etsy

Personally I love to wear vintage clothing. I like the classic meets whimsical aspect of it. But if you love vintage like I do, then you’re probably been here before: you discover a fabulous vintage clothing find that seems to be in your size, only to realize that you would need to remove some major body organs and perhaps some limbs in order to be able to fit into it.

Sizing: it was the single biggest problem that people voted for in a poll I did on why people don’t wear vintage. Not surprising, since no matter how much you like a garment, if you can’t get it to fit, it doesn’t do you any good. However, it doesn’t have to be an obstacle to wearing vintage! Here are some tips to help you with vintage sizing troubles, many of which pertain to Etsy (where I sell vintage clothing and accessories), though many of the tips also have broader applications….

Tip #1 – Ignore the size given.
I’m sure you’ve noticed – sizing standards have changed over the years. A size 8 skirt today is completely different than a size 8 skirt from several decades ago. And between the fact that different brands size differently, different decades size differently, and different garments just fit differently, the best idea is just to ignore the size given. Don’t let the fact that there is a larger number on the size tag deter you. Sure, you may get a little “tag shock” when something that reads 5 sizes bigger than you normally wear fits you – but realize that the sizing is completely different! It doesn’t mean you have changed sizes, and its just a number, and no one else even has to know what the tag says! In fact – (vintage shopping hint, here!!!) you can often find great vintage items in “plus” size section of used clothing stores, simply because they get put there because of the number on the tag, not because they necessarily equate to a plus size today. And whatever size you wear, it will be a larger size you need in vintage – that’s the same for all of us.

This vintage shirt is labeled 18, but fits like a modern 10/12.

Tip #2 – Try it on!
This applies, of course, if you are actually in a vintage store, and it goes hand in hand with tip #1. You may be used to shopping where you know your size and don’t really need to try it on until you get home. But because of the sizing difference, its much harder to judge, so go ahead and try it on! But what if the garment is online? On to tip #3…..

Tip #3 – Get all the measurements you can! (and know the measurements you need)
Online vintage shops can be a great place to find vintage! But you can’t try it on, and because you can’t trust the size given on a tag to be equal to the size you typically wear, your best bet is to get all the measurements you can. Shoulder, waist, chest, length, inseam, shoe width – you name it! Hopefully the vintage seller will provide these in the description of the item – I always do this for my wearable items. If not drop them a note to inquire of the measurements, or find a shop that does offer them in the listing. Make sure you understand how the garment is being measured … is the length from the neckline to hem, or from shoulder to hem? Is the waist measurement taken flat (so you need to double it) or taken all the way around? If its not clear, or if you have any questions, ask the seller. I always appreciate questions from customers, because I try to have all the information available, but sometimes you might have a question I hadn’t realized – so I appreciate it being brought up. Once you have the measurements, compare them to a similar garment you have that fits well. For instance, if you’re looking at a suit jacket, compare its measurements to the measurements of a suit jacket you own that fits you well as a way to virtually try it on.

Tip #4 – Find out if there is a return policy for items that don’t fit.
This may or may not be available from any particular seller, but you can always ask knowing the answer may be “no” – or may be “yes”! Since a vintage item usually has already had previous owners already, the seller may not mind if you buy it and return it in its same condition if it doesn’t fit you. This will vary shop to shop, and you should be sure you understand the terms of the return if it is available (for instance, shipping both ways may not be refunded, or perhaps there is a time limit, or other restrictions.) This may or may not be available, but often sellers have a policy page you can check out, or you can drop them an message to ask.

Tip #5 – Think outside the box.
Sometimes its not that an item is too small – sometimes there are other sizing problems. For instance, many women’s shirts from 40-50 years ago were made to be tucked in, so the lower half of the shirt is very large and blousy, which may be unflattering. Try cinching with a belt, sewing in simple darts, wearing a vest or cropped jacket, getting alterations, or any other number of ideas. You can repurpose many vintage items to more closely fit your needs and size. Also, there are many ways to wear vintage besides clothing items that need to be a specific size: vintage jewelry, purses, scarves and other accessories for women …. or ties, luggage bags, hats, and other items for men, where sizing is not so much of an issue.

Tip #6 – Be willing to hunt – or find sellers who are good at hunting for you.
Vintage clothing has more character and lasting style than many items you could grab off the rack today, but its not surprising that it takes more work to find the perfect pieces. Keep looking and you’ll be amazed at what you can find. Or if you find a seller who has a taste in finds you love, keep an eye on that shop for more to come and let them do the hunting. Many online vintage sellers (I know this is true of me!) have much more vintage available than is currently listed, so you might even drop a note to to a shop you love to see if there is anything like what you are looking for in stock but not listed. You can also sign up for the RSS feed of Etsy shops to be alerted to new items being listed.

I hope these tips will help you with your vintage sizing troubles!
Do you have any tips to share?
Or do you have a vintage question you would like me to answer? This is a topic I have visited before, on a previous blog, but I wanted to revisit and expand a series of posts on vintage items.
Post your thoughts and questions below – I love comments! :)