How we size your vintage clothing

Our size and shape has changed across the decades because of this labels on our garments (if present) may differ from the sizes we state.
See our page on how body size has changed our the years.

Will it Fit?

We recommend taking something that fits you well and using the methods we have set out below to measure it.

How we size and measure your vintage clothes

  1. We measure each vintage clothing item before adding it to our site.
  2. The item is then given a size which compares with modern standard clothing sizing.
  3. Further to this we also measure each items dimensions. To you understand where we take these measurements from see our charts and descriptions below.

Dresses

  1. The bust measurement is taken from around the chest line.
  2. The waist measurement is taken from the narrowest part where as our hip measurement is from the fullest part.
  3. Entire length is from back neck to the dress hemline.

Skirts

  1. Waist measurement is taken from around the waistband, if it has a high waist or is very fitted we may add a hip measurement taken from the widest part of the hip area
    2. .
  2. Skirt length is measured from the waistband to it's hem.

All Tops, Jackets and Coats

  1. The bust/chest is measured by taking the width of the garment and doubling it. So if a shirt measured 22inch in width it would be a 44inch chest.
  2. If the item has a sleeve it would be measured shoulder to cuff or sleeve hem.
  3. Garment length would be from the hem up to the shoulder.

Trousers, Chinos and Jeans

  1. The waist is measured by taking the width of the waistband and doubling it. So if the waistband width was 14inch it would be a 28inch waist.
  2. The length measurement is taken using the inside leg