Dresses
Body measurements (Bust): Measure your own bust and look for the equivalent size in the measurement on the garments.
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Waist - Measured from the narrowest part of the waist, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
- Hips - Measured the fullest part of the hips, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
- Length - Measured from the highest point of the garment to the hem.
Jumpsuits/Playsuits
Body measurements (Bust/Chest) : Measure your own bust/chest and look for the equivalent size in the measurement on the garments.
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Waist - Measured from the narrowest part of the waist, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
- Hips - Measure the fullest part of the hips, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
- Length - Measure from the highest point of the garment to the hem.
- Bodice (this measurement will ensure the length in body from the crotch is not too short!) - Measure from the top of strap (if strapless, measure from highest point) to crotch gaining body length measurement.
Skirts
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Waist - Measure from one side of the waist band to the other, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
- Length - Measure from the top of the waist band to the hem.
The Bottom Half- Trousers/Jeans/Shorts
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Waist - Measure from one side of the waist band to the other, and then double this measurement for correct sizing. Elasticated waist measurements are given with the waist stretched in proportion to the garment.
- Leg length - Measure from the top of the inside leg to the hem.
Lingerie
Body measurements (Bust) : Measure your own bust and look for the equivalent size in the measurement on the garments.
Garment Measurements – These are the actual measurement of the garment.
- Length - Measured from the highest point of garment (not including straps) to the hem.
- Hips - Measured from the widest part of the hips, then doubled.
Size Guideline – These are only an indication to what size you might be please check your measurements with a tape measure as described on the page to get the correct sizing.
| Beyond Retro Women's Size Guideline |
| UK |
6 |
8-10 |
12-14 |
16-18 |
20 |
| |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
| BUST |
31 |
78 |
32-34 |
81-86 |
36-38 |
91-98 |
40-43 |
101-108 |
45 |
116 |
| WAIST |
23 |
60.5 |
24-26 |
63-68 |
28-30 |
73-78 |
32-35 |
83-90 |
38 |
98 |
| HIPS |
33 |
86 |
34-36 |
88-93 |
38-40 |
98-103 |
42-45 |
108-116 |
48 |
123 |
| Beyond Retro Men's Size Guideline |
| |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
| |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
INCHES |
CM |
| CHEST |
34-36 |
86-91 |
36-38 |
91-96 |
38-40 |
96-101 |
40-42 |
101-106 |
42-44 |
106-111 |
| NECK |
14.5 |
37 |
15 |
38 |
16 |
41 |
17 |
43 |
17.5 |
44 |
Bags
- Width - Measured the side of the bag seam to seam.
- Height - Measured from the highest point of the bag to the base (not including the strap).
- Strap Height - This is half the length of the entire strap, from the clasp to the highest point of the strap. Double this measurement to get the full strap length.
Belts
- Tie belts - Measured from tail to tail.
- Buckle belts - Measured from the point of the buckle to the middle hole.
- Clasp belts - Measured from clasp to clasp.
- Belts with no buckle whole - Measured from buckle to the furthest point the belt can comfortably do up.
Headwear
- Hat Circumference - This is the measurement taken inside the hat for fit.
- Height - Taken from the base of the hat to the highest point.
Shoes
Below is the standard shoe guide for both male and female. We have also added how we measure shoes for a more accurate fit.
| Beyond Retro Men's Size Guideline |
| UK |
1.5 |
2 |
2.5 |
3 |
3.5 |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
| USA |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
10.5 |
11 |
| Europe |
34 |
34.5 |
35 |
36 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
38 |
39 |
39 |
40 |
40.5 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
| Japan |
- |
- |
- |
22 |
22.5 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
26.5 |
27 |
28 |
| Beyond Retro Men's Guideline |
| Chest |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
| USA |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
12 |
13 |
| Europe |
37.5 |
38 |
38.5 |
39 |
40 |
41 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
43 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
46 |
47 |
| Japan |
23.5 |
24 |
24.5 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
30 |
- |
Beyond Retro Shoe Sizing Tips
As vintage shoes have a tendency to not stick to standardised sizing, we have provided measurements for our shoes which will enable you to get a more accurate understanding of the fit.
Heel height - Measured from the floor to the top of the heel at the back of the shoe. Please note, when mentioning "Narrow fit" in comments, this is because although the shoe may be your size, vintage shoes from the 1960's and earlier were considerably narrower than the standard width of today. Please consider this before purchasing.
Beyond Retro Vintage Care Tips
Washing clothes is a controversial subject in vintage. People endlessly debate the merits and dangers of washing vs. dry cleaning, however, here are our tips:
- Always hand wash pre 1960s vintage, rather than machine washing and drying it. If you are really concerned, as the fabric is very old or delicate, consider not washing it at all: a good airing can often work just as well for removing odour without damaging the garment. This is what Issey Miyake does if it's good enough for him; it's good enough for us!
- To keep your precious clothes in good condition, wash them less. Repeated, vigorous washing can damage the fibres of vintage clothes (and new clothes too). Washing (machine-washable) clothes at 30 instead of 60 degrees will also prolong their life, and is much more eco-friendly too.
- Never wash embroidered silks or satins, ever!
- If you want to dry clean specialty vintage items that are durable enough for it, then use a reputable dry cleaner that you can build up a relationship of trust with. There's nothing more stressful than leaving your special finds in the hands of strangers. It's good to use someone that you trust to know what's best for your clothes and will take as much care of them as you would.
- If you're unsure, you can get dry cleaner cloths for home use, in your own dryer. You can clean up to six items with one cloth.
- With all vintage clothing and shoes, try not to wear the item two days in a row without airing it. This will give it time to breathe and will restore it for the next wear.
For more information on our tips for vintage care, please click here to go to the Vintage Care section.
We hope this information has been helpful to you and we hope you enjoy the online Beyond Retro shopping experience. Please come and visit us in store for many more exciting vintage items.
) 
