SIZE GUIDE FOR VINTAGE CLOTHING
When shopping for vintage and pre-loved pieces online, it's always best to follow the actual garment measurements listed rather than rely on a size tag as clothing has changed from decade to decade and differs from brand to brand.
To take some of the guesswork out, we have carefully measured each piece in our shop, and translated that to a suggested modern size equivalent. Please keep in mind that clothing shown on models may be pinned to show proper fit.
For accurate sizing, you can either measure yourself or measure a similar garment that you already own, using it as a point of reference. For detailed instructions on how we measure our clothing, how to measure yourself and the modern size guide we follow, see below.
HOW WE MEASURE A VINTAGE GARMENT
• All measurements are taken in inches with the garment lying flat.
• Bust, waist and hip measurements are taken across and then doubled.
• If an item is stretchy, we give a measurement range, from flat to the garment comfortably stretched.
• When a measurement is listed as “free”, it means that the garment is roomy and will fit a range of sizes.
Shoulder: From shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
Sleeve Length: From shoulder seam to sleeve cuff.
Bust: From one armpit to the other, then doubled.
Waist: Across the smallest point of the waist, then doubled.
Hips: Across the fullest part of the hips, usually 7-9 inches below the waist, then doubled.
Length: From the top of the garment to the hem.
Inseam: For shorts and pants, the entire length of the inner leg, from crotch seam to hem.
Rise: For pants, the waist to the crotch seam.
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF
• Bust, waist and hip measurements are taken across and then doubled.
• If an item is stretchy, we give a measurement range, from flat to the garment comfortably stretched.
• When a measurement is listed as “free”, it means that the garment is roomy and will fit a range of sizes.
Shoulder: From shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
Sleeve Length: From shoulder seam to sleeve cuff.
Bust: From one armpit to the other, then doubled.
Waist: Across the smallest point of the waist, then doubled.
Hips: Across the fullest part of the hips, usually 7-9 inches below the waist, then doubled.
Length: From the top of the garment to the hem.
Inseam: For shorts and pants, the entire length of the inner leg, from crotch seam to hem.
Rise: For pants, the waist to the crotch seam.
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF
• Measure yourself with a soft garment measuring tape. If you don’t have one, improvise with a piece of string, which you can double back and measure with a ruler.
• Once you have your measurements, we suggest adding an inch or two for fit. This part is up to you and really depends on your desired fit.
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. If you plan to wear a bra with the item, measure yourself with your bra on.
Waist: Measure around the smallest part of your waist, directly above the belly button and below the ribcage.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, standing with your feet close together.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED TAILORING?If you fall in love with a piece that is too big for you, consider having it tailored to fit. It’s easier than you may think to have a piece altered. If you have questions about seam allowances or need advice, we’re happy to help.
• Once you have your measurements, we suggest adding an inch or two for fit. This part is up to you and really depends on your desired fit.
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. If you plan to wear a bra with the item, measure yourself with your bra on.
Waist: Measure around the smallest part of your waist, directly above the belly button and below the ribcage.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, standing with your feet close together.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED TAILORING?If you fall in love with a piece that is too big for you, consider having it tailored to fit. It’s easier than you may think to have a piece altered. If you have questions about seam allowances or need advice, we’re happy to help.
MODERN SIZE CHART (IN INCHES)
| SIZE | DRESS SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIPS |
| XS | 0 | 31.5 | 23 | 33.5 |
| 2 | 32.5 | 24 | 34.5 | |
| S | 4 | 33.5 | 25 | 35.5 |
| 6 | 34.5 | 26 | 36.5 | |
| M | 8 | 36.5 | 27 | 37.5 |
| 10 | 37.5 | 28 | 38.5 | |
| L | 12 | 38.5 | 29.5 | 40 |
| 14 | 39.5 | 31 | 41.5 | |
| XL | 16 | 41 | 32.5 | 43 |
| 18 | 43 | 34.5 | 45 | |
| 20 | 45 | 36.5 | 47 |
SHOE CONVERSION CHART
| US | EUROPE | UK | AU |
| 6 | 36 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4 | 5 |
| 7 | 37.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 5 | 6 |
| 8 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 6 | 7 |
| 9 | 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 9.5 | 41 | 7 | 8 |
| 10 | 42 | 7.5 | 8.5 |