Decadence Vintage Clothing Online

SIZING GUIDE

Clothing sizes have changed over the years to the extent that we cannot rely on the size label, if there is one present, in vintage clothing. Clothing sizes have changed so much that a 1950's size 16 is probably more equivalent to a size 12 by today's standards. In addition to this, the female bodyform has changed shape over the decades, so vintage clothing comes in all shapes and styles to fit body types from the waiflike to the hourglass. For this reason we will give measurements of each item of vintage clothing, rather than a size.

The following measurement instructions are intended as a guide, not a guarantee, but following them will ensure the best chance of good fit when measuring yourself and selecting vintage clothing.

HOW WE MEASURE

We take measurements in inches with the garment laid flat:

bust measurement is taken from underarm to underarm, and doubled;

natural waist measurement is taken across the garment at the narrowest part of the waist, and doubled
( if the waist is elasticated we will give the measurement of the waist unstretched and the measurement of the waist fully stretched );

Empire waist measurement is taken across the garment under the bust, and doubled:

hip measurement is taken across the garment, 7 inches below the natural waist, and doubled;

length measurement - depending on the type of garment we will indicate for each item whether this is taken from neck to hem, shoulder to hem, waist to hem etc;

outside arm measurement is taken from the shoulder to the wrist;

inside arm measurement is taken from the underarm seam to the wrist;

any other measurements deemed to be appropriate for a garment will be given.

HOW TO SELECT VINTAGE CLOTHING FOR YOUR SIZE

You should remember that the measurements we give are the measurements of the garment and you should allow room for movement. Therefore if you have a 30 inch waist, a garment that has a waist measurement of 30 inches will be too tight. The best way to assess whether a vintage garment will fit you is to follow these steps:

Step 1 - take your bust, waist and hip measurements in inches, and any other relevant measurements. For example, if you want to buy a long sleeved garment you will also need to know your arm measurements;

Step 2 - take corresponding measurements of one of your own garments, that fits you comfortably;

Step 3 - compare the two sets of measurements and take note of the difference between your measurements and the measurements of the garment. The difference will give you a guide as to how much bigger than you a garment should be to give you a comfortable fit.

Step 4 - Consider the style of the vintage garment that you are interested in, as this will affect your final decision on whether to buy. Remember that body shapes differ from one person to the next, and not everyone has the same proportions. For instance, in the case of an A line shift dress, it may not matter that the waist and hip measurements are a few inches bigger than your measurements, as long as the bust fits you comfortably. However, in the case of an hour glass shaped garment that fits you at the waist and hips, it will matter if the bust of the garment is too big, unless you are able to adjust the garment, or are able to get someone else to adjust it for you.

Finally, remember that your measurements, like your weight, can fluctuate, and this measurement exercise is one that you should carry out on a regular basis, to ensure the best chance of good fit. If you are in any doubt of any garment on our website, please contact us. We welcome questions, so if you need advice on the fit of a garment or need additional measurements please ask. Remember, if you have an atypical body shape, such as a high or low natural waistline you will need to know measurements from the shoulder or neck to waist. We recommend that you have all the relevant measurements to hand when making a decision about an item on the website. A well informed choice will avoid disappointment and the need for an item return.