Measuring.
The biggest and most important piece of advice I can give you is this: Ladies know your measurements!
It might seem simple but knowing your correct bust, hip and waist measurements can make buying vintage clothes a lot simpler.
Measuring the bust.
To get the correct measurement of your bust first make sure you are wearing a bra that is not super padded or made to enhance your boobs in any way as this will give a non accurate measurement. Take the tape measure under your arms and around to the front of your body, making sure it is on the fullest part of your bust. The figure where the tape measure crosses is the accurate measurement of your bust.
Measuring the waist.
The waist is the smallest part of a womens body. It is the area on your torso where you are at your narrowest point, and also the point most dresses (modern and vintage) are cut to to show off or give the illusion of curves. Take the tape measure around your narrowest point on your torso, make sure you are standing straight and not breathing in or out in a unnatural way. The figure where the tape measure crosses is your waist measurement.
Measuring the hip.
The hip is the most difficult measurement to get right. Most people struggle to identify what area is the hip, where it stops and where it begins. On me my hips are my widest point, so I take that into consideration when measuring them, I look in the mirror for the area of my hips where it looks the widest and roughly place the tape measure there. Use your hip bone as a guide to where the tape measure should go, checking that the tape is level all the way round (you may need someone to help you) the figure where the tape measure crosses is your hip measurement.
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| A diagram of where to measure. |
Knowing your measurements is very important when buying vintage clothes, as the sizing can be off or different for brand, item or era. Keep these safe write them down in a safe place and take them with you when you go vintage shopping, or memorize them.
Shopping in stores.
Vintage shopping in stores and fairs is easier as you have the item in front of you and you can try it on if needs be.
When I go vintage shopping I always make sure I take a tape measure with me to double check the measurements of an item before I try it on, or to measure something if there are no fitting rooms available.
To take the measurements of an item I either lay it flat or hang it on a flat surface e.g a door or wall. You then measure the bust pit to pit, across the waist and across the hip. you then double these figures to get the accurate bust, waist and hip measurements.
If you are still unsure or want help with measuring the item ask a sales assistant or the person whos vintage stall it is. They should know how to measure vintage clothes accurately and can help you if you have any quires over the size of the item. Don't be scared its what they are there for and will be happy to help!
Shopping online.
Vintage shopping online is always more tricky as you don't have the item in front of you to measure, try on or read the label. Most people that are selling vintage will put up an accurate modern day size as to not confuse you with the vintage size of the garment, they will also list the measurements for that item, normally when it is laid flat so you will just have to double them. Also read the description carefully for any additional information about sizing e.g is it a plus size vintage? is it a junior or young adults item as these are smaller?
Again if you are unsure of the measurements or require more detailed ones then don't be scared to drop them and email and ask, remember you are the customer and nothing is to much hassle. And just think you will get a gorgeous vintage dress at the end of it!
Vintage labels.
Vintage labels can be very deceiving little things! They say a size 12 but really the item is a 10 and you end up in tears in a fitting room because you think you have put on a stone over night!
Stop there are read this!
Labeled vintage items are in general one size smaller than the size stated on the label. For example the label says a dress is a size 14, but when you measure it and check them against a modern day size chart it is actually a 12.
This applys very much to vintage brands such at St Michael, C&A and other well know vintage brands.
But this is not gospel...
Some vintage labels can have double meanings...
For example I bought a dress once that fitted like a glove, I loved it, it fitted perfect on me as it was smaller on the bust and then flared out. When I inspected the label I realized that it had the words "Young Miss" on the bottom. And I realized it was a dress for a young adult of probably about 14 years old.
So heres the rule, if it has the words "Young Miss" "Miss" "Petite" "Mademoiselle" it generally means it was made for the young teenage market. If it contains the words "plus" "fuller lady" "mother" its generally a plus size vintage item or maternity wear. And so this determines the fit of the item.
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| Junior petite label form 60's dress. |
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| 2 Examples of vintage labels for teenage girls, c. 1960's. |
I hope that you are now a little more confident with sizing of vintage items. It can be a very trail and error thing to get right at first, but when you do you will able to have a far better vintage buying experience!
Happy shopping!
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