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LostandfoundbydawnIf you've never bought vintage clothing online you may be intimidated by the fact that vintage sizing is so different than modern sizes. VINTAGE FITS SMALL and even modern clothing sizes can vary tremendously from one
manufacturer to another. Okay, so you covet that gorgeous vintage dress and you need to determine if it's going to fit you, so how do you go about it?
#1.) Take your body measurements: Get a friend to help take your body measurements as it's really impossible to do it yourself. Use a fabric
measuring tape and keep your
muscles relaxed. At a minimum you will need the following measurements:
Bust
Natural Waist
Hips
Back (neck to waist)
Depending on the garment you may also need the following measurements:
Shoulders
Neck
UnderbustArm Length (possibly upper arm circumference)
Inseam
Shoulder to ankle or to floor - to determine the desired length for a long gown.
#2.)
Know the measurements of the garment: Most Sellers of vintage clothing measure the garment laying flat, in inches. Reputable sellers will provide garment measurements and are more than happy to answer any of your questions. If you need additional measurements always ask!
For example the bust measurement on this slip is 16 inches across, so doubled would be 32 inches.
#3.) Look at the style of the garment: Some unstructured and loose fitting styles may comfortably fit a range of sizes, where a body hugging sheath will have to fit exactly to look it's best.
#4). What is the fabric? Some fabrics have little or no give, so you need to take this into your consideration. Others, like spandex, have lots of stretch and are intended to fit tight. Some vintage and antique fabrics are so fragile that they must be worn with extreme care, or may only be useful as study or display pieces.
Other Hints and Tricks:Foundation Garments: Until the 60s almost every women wore foundation garments to both support and sculpt the body into the fashionable hourglass shape. Some vintage designs will only fit properly if you wear appropriate undergarments.
EASE: Remember the measurements that the Seller is providing are
for the garment, not you. You must allow a reasonable amount of ease so you do not split seams or put stress on the fabric. A general rule of thumb is to allow an inch or 2 of ease in a tight fitting garment.
Compare: Take the measurements of a similar garment that you own that fits you well and compare those measurements to the garment you are considering buying.
Consider Alterations: Vintage clothing is often significantly less expensive than comparable new clothing, so the cost of doing alterations may make pretty good sense. Note: it's generally easier to make a dress a little smaller than to let out seams.
XOXO Empress Jade Vintage
