Online Vintage Shopping Size Guide
The Perfect Vintage Fit Requires Real Measurements
Online shopping is hard. Online shopping for vintage is even harder. Vintage sizing varies from piece to piece for a variety of factors including the material of the garment, the previous laundering/care habits, any possible mends/tailoring, and era/cultural sizing differences. Each and every piece will fit differently so go ahead and toss any size labels out the window when shopping secondhand!
Here's an easy guide to taking accurate measurements:
✨ TIP 1) You're not the only one struggling to shop secondhand online (or even in person) and we're here to help make it easier on you!
✨ TIP 2) Standardized sizing (XS, S, M, L or 0, 2, 4, 6... etc.) doesn't mean sh*t. Trust us, it's not helpful. Your idea of a size "Small" is most often different than my idea of a size "Small".
✨ TIP 3) (and the most useful) You're gonna need a measuring tape (these are super cheap at any craft/sewing supply store).
🫶 Bonus Tip: Take a note of your measurements in your phone or write them down on an index card for future reference.
Bust (also referred to as "PTP", which means "pit-to-pit")
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust/chest, keeping it level across your back (generally where the back part of your bra would sit). This is your full bust measurement. To get your PTP measurement, divide this by 2.
If you're taking measurements of an existing garment, measure across the front of the garment from one armpit/sleeve seam to the other. This number represents the PTP measurement; double it to get the full bust measurement. Depending on the garment, be sure to include any additional darts or fabric that may be adding to the fit of the bust, as well as any stretch based on the type of fabric and desired fit.
Waist
Measure around your natural waist, which is generally the narrowest part of your torso, about 1–2" above your belly button. However, if you want the waist to sit elsewhere on the body, measure exactly where you want it to sit. This is where the "rise" measurements is extra critical when measuring for pants/denim.
If you're taking measurements of an existing garment, measure across waist of the garment. If this is a pair of bottoms, you will want to make sure the front and back of the hem are lined up evenly when you do this. Also consider the amount of stretch given your desired fit/material.
Hips
Standing with feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and bum.
If you're taking measurements of an existing garment, be sure to pull the fabric from the back of the garment so the item is laying fully flat — most pants have more fabric i nthe back than the front so you will want to capture that extra width. Again, consider the rise of the garment. As a rule of thumb, the hips of denim are typically measured at the bottom of the zipper/buttons (around 7-9" below the waist).
Rise
While you can take a preferred "rise" measurement based on your physical body, this measurement varies depending on what you are wearing and where you want the waistline to sit. Measure from the front center of your waist to the center of your crotch (where your pants seam generally sits). For example, a 12" rise is generally considered a "high rise", whereas 7" is considered a "low rise" and will likely equate to a larger waist measurement than a high-waisted garment.
If you're confirming your desired rise of a garment, it's more helpful to measure the rise of an existing garment. This is straightforward — measure from the top center of the waist down to the intersection of the garment's inseam.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch (where you ended the "rise" measurement) to the bottom of your foot, the floor, or your preferred hem length. This is also easier to do with help (or by measuring an existing garment). Another note when shopping secondhand is to check for the inseam "let out", which is the remainder of fabric that is often (but not always) found inside of the pant leg or hem.
If measuring an existing garment, be sure to pull the fabric taut but not stretched and measure along the interior seam from the crotch to the bottom of the hem.
Shoulder
Measure straight across your upper back from shoulder bone to shoulder bone. This may be difficult to take yourself — consider asking a friend or measuring an existing garment.
This measurement is generally not necessary but helpful for structured jackets and outerwear.
To take a shoulder measurement of an existing garment, generally measure from one shoulder seam to the other.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the inside of the armpit to the end of your wrist (or wherever you want the sleeve to end).
To take a sleeve length measurement of an existing garment, generally measure from the top of the inside sleeve seam at the armpit down to the end of the sleeve seam.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind:
• Measure over underwear or nothing.
• Keep the tape snug but not tight.
• Hold the tape level and parallel to the floor.
• Stand naturally — no sucking in or stiff posture, we want you to be comfy.
• When in doubt, measure twice (or maybe three times if you're a Virgo).
All of our product listings include measurements taken with the garment evenly laying flat, taught but not pulled. Additional stretch may be noted. Note that we take "bust" measurements on all garments, but dividing this number by 2 will provide a gender-neutral "PTP" measurement.
Keep in mind that vintage garments are typically made of higher-quality fibers, such as woven cottons and wools — exact measurements are key to ensuring the right fit of these materials with naturally less stretch.
Prefer a relaxed or loose fit? Add roughly 1–3" to your body (or existing garment) measurements where you want additional fit.