Modern sizing guidelines are much different from vintage sizing. In the last 10 years alone sizes have expanded in inches and centimeters. While this is good news for women that want to wear a 4 but are really a 6, it can make vintage clothing shopping a bit confusing.

Understand International Sizing

International sizing is always different. The UK, Japan, Australia and the United States all have different sizing standards. This plays an important role in vintage clothing. If you attempt to wear a 14 in UK sizing but you are an American that wears a 14 US, you will have some difficulty. As a general rule, UK sizing is four size units above US sizing. If you are a 10 US, you will be a 14 UK. Size charts can help immensely, and a quick centimeter to inch conversion will be your best bet in getting the right fit.

Measurements Are The Most Important Thing

Sizes in the 80s, 70s, 60s and earlier are all much smaller than they are today. Clothing varies widely between brand and style of clothing, as well as the time period it was made. If you are shopping online, paying attention to measurements will be very important. If you are shopping in store, you can simply try on the clothes there. Either way, know what the measurements are in either inches or centimeters. This will ensure you get the best fit.

Taking Your Measurements

You should measure your arms, bust, hips and waist. Arm hole measurements are particularly important. Many vintage pieces have small arm holes, even if the rest of the measurements meet your sizing, the arm holes may not.
Use the chart below to determine where you should measure your body for the ideal fit.

Vintage Shoe Fit

Unfortunately, those with wide feet will not be able to fit into vintage shoes as easily. Most vintage sizes are very small and narrow. With that in mind, there are some tricks to getting the best fit possible when buying vintage shoes.
Some shoes aren’t labeled with a size! What is a girl to do when she spies super-cute vintage heels? The first step is to ask the seller for measurements. This only applies to online shopping. Tell them to measure the inside of the shoe from the back to toe. Then ask for the width measurement. It is your job to then measure a pair of shoes you already own that fit you comfortably. Compare measurements and that’s it!

Read Details Carefully

Shopping for vintage clothes online requires paying attention to details. Read everything in the description very carefully. Most shops will label them as “runs true to size”, “runs larger”, “runs smaller.” These descriptors are usually accurate and helpful for choosing the proper garment.

Every brand has a different size chart. Always read the size chart and compare them with your measurements. If it looks similar, it will probably be a great fit!

Never buy something based on how big or small it looks. This will set you up for disappoint. Instead, use the above tips to get a beautiful new piece you will wear often!

By Callie Oliver