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.
One of our favorite coats! Museum quality Vera Maxwell early 1950's 100% wool Silk lined double breasted coat that is fitted at the waist and flared at the skirt. French Cuffed pointed sleeves and in excellent condition! This is one of the prettiest coats from the late 40's or early 50's I've ever seen and I wish everyone could see it in person! The color is a rich wine or oxblood and the fit is amazing.
| BUST | 36" |
| WAIST | 28" |
| HIPS | 44" |
| LENGTH from nape of neck | 47" |
| SLEEVES- top of shoulder seam without cuff turned up | 25" |
| Shoulder to shoulder across the back | 16" |
| CONDITION | Excellent |
We now take sportswear for granted, but Vera Maxwell was one of the pioneers of that genre of women's clothing! She, along with Claire McCardell, Clare Potter, Carolyn Schnurer and Tina Leser brought style and sophistication to American women's daily wardrobes. She won the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1953 and sher was honored for her work in 1970 with a retrospective exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. In 1980 there was another retrospective at the Museum of the City of New York, which opened with a party attended by her friend Princess Grace of Monaco whom she visited often. Vera Maxwell was known later for being the first American designer to use ultra suede in her designs. Her coats were especially timeless, beautiful and very well made - unlike what you will find today at much higher price ranges!
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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