Vintage Baubles

Vintage Clothing, Accessories, Collectibles

For the Discriminating Wearer & Collector of All Things Vintage

Sizing Tips For a Great Fit 

Vintage Sizing versus Contemporary Sizing

The sizing of women's vintage clothing and accessories varies drastically from the clothing sizes of today.  (E.g., a size 12 or 14 in the 1940s or '50s might be equivalent to a 6 or 8 today.) Contemporary clothing designers and manufacturers typically each use different sizing charts, which may or may not be equivalent to one another. So it's difficult to compare vintage sizes to contemporary sizes. I do use modern sizing charts to give you an idea of what the modern sizing might be, but you must use the measurements rather than my estimate of size. I make every attempt to accurately measure each item and list those measurements in the description. Unless otherwise noted in the description, I measure by placing the garment on a flat surface and measuring it — on the outside — from one side to the other (without stretching the fabric), and then doubling that measurement. (For example, if a bustline measures 18" across,  I list it as 36".) If a bustline, for example, has a lot of ease in it, it is it. I will indicate this in my measurements. Note that I do NOT stretch the fabric because if the item is too small for you when it arrives, you will be unhappy. Remember, it’s always easier to take an item in if necessary than to let it out! And remember to leave room for ease of movement. If an item has a lot of stretch to it, and I will tell you which ones do, you won’t need to leave as much room as in an item with no stretch.

Hint: To check for fit, take a similarly styled garment you already own, and measure it in the same manner. .

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MEASURE YOURSELF
AND TO COMPARE THOSE MEASUREMENTS WITH THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE ITEM YOU WISH TO PURCHASE.

* * * * * * * * * * * * 

CONFUSED ABOUT HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS?

Follow these instructions:

To accurately measure yourself you need a tape measure or a long string or thread. Then do the following:

1. Place the tape, string, or thread around the fullest part of your bust and the widest part of your back; note the measurement.

2. Place your measuring instrument at the middle or natural line of your waist, and note that measurement.

3. Measure around the fullest part of your hip (normally 7 to 8" down from your waist), and note that measurement.

4. Measure from your shoulder to your wrist for a sleeve length, and note that measurement.

5. Review your list. If you're in doubt about a particular measurement it's better to overestimate it than underestimate it.

6. Add 1 to 2" to each measurement — depending on how tightly or loosely you like your garments to fit.
Your goal is to not only look good, but feel comfortable and have ease of movement.

4 MORE IMPORTANT TIPS

1.  If you're unsure as to whether a garment will fit you, please don't be embarrassed to call or e-mail me and reveal your measurements. Believe me...my measurements are far from perfect!
And it's more important that you reveal your true measurements so I can help you make a wise buying decision.

2.  Never purchase a vintage garment without knowing the exact measurements of the garment.

3.  No matter how much you love an item you see on this site (or any other site) if your measurements are larger than the measurements in a description ~ don't purchase the item! If there is ample seam allowance for an alteration, I will state this in the description! Since I am conservative in giving measurements ― to avoid a too-small fit ― you may find that a garment fits a bit larger than you would like or had anticipated. However, this is far easier to correct through alteration than the other way around. Remember that even a new, “store-bought” apparel may need alteration for a perfect fit.

4.  Good communication can eliminate disappointments.

DO YOU STILL HAVE MEASUREMENT QUESTIONS?

If after following the above instructions you still have questions about your measurements, or the measurements of any Vintage Baubles' garment,
please feel free to contact me BEFORE you place your order at:
info@vintagebaubles.com

 VINTAGE BAUBLES HOME

VB Product Preview VB History VB Order/Return VB Feedback  VB Sizing Tips VB Press