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.
Vintage Rosalie MaCrini dress (Sold)
This dress came from an estate of vintage clothing that included many higher end mid century designers. Rosalie MaCrini was a designer of formal and cocktail dresses who designed for many celebrities and politicians wives. This 1957 dress is a beautiful example of her work and is in excellent condition with a back metal zipper. The label reads Rosalie MaCrini Barbara Costume Co. The back of the skirt is lined for additional fullness and to add structure. A sensational designer gown! You can see an image of the original ad for this dress here on theCouture Allure Blog.
| BUST | 34" |
| WAIST | 24" |
| HIPS | Free |
| LENGTH from top of shoulders to waist | 16 and 1/2" |
| LENGTH from waist | 44" |
Here is a vintage advertisement for paint showing a model wearing this dress!
Mary Call Collins in 1957 at festivities celebrating the inauguration of her husband, LeRoy Collins, as Florida’s thirty-third governor. The sleeveless gown is made of magnolia taffeta. The bust and train are appliquéd with coffee-colored chantilly lace. The lace pattern is of flowers and leaves. The full skirt has deep pleats, a slight train, and an ivory petticoat. The gown was designed by Rosalie Macrini, a highly respected designer of the 1950s and 1960s. (Museum of Florida History).
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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