Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
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BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
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WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
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SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
Description
Gilbert Adrian Rare Vintage Dress
This Gilbert Adrian vintage dress came from the estate of a woman who owned a luxury fashion boutique in the Northwest. She saved a few of her favorite pieces for all of these years and this was one of them. The dress appears to have never been worn and is in excellent condition with a back metal zipper and ribbon tie at the center of the top. The layers of ruffles are in a pretty pink cotton and the bodice has an almost "peasant" look with a fitted waist. This is an incredible dress and it bears the Adrian Original label.
Gilbert Adrian is one of my favorite costume designers and he is perhaps most famously known for designing costumes for the Wizard of Oz and for Hollywood stars including Joan Crawford (it is said he created the large shoulder pad look of the 1940's), Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer, Jeanette MacDonald, Jean Harlow, and Katharine Hepburn when he was at MGM.
When he left MGM, Adrian started his own fashion house and created both custom and ready to wear garments. Sometimes, his movie fashions would be interpreted into ready to wear so that the general public could wear the latest Hollywood sensation. I don't know for certain, but you can see that the general style of the dress in the photo of Katharine Hepburn from Philadelphia story, designed by Adrian, is somewhat similar to this one! Perhaps it was inspired by the one worn by Ms. Hepburn.
I also have a very rare custom Gilbert Adrian evening gown listed right now so take a look!
| BUST: | 36" |
| WAIST: | 26" |
| HIPS: | 38" |
| LENGTH from top of shoulders: | 60" |
| LENGTH from under arm to waist: | 9" |
| LENGTH from waist: | 45" |
| LENGTH from top of shoulder to waist: | 15" |
| CIRCUMFERENCE of arm opening: | 13" |
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a smilar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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