Vintage Sizing Guide

Vintage clothing sizing is very different from modern sizing — a tagged "size 12" from the 1960s fits more like a modern size 6 or 8. The most reliable way to find your fit is always to compare your body measurements to the garment measurements listed in each product description.

📏 How to Measure Yourself

Use a soft measuring tape and measure snugly (not tight) against your body. All measurements below are full circumference unless noted.

Measurement	How to Measure
Bust	Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist	Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
Hips	Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually 7–9" below your natural waist.
Length	For dresses and skirts, measure from your natural waist down to where you'd like the hem to fall.
Shoulder Width	Measure from the edge of one shoulder seam to the other across your upper back.

📐 How We List Measurements

In our product listings, garment measurements are taken laid flat unless otherwise noted. To compare to your body measurements, double the laid-flat number to get the full circumference.

Example: A listed waist of 13.5" laid flat = 27" full circumference.

We always note when a measurement is already listed as full circumference (e.g. sweep/hem).

🕰️ Vintage vs. Modern Sizing

Vintage Tagged Size	Approx. Modern US Size	Approx. Bust	Approx. Waist
7 / 8	2 – 4	33" – 34"	24" – 25"
9 / 10	4 – 6	34" – 35"	25" – 26"
11 / 12	6 – 8	35" – 36"	26" – 28"
13 / 14	8 – 10	36" – 37"	28" – 30"
15 / 16	10 – 12	37" – 39"	30" – 32"
18 / 20	14 – 16	40" – 42"	33" – 35"

Note: These are general guidelines only. Always use the garment measurements in each listing as your primary reference — vintage sizing varied significantly by brand, era, and country of origin.

💡 Fit Tips for Vintage Clothing

• Waist is usually the most restrictive measurement in vintage garments — prioritize this if you're between sizes.
• Bust darts add ease — if a listing notes dart ease (e.g. "+4 inches for darts"), add that to the laid-flat measurement before doubling.
• Zippers matter — check the zipper length listed. A longer zipper means more flexibility getting in and out of the garment.
• Hips marked "free" mean the skirt or dress has no fitted hip seam and will accommodate a range of hip sizes.
• When in doubt, size up — taking in a garment is much easier than letting it out.

❓ Still Not Sure?

We're happy to help! Reach out via our Contact page and we'll answer any fit questions before you buy.