Sizing

Shopping for pre-loved threads from various time periods and corners of the globe is a blast, but nailing down the perfect size and fit can be a real snooze. First off, size numbers can be quite a puzzle, for example, a US size 40 jacket might translate to a European size of 50, and the list goes on. Quite often American sizes tend to be bigger than European opposites, like US Large is often X-Large by Euro standards. Throw into the mix that folks have been expanding in size over the years, so what was a Medium back in the day might pass for a Small now.

To lighten this struggle, we've given it our all to measure each clothing item in our online store. Since there's a plethora of ways to measure a piece of clothing, here's our approach:

 

Taking the measurements on shirts, jackets, and vests

A. Body Length

First we take the highest point on the shoulder. Usually that is where the shoulder seam meets the collar. Then we take the measurement down to the hem. That's it. Keep in mind that some garments may have the hem cut in different shapes, e.g. the tail can be longer than the front. No matter the shape, we always measure the length in the front.

B. Chest

This is how wide your torso is. We measured a finger's length below the armhole in the torso (or as some like to say, the armpit). Just a smidge below where the sleeve joins the torso.

C. Sleeve Length

The high point of this measurement is the seem where the sleeve has been sewn into the torso. The lowest point is the tip of the sleeve.

Oh, and buddy. Vests have no sleeves.

 

Here's a funky illustration to clear it all up.

 

 

Taking the measurements on pants and trousers

A. Length

This is pretty simple, but we generally take the length in the front.

B. In-seem length

This is the length of the leg on the inside, i.e. from the balls down to where the leg ends.

C. Width

This is also simple. Just measure the width of the pants at the top.

 

Taking the measurements on overalls

A. Length

This is the total length of the whole overall. So from the shoulder to tip of the leg. It's good to note that the braces are usually adjustable, so this measurement is kind of a guideline, not an exact length.

B. In-seem length

This is the length of the leg on the inside, i.e. from the balls down to where the leg ends.

C. Width

The width of the overall is usually measured at the hip. That is about the widest point of the garment. There is usually a horizontal seem at that point.