What size am I in vintage clothes? Finding your perfect fit!

If you’ve ever found yourself swooning over a beautiful 70s dress or a charming pair of 80s high-waisted jeans, you might have also faced the age-old question: “Will this even fit me?” Don't worry, my babies! We’re here to guide you through the wonderfully whimsical world of vintage sizing and help you find that perfect fit.

The great sizing shift: vintage vs. modern

First things first, let’s chat about sizing. Vintage clothing sizing can feel like a different universe compared to today’s fashion landscape. Back in the day, clothing sizes weren't as standardized, and the concept of “vanity sizing” (where brands label clothes with smaller sizes to boost your self-esteem) was practically nonexistent. In vintage fashion, sizes can vary wildly between brands and eras. For example, a size 12 in the 1960s might fit more like a modern size 6 or 8, while an 80's size 12 is more like a modern 14. Talk about a rollercoaster. 

This means that when you’re shopping for vintage pieces, you gotta focus less on the tag and more on the actual measurements. Trust us—your future wardrobe will thank you!

Measuring for success: your new best friends

It’s time to break out the measuring tape. Here’s a simple guide to help you find what truly suits you best. Grab your best fitting piece of clothing and measure it.

1. Pit-to-Pit: Lay your favorite top flat and measure across the bust area from one armpit to the other. This will give you the chest measurement.

2. Waist: Find the smallest part of your waist—this is usually just above your belly button. Measure across this area to get your waist size.

3. Hips: For the widest part of your hips, stand with your feet together and measure across the fullest part, usually around your hips and rear.

These measurements will provide you with a solid foundation to compare against the clothing you’re eyeing. And remember, it’s all about the fit that makes you feel fabulous! For pants, it's also important to know the rise (from the seam at the crotch to top), because that'll affect what size waist you'll need. Also be sure to measure the inseam (from gooch to gutter) so you know what length will be suit you.

Our measurement system: sizes that make sense

As humans who shop vintage ourselves, we know that navigating the sizing world can be super intimidating! That’s why we’ve organized our clothing sizes based on actual measurements rather than tag sizes. We believe finding the right item should be a fun treasure hunt, not a frustrating goose chase. 

Each item on our site comes with its specific measurements, allowing you to find the pieces that suit you best without the guesswork. No more surprises when you slip into that dreamy vintage dress—you’ll know exactly how it’s going to fit! If there's an additional measurement or details you need, just send us a message, and we'll get the info to you asap. 

Final thoughts: embrace the vintage journey

Finding your perfect size in vintage clothing is all about understanding and embracing the differences in sizing while enjoying the unique charm that vintage pieces bring to your wardrobe. So grab that measuring tape, channel your inner vintage diva, and start your journey to discovering styles that make your heart flutter. Remember, it’s not just about the size on the tag; it’s about how you feel in each fabulous piece! And remember, if it's not a perfect fit, sometimes all you need is a good tailor to nip and snip it into your measurements!