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.
This is a beautiful fine cotton voile vintage Edwardian long black dress with an exquisite high neck lace collar and sheared sleeves. The waist of the dress is beautifully smock pleated and there is a double ruffled hemline. The dress closes in the back with hooks and eyes and has a net lining. There are some lace point separations and some tears to the lace where the collar stays are inserted that would need to be repaired, but the body of the dress is in excellent condition! This dress is an approximate size 2/4 but please use the measurements as a guide for the best fit when buying vintage. You can see that the bust is meant to be worn slightly full so the measurement is a couple of inches larger than a size 2 for that reason. The dress was probably worn as a mourning dress in its day but with the return of Victorian chic - it could be easily be worn today in many ways and on many occasions!
| BUST | 36" |
| WAIST | 24" |
| HIPS | Free |
| SHOULDERS from seam to seam across the back | 15" |
| SLEEVES | 23" |
| LENGTH from nape of neck to waist | 16" |
| LENGTH from waist | 40" |
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment 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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