How to Measure for Proper Fit

Vintage clothing sizes differed quite a bit from the sizing of today. To complicate matters even further,  many modern clothing designers and manufacturers have their own standards for grading their patterns. So a specific size from one designer can fit you very differently than the same size produced by another. 

That's why we include the actual garment measurements in the descriptions of our vintage and reproduction clothing, making it easier  for you to select something that fits properly.  In addition, we've included this informational page to assist you in how to measure yourself correctly. Then you can compare your own measurements to that of the garment, allowing some room for movement, depending on the style of the outfit and give of the fabric.

A common example are shirtwaist type dresses. The bodices are usually designed to fit somewhat loosely. So a shirtdress measuring 40" in the bust will fit someone with a bust measurement between 36 and 38".  If it is dolman sleeved, it may even look fine on someone with a 34" bust. So you always need to keep the style in mind.  Also, anything with a fitted waist should be worn a bit smaller in that area, unless it is a stretchy knit or a cotton, which will have some give. Same goes for pencil skirts. You must allow room in the hip area in order to be able to bend and sit, again depending on fabric.

First off, you will need a tape measure.  The kind from the sewing store, not the hardware store! 

Now refer to the chart below and if you still have questions on proper fit, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to assist you. There are also additional helpful hints below

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL HINTS

*Your bust measurement is not your bra measurement!  Though you must measure your bust while wearing a bra.

*For bust, ribcage, waist and hips, remember not to pull the tape measure too tightly.

*Shoulder measurements should be taken from the outside edge of one shoulder to the other.

*For inseam measurements, measure from the crotch to hem of one leg of a pair of pants or shorts you already own that fit you correctly.

*For bathing suits or dresses with molded cups, we provide an approximate cup size or the exact measurements of the width across of each cup and what it measures down one side of the cup and up the other. You can measure one of your bras and compare.

*For fitted bodices we also provide the measurements across the widest part of the back(just below underam area). The measurements for the front will include the cup area for the bust.  These are important measurements, because someone with a 36" total bust measurement could have a narrow back and ribcage, but a D cup, or a wide back but  wear an A or B cup. This could make a huge difference in whether a specific bodice style fits or not. So the total bust measurement doesn't always tell the full story.

*Another important measurement is the shoulder to waist measurement. It determines torso length, which in turn, tells you where the waistline of a particular garment is going to fall on you.  For example, if your waist measures 28", and the dress you're interested in has a waist measurement of 29", it won't necessarily fit your waist unless your own shoulder to waist measurement is close to the one in the description. You could be longer or shorter waisted compared to how the garment was designed.  So even if a waist measurement appears to be your size,  check that shoulder to waist measurement to see where the waistline will actually fall on your body.  If it falls at or close to your natural waist,  then compare the waist measurement to your own.  Most vintage dresses with a shoulder to waist measurement of 15" or less will usually be shortwaisted on the average woman, or be an empire style.